David del Ser’s Post

The #BVCASummit2024 held in London last week was a huge success. I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to speak about the need to unlock more transition financing in the UK, to target our most promising high-growth businesses. The state of UK financing for growth and innovation was the headline, around which the mood feels optimistic – as James Wise of Balderton Capital pointed out, fundraising is up significantly compared to a decade ago. But barriers to domestic investment for private investors still exist – as an example, just 40% of Balderton’s funds are invested domestically. The same is also true for British pension funds, from which we need to channel much more capital into innovation. We know there needs to be a focus on closing the scaleup gap between the UK and abroad, which is currently pushing some of our best innovators and ideas to look beyond our shores. The BVCA’s interim report into suggested solutions to increase investment in fast growing businesses, also published last week, echoed this. The report’s findings are welcome, and I’m encouraged by the continued acknowledgement of the need to support the UK’s high-growth companies – but the next step is action. It was great to discuss with other attendees Future Planet Capital’s plans to launch a new British Co-Investment Fund (BCF), which will allow us to support just that. Elsewhere, a personal highlight was Former Darktrace CEO, Poppy Gustafsson receiving the BVCA’s Inspirational Women Award – a pioneer in technology and innovation and exemplary leader of one of Britain’s most successful unicorns, amassing £4bn in value within a decade. Unsurprisingly, AI was discussed at length. It was interesting to hear such consensus from investors on the potential impact of this technology, both as a source of returns, as well as a means for boosting productivity. And the takeaway was clear – we must act now to nurture and retain other high-potential companies similar to Darktrace, which is not only a global leader in AI, but a stalwart of British science and technology. Thanks to my fellow panellists Harriet Assem, Maria Carradice 👀, Henry Jones and Henry Philipson for a great discussion, and to the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) for organising.

Future Planet Capital was out in full force at the #BVCASummit2024 last week. The team enjoyed a productive event full of insightful discussions and positive outlooks on the state of UK financing for growth and innovation. Find out more in our Executive Chairman, Douglas Hansen-Luke’s download below 👇 As Douglas points out, we’re moving in the right direction. But we need to keep up this momentum, first and foremost through action to directly increase the amount of funding directed towards our most promising businesses. Read about how our plans to launch a new British Co-Investment Fund (BCF) will allow Future Planet Capital to deliver further scaleup support here: https://lnkd.in/eRhdc49t British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) | #growth #investment #innovation | UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund Midven

We are excited to share with you the latest news from EBAN while looking back at the highlights of the past month! Ranging from the recap of EAIS24 to exciting new announcements, here's what is happening: 📣EAIS24 Press Release: Catch up on everything from the EAIS24 summit: In this comprehensive press release, find key highlights, award winners and more. One can read the full recap here: https://lnkd.in/eQ9JzJ6U Photos from the event can also be downloaded at the bottom of the page. 💼Meet the New Board: We're proud to present the new EBAN Board 2023-2026. We are looking forward to working with so many valued board members who are bringing much-needed experience to the world of angel investing. You can learn more about them here: https://lnkd.in/dPYYNsRq 📊EBAN's New Policy Paper: Our most recent policy paper goes in-depth into what's troubling Europe's startup ecosystem-from regulatory obstacles to funding gaps. Get all the insights here: https://lnkd.in/efZqtT2T 🌱EIT Food Training Course: Want to know more about agrifood investing? This November, EIT Food is running a 6-module course. Come and plant the seeds of your knowledge today: https://lnkd.in/edanATEZ 📈2023 Statistics Compendium: Get your in-depth analysis of the early-stage investment landscape here. The compendium points out those trends and the much-needed insights that shape the future of angel investing. Read here: https://lnkd.in/erQ-3v7T 📖 Celebrating 25 Years of EBAN: It follows 25 years of EBAN's journey-from the early days to today's thriving community of investors. Your go-to booklet for anyone willing to learn more about how things evolved in angel investing. Download your copy here: https://lnkd.in/eVZBiSKB Stay tuned for more, and don't miss the latest trends in angel investing by subscribing to our newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/ehittH2x #AngelObserver2024 #EBAN #StartupEcosystem #AngelInvesting

