US pension funds have earned double-digit VC returns for decades. European funds can too.
Built on Europe's first-of-its-kind research into pension fund attitudes to venture capital, designed to give you the knowledge, frameworks and confidence to evaluate, structure and advocate for a VC allocation inside your fund.
What US peers allocate to private assets, including VC
Typical return multiple for top-quartile VC funds over a 10-year horizon. The upside available to funds that build the knowledge to access it.
Average European pension VC allocation today.
Additional annual VC capital unlocked by a 1–2% European pension shift
Every concern we address came from pension fund professionals who had the same one.
Module I
Groundwork for understanding Venture Capital (VC) as a distinct asset class, focusing on its operational mechanics, cost structures, and its role within the evolving landscape of pension fund consolidation.
Module II
Practical implementation and management of Venture Capital investments, specifically focusing on liquidity, operations, and risk perception.
Contributors
The findings reflect the voices of experts across pensions, policy, and venture who generously contributed their experiences and perspectives. Their insights shape a clearer picture of the opportunities and challenges ahead.
SHAPING EUROPE’S FUTURE
In October 2025, the industry's biggest players, VC/Growth and Pension Funds gathered at the European Commission to answer a critical question: How do we unlock institutional capital for European innovation?
Investment Committee Members
Get enough working knowledge of VC to evaluate it properly when it comes to the table — and ask the questions that matter.
CIOs & Asset Allocators
Understand what VC would actually add to your portfolio - return profile, correlation, sizing logic — before deciding whether to pursue it further.
Investment Committee Members
Get enough working knowledge of VC to evaluate it properly when it comes to the table — and ask the questions that matter.
Investment Committee Members
Get enough working knowledge of VC to evaluate it properly when it comes to the table — and ask the questions that matter.
Investment Committee Members
Get enough working knowledge of VC to evaluate it properly when it comes to the table — and ask the questions that matter.
Investment Committee Members
Get enough working knowledge of VC to evaluate it properly when it comes to the table — and ask the questions that matter.