Balderton Capital has successfully raised $1.3 billion to support European tech startups, which includes a $615 million Early Stage Fund IX and a $685 million Growth Fund II.

This fundraising effort aims to bolster European entrepreneurs from the seed stage all the way to IPO, reflecting a strong commitment to the region's tech ecosystem.

In the past year, Balderton has made 12 new investments, including notable companies like Checkly, Tinybird, and Scalable Capital, showcasing its active role in the market.

The firm has attracted a diverse mix of limited partners, including a major US state pension fund and British Patient Capital, which is the largest domestic investor in the UK for venture and growth opportunities.

Suranga Chandratillake, a partner at Balderton, expressed optimism about the future of the European tech ecosystem, noting increasing activity and company formations as positive signs.

AI has emerged as the leading segment for venture capital funding in Europe, capturing 18% of all investments, with startups like Mistral and Wayve leading the charge.

Despite being smaller than the U.S. VC market, Europe has shown resilience, particularly in sectors like AI and SaaS, indicating a robust investment landscape.

Managing Partner Bernard Liautaud emphasized Balderton's aim to be the partner of choice for founders in Europe, believing that transformative companies will emerge from the region in the next decade.

Balderton provides extensive support to its portfolio companies through a dedicated team experienced in legal, finance, marketing, and operations, enhancing their growth potential.

The firm has a strong history of successful exits, with notable companies like Darktrace and Depop demonstrating its effective investment strategy.

This fundraising marks a positive shift for European venture capital after a challenging period post-COVID-19, with venture investment in Europe reaching $15.5 billion in Q2 2024.