Funding the AI Economy: Europe’s Window to Lead

Funding the AI Economy—a new report developed under the StepUp Startups project—shows AI has moved to the center of global VC, yet Europe still lacks late-stage scale. From 2020–2025, the EU deployed ~€252B in VC with 18% to AI, versus the US’s ~€1.33T with 34% to AI; in €25M+ rounds EU investors provide only ~26% of capital. The report outlines targeted fixes—an AI Scaleup Fund, mobilizing institutional capital, and stronger corporate VC—to keep Europe’s AI champions built and scaled at home.

Unleashing the Power of University Spin-Offs in Europe’s Deep Tech Revolution

University spin-offs are not just startups; they are powerful engines driving Europe’s deep tech ecosystem. A newly released report, Spin-offs: Reinforcing a Vector of Value Creation for EU-27, delves into the crucial role these ventures play in translating cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions, fostering regional economic development, and propelling technological innovation. Supported by the European Union, this comprehensive study uncovers key trends, challenges, and actionable strategies to maximize the success of these vital companies.