William Murphy
Investments in European start-ups, which in recent years have been hanging at a significantly lower level than that of similar US companies, experienced a sharp decline in the third quarter of this year. According to Dow Jones VentureSource, European start-ups attracted € 2,1 billion from venture capital funds within 464 transactions during this period. This is lower by 32% compared to the second quarter of the current year, and 39% less compared with the third quarter of 2015. In general, over the past year, European startups have attracted a total of about € 5 billion, and their US counterparts - more than € 25 billion. Looking for larger investments and support, some startups have already found investors outside Europe, particularly in the US, which, in turn, weakened the EU's position in the field of new technologies.
To solve the problem of leakage of innovative companies, EU authorities announced creation of a € 1.6 billion venture fund. Its main task will be financial support for technology start-ups. These plans were announced by Head of Commission for Science and Research Carlos Moedas on Web Summit 2016 conference in Lisbon. According to Mr. Moedas, creation of a pan-European venture capital fund will provide "a higher level of investments in a new generation of innovative companies" in Europe. For its part, Brussels will put in € 400 million (share of Brussels in the fund must not exceed 25%). The Commission will hire a private manager, who will head the fund, and will attract other means. According to founders of the fund, the organization has to operate on the territory of at least five European countries to attract such investment. EU authorities are accepting applications from candidates for creation and management of the new fund until January 31, 2017.
source: ft.com
To solve the problem of leakage of innovative companies, EU authorities announced creation of a € 1.6 billion venture fund. Its main task will be financial support for technology start-ups. These plans were announced by Head of Commission for Science and Research Carlos Moedas on Web Summit 2016 conference in Lisbon. According to Mr. Moedas, creation of a pan-European venture capital fund will provide "a higher level of investments in a new generation of innovative companies" in Europe. For its part, Brussels will put in € 400 million (share of Brussels in the fund must not exceed 25%). The Commission will hire a private manager, who will head the fund, and will attract other means. According to founders of the fund, the organization has to operate on the territory of at least five European countries to attract such investment. EU authorities are accepting applications from candidates for creation and management of the new fund until January 31, 2017.
source: ft.com
