Investment Landscape:
• The report highlights significant growth in the European investment landscape, with a 20% increase in the number of funds compared to the previous year.
• Total funds included: 817 European investors comprising 550 venture capital funds, 272 private equity funds, 61 newcomers founded in 2021, and 146 investors with an office in Europe but headquartered outside the continent .
2. Geographic Distribution:
• The report categorizes investors by region: Northern Europe, Southern Europe, UK & Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Lichtenstein, Benelux, and Eastern Europe.
• Each region is analyzed for the number of investment funds, key stage focus, most active investors, and industry focuses .
Key Investment Trends
1. Top Industry Focuses:
• Across regions, the top industry focuses include Life Sciences & HealthTech, IT, Media & Telecommunications, Fintech & Insurtech, B2B, and Consumer sectors .
• Emerging industries like Energy & Sustainability, AI & Big Data, and SaaS are gaining prominence .
2. Investment Stages:
• A significant portion of investments is concentrated in early and growth stages, reflecting a robust pipeline of startups and scale-ups.
• Private equity shows a balanced focus on both growth and later stages .
3. Most Active Investors:
• The report identifies the most active investors based on the number of investments in 2021, indicating a trend towards increased deal activity among top firms.
• Notable active investors include Seedcamp, BGF, and Eight Roads in the UK & Ireland; Speedinvest and Calm/Storm Ventures in Austria; and Verve Ventures and Partners Group in Switzerland .
Regional Insights
1. Northern Europe:
• Key industry focuses include Life Sciences & HealthTech, IT, Media & Telecommunications, and Energy & Sustainability.
• Novo Holdings and TESI are among the top investors .
2. Southern Europe:
• Emphasis on Life Sciences & HealthTech, IT, Media & Telecommunications, and Fintech & Insurtech.
• Ardian and Eurazeo are highlighted as leading investors .
3. UK & Ireland:
• Dominant sectors are Life Sciences & HealthTech, B2B, and IT, Media & Telecommunications.
• Active investors include Seedcamp and BGF .
4. Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Lichtenstein:
• Focus areas include Life Sciences & HealthTech, Manufacturing, Construction & Proptech, and Fintech & Insurtech.
• High-Tech Gründerfonds and Verve Ventures are leading the investment activities .
5. Benelux:
• Key sectors are Life Sciences & HealthTech, IT, Media & Telecommunications, and Energy & Sustainability.
• Waterland and Gimv are prominent investors in the region .
6. Eastern Europe:
• Main focuses are Life Sciences & HealthTech, B2B, and Fintech & Insurtech.
• Earlybird and Credo Ventures are noted for their activity .
Conclusion
The 2022 European Capital Report provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamic investment landscape across Europe. It emphasizes the growing number of funds, the increasing deal activity, and the regional diversity in investment focuses. The report underscores the importance of Life Sciences & HealthTech, IT, Media & Telecommunications, and Fintech & Insurtech as leading sectors attracting significant investment.
For startups and investors, understanding these trends and key players is crucial for navigating the European investment ecosystem and identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration.