Ventures.eu Forum 2025

Venture.eu Forum 2025

Kinga Stanisławska (EWVC) and top Europe innovation leaders attended the Ventures.eu Forum 2025 - hosted by Prince Henri de Ligne and part of the EU-funded Innovation Radar Bridge project, to explore how the continent can fund its next generation of global champions.
🇪🇺 The event united investors, policymakers, and founders to map opportunities, unlock capital, and define what Europe needs to stay globally competitive.

Kinga Stanisławska led a panel discussion on “The Role of Pension Funds in Unlocking Europe’s Innovation” with Kerstin Cooley (Course Corrected), Camilla Richards (Atomico), Daniel Keiper-Knorr (Speedinvest) and Chris Elphick (British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA))The conversation explored how pension funds can drive next-generation innovation, deliver strong long-term returns, ensure fairness for pensioners, and reduce dependence on public funding.

Key takeaways from Ventures.eu Forum 2025:

1. Europe’s Value Creation Is Real - But Scaling Is the Challenge

Europe has built over €3.5 trillion in VC-backed value, proving its strength in innovation. The next step is ensuring startups can scale locally instead of moving abroad for growth.

2. Capital Must Move Faster

Europe’s funding pace lags behind the US, slowing startup progress. Faster capital deployment and fewer structural barriers are key to staying competitive.

3. Family Offices and Impact Investing Are Rising Forces

Family offices are urged to invest more in private markets and deeptech. The next generation seeks impact-driven opportunities in sustainability and regeneration.

4. Pension Funds Are a Sleeping Giant

Europe’s €3+ trillion in pension assets barely reach venture capital. Even small reallocations could unlock billions for innovation while securing long-term returns.

5. Collaboration and Technological Sovereignty Are Crucial

Partnerships between startups and corporates can speed up scaling and innovation. Europe must control critical technologies like AI and infrastructure to ensure long-term strength.

6. The Bottom Line

Europe has the talent but needs faster, smarter capital. Investors and policymakers must act now to keep its champions and competitiveness at home.