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Q1 2021
European Venture Report
April 26, 2021
European VC maintains momentum with record-breaking Q1
European venture capital started 2021 off strongly, ultimately reaching an all-time quarterly high in Q1. Roughly €17.6 billion was invested across 1,907 deals, and VC activity on the continent is expected to break annual records as the year progresses.
The Q1 2021 European Venture Report showcases the key trends that have defined Europe's VC market over the first three months of the year, including a boom in nontraditional investor participation, robust dealmaking in fintech, and a solid start to VC fundraising despite continued travel restrictions. Other highlights include:
European venture capital started 2021 off strongly, ultimately reaching an all-time quarterly high in Q1. Roughly €17.6 billion was invested across 1,907 deals, and VC activity on the continent is expected to break annual records as the year progresses.
The Q1 2021 European Venture Report showcases the key trends that have defined Europe's VC market over the first three months of the year, including a boom in nontraditional investor participation, robust dealmaking in fintech, and a solid start to VC fundraising despite continued travel restrictions. Other highlights include:
- Late-stage deals claimed nearly 75% of all VC capital invested in Europe as enormous rounds became a regular occurrence.
- The UK retained its position as Europe's premier destination for VC dealmaking despite near-term uncertainty caused by Brexit and COVID-19.
- Exits in Q1 reached an impressive €21 billion. Thanks to the emergence of SPACs and frothy global market valuations, Q1's exits surpassed the total exit value of 2020 in its entirety.