Publications
& Policy

Venture capital funding into Irish technology SMEs treaded water in the third quarter of this year, finishing at €192.5m, just 1% ahead of the same period last year.

European Mid-Market private equity returns accelerate to 16.9% to the end of 2023 with €215 billion invested over last five years. The report reveals the far-reaching economic and social benefits of Mid-Market private equity investment across Europe.

The survey of more than 250 managers and investors highlights improving optimism about activity over the coming 12 months – and in the medium term – as the macro backdrop stabilises and new technologies create new opportunities for evolution and expansion.

A detailed analysis of private equity and venture capital fundraising, investment, and divestment across Europe in the first half of the year. Green shoots in exits, VC investment turns corner, amid ongoing challenges in H1 activity.

With 2024’s political dramas nearing a resolution, investors should prepare themselves for a strong return to deal activity over the year ahead. As of Q3 2024, “green shoots” had already begun to appear, and the US Federal Reserve’s 50 bps rate cut is expected to unleash more activity. However, with increased activity comes increased risk, and investors will do well to review several areas to make sure an appropriate risk management focus is still in place.

The report shows that listed private equity is generating meaningful uplifts over last reported asset valuations.

Part of the EIF Equity Survey series, the results of the VC Survey 2024 are based on responses received from 398 venture capital fund managers (GPs). The survey is managed by the EIF Market Assessment and Research division with the support of Invest Europe.

In the context of the ILPA Quarterly Reporting Standards Initiative (QRSI), Invest Europe provided detailed comments on ILPA's revised Reporting and Performance Templates. Invest Europe's greatest concerns relate to the complexity of the templates, the absence of grandfathering for legacy funds, and the lack of alignment with the Invest Europe Investor Reporting Guidelines.

In this response Invest Europe calls on ESMA to adapt its standards and guidelines on liquidity management tools to better reflect the realities of semi-liquid funds.

During this first leg of our new webinar series we covered the basics of AI from a private equity and venture capital perspective.

The second edition features in-depth data analysis and high-profile venture capital success stories that showcase innovation in action.

Net zero is among the largest infrastructure investing opportunities of our time. Renewable energy has come so far down the cost curve that the question is no longer whether decarbonization will be possible, but how it can practically be delivered. McKinsey estimates it is a $275tn investment opportunity between 2021 and 2050, and private capital will play an important role in delivering this.

This barometer reveals trends in thematic investing for 2024, showing increased interest in energy transition themes like renewable energy, alongside growing allocations in private markets. The report highlights a global shift towards sustainability and innovation, with geographic variations in objectives and focus areas like mobility and diversity.

Invest Europe remains committed to working closely with the European Commission and national legislators to refine the application of ATAD I and ATAD II, ensuring that these directives achieve their intended goals without stifling the growth and competitiveness of the PE/VC industry by adopting a more nuanced approach.