Despite facing recent economic uncertainties, the European VC landscape has shown resilience, with an increase in fundraising and investment activity.

Emerging technologies, including generative AI, sustainable materials, and supercomputing, present significant opportunities for enhancing quality of life and driving economic growth.

Eric de Montgolfier, CEO of Invest Europe, emphasizes the need for Europe to better leverage its resources to create technology champions and drive transitions in green and digital sectors.

Over the last ten years, VC funds have invested €143.6 billion in more than 26,100 startups, significantly contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Investments in sectors such as biotech and healthcare have surged to €23 billion since 2014, driven by the EU's commitment to responsible investment and sustainability.

Venture capital not only provides essential funding but also brings expertise, creating an environment where vital technologies can thrive, particularly in addressing challenges like climate change and digital transformation.

To remain competitive in an unstable geopolitical landscape, the European Union must innovate and focus on new methods of delivering products and addressing global challenges.

Invest Europe advocates for an environment that promotes talent mobility and incentivizes equity holdings to further bolster innovation in Europe.

The venture capital (VC) industry plays a crucial role in fostering innovation across Europe, significantly impacting the economy and society through job creation and investment returns.

European VC funds have demonstrated impressive performance, achieving net returns greater than 20% annually over the past decade, which challenges the perception that the US is the sole leader in this space.

In 2022, VC-backed startups were particularly effective in job creation, adding 21% more jobs compared to other segments of private equity.

Companies supported by venture capital employ over 1 million people in Europe, with an impressive 18% job creation rate in 2022, far exceeding the overall European average of 2%.