🌟 Meet Malin: Backing founders in the unforgiving climate hard tech space Investing heavily in hardware and navigating the complexities of hard tech is no easy task. At Climentum Capital, Malin Carlstrom understands the importance of having a deep-rooted interest and understanding of the markets in which portfolio companies operate. Without proactive interference by European investors, the continent’s innovative climate tech industry risks decline, leading to lost economic opportunities and crucial climate solutions. Malin's extensive education and nearly two decades of industry experience of investing in a diverse range of startups across various fund formats have equipped her to assess the changing landscape adeptly and back the right founders; realizing five exits, including one at a 15x multiple! Her expertise doesn't stop at investment; Malin possesses a profound understanding of board dynamics and the intricacies of company growth. This enables her to provide valuable support to our portfolio companies, standing by them through their journey. Head to our recent blog to learn more about Malin’s entry into the Climate world, her rise to winning GCV Rising Stars Award 2021 and more. If you are tackling hard-to-abate emissions and are seeking a knowledgeable investor with board expertise, reach out to Malin. #BoardExpertise #FemaleGP #Diversity_in_VC #Exits Doerte Hirschberg, Morten Halborg, Stefan Maard, Fredrik Rosenqvist, Ulf Stenerhag, Klas Moreau, Erik Odén, John Ahlberg #BoardExpertise #FemaleGP #Diversity_in_VC #Exits

✨ Happy Monday! How’s your week starting off? ✨ Yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the most significant events of 2024. It’s been a year filled with challenges, growth, and milestones that shaped not only my journey but also the projects and teams I’ve been fortunate to work with. This week, I’ll be sharing some of these reflections, highlighting the key moments that made this year unforgettable. 🎉 My first reflection on a Year of Milestones! 🎉 As we look back on 2024, one standout moment was on November 22, when BNP Paribas Bank Polska signed a significant agreement with the European Investment Fund (EIF) providing guarantee-collateral for loans dedicated for innovative companies, start-ups and scale-ups to innovate and grow. 🚀 🧩 an InvestEU portfolio guarantee worth up to 105 million € 🧩 out of this, EUR 25 million is dedicated to innovative companies 🧩 the transaction is the largest guarantee granted by EIF in Poland 😌 👌 Why is it important? 📢 When it comes to securing loans, it’s not just about access to financing—it’s about having the right protection in place. Never before we had a solution so perfectly tailored to meet the needs of innovative companies, start-ups & scale-ups and the bank. Curious about what this means in details? We will let you know in 2025 :). We’re now putting this solution into action and our vision to life. Keep finger crossed :) Anna Gazda and Kamil Pruchnik, PhD thank you for leading this complex and demanding project. Michal Miszulowicz, Katarzyna Paś-Skoczylas this wouldn't be also possible without your engagement and commitment. If you are already interested in how we support innovative companies in their growth, write to us priv 👩 #YearInReview #EIF #Innovation #Startups #GrowthOpportunities Paulina Skrzypinska Adam Hirny Jarek Rot (he/him) Anna Piórkowska Janusz Rutkowski Mariusz Kaziów #Reflections #2024Highlights #GrowthJourney #Teamwork #InnovativeCompanies More in the comments. Illustration by #AI ;)

We're really excited to see how funding from Inflexion directly impacts our new cohort of startups on The Greenhouse climate accelerator: "The ventures we’ve supported [on The Greenhouse] have gone on to raise upwards of $1bn in investment, operating across 30 countries and creating over 2000 jobs globally. Their tech – which needs to be scalable as well as sustainable – will have increasingly vital real-world impact over the coming decades," says Undaunted Director Alyssa Gilbert. "None of this would be possible without key funders, whose vital financial contributions enable us to provide consistent support for the next generation of climate innovators." ➡ Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e27tHgiF The Greenhouse is co-funded by Inflexion, HSBC UK #hsbcuk (through the bank the bank’s global Climate Solutions Partnership) and the Greater London Authority (via the Mayor of London).

Tomorrow, I am heading off to Brussels for EBAN - European Business Angel Network #EAIS Summit. While I have attendent this event many times before, this one is different: I have been nominated as a candidate for the EBAN board! After Janne, Riku, and Ari being the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) representatives shaping the European early-stage investment landscape, the shoes to fill are huge (to say the least). But great challenges are there to be met. Should I get elected, my focus will be on three things: 1️⃣ Work smarter, not harder: Between the BANs in EBAN, we have a lot of knowledge and great best practices. Yet, we keep reinventing the wheel, and even set up competing initiatives. Instead, I would like to focus on leveraging the best of the best practices within our network. 2️⃣ Angel investing is exit business: Within EBAN network, we have the largest startup portfolio in the world. A portfolio so large, that it is a honeypot for the right buyers, investors, and partners. I want to be driving initiatives to better promote this portfolio, offering our members exit and follow-on funding opportunities. 3️⃣ An association is there for its members: EBAN is there for its members and BANs are there for their members. We should never forget this. Instead, the guiding pricipal in everything we do should be "Does this benefit our members, angels and other early-stage investors of Europe?" If you have ideas how to make Europe better for early-stage investors, I am always happy to chat. And for those who will be in Brussels, let's catch up. European startup ecosystem is strong, it is time that we build a matching early-stage investment ecosystem.

Our friends at Mercy Corps Ventures just released their 2023 Annual Impact Report highlighting their progress propelling climate innovation and adaptation in emerging markets. Key results from the last year include: 🚀 7 investments and 3 pilots launched 💰 $59M raised in co-investments and follow-on funding 🤝 5M customers served by portfolio companies 🏦 $212.6M in financing provided to small businesses and individuals 🌍 Their portfolio now spans 90 countries, including 30 of the most climate vulnerable countries. We're most intrigued by their findings about the impacts of entrepreneurial ecosystems: ”The most successful companies are those that build strong communities of support around them,” says the MCV team. 🤝 Strong communities matter: Surrounding founders with a supportive network is critical for overcoming challenges and navigating the complexities of the climate space. 🆘 Early assistance is key: Founders who more clearly and frequently ask for help are best equipped to leverage opportunities and weather difficult economic circumstances. ⤴️Reduced learning curves: Strong communities equip founders with shared knowledge and resources, allowing them to execute faster, streamline processes, and focus on core competencies. Congrats to the Mercy Corps Ventures team Scott Onder Tim Rann Kenneth Kou Lillian Alexander on all you've achieved so far! Climate Collective is proud to support your work developing high-impact technologies and solutions for climate resilience.

London Chapter Happy Hour Meetup Completed! Powered by: Asia CEO COMMUNITY X GLOBAL CEO COMMUNITY Thank you so much to our London Chapter President, committee members, and members & friends for joining our London event! Attended Members: 1. Alice Fong - financial crime advisory at LSEG 2. Joe Batchelor - Managing Partner at Volte Digital (Formerly Satsuma Capital) 3. ⁠Geoffrey Lam - Managing Director at Tsangs Group/ Original Financial Group Limited 4. Joyce Cheng - Founder & Managing Director at Sissin Consulting 5. ⁠Patrick Liu - CISO Consultant at FinTech Industry 7. Quin SQ Thong - CAO at Training The Street 8. ⁠Samir Beg Ceric - Chief Operating Officer at Blocksport 9. Amber Li - Director at Holistic Ventures Limited 10. ⁠Lon Lee - Art Director at Carrousel Studio Limited 11. ⁠Louise Lau - Director at Mobfever UK Limited 12. ⁠Ophelia Yeung - Digital Solution Director at Megahit Limited 13. Serena Yeung - Founder and Associate Director at GS Workshop 14. Florence A. - Owner of Canova Tree Property 15. ⁠Joyce from Marketing Tech 16. ⁠Ran W. - Chief Rep for Banking and Fintech at Asia CEO London Chapter & Partnerships/BD at Zodia Markets 17. ⁠Annie Tang - Co-Founder at Star Anise Leadership and Training (SALT) 18. Sanjoy Sanyal - Founder at Novo Partners (London) Limited 19. ⁠João Bocas - CEO at Digital Salutem 20. Amanda - Member of ASIA CEO COMMUNITY 21. Jamie Easton-Wise - Chief Executive Officer/MD at Creative Global Strategy Ltd/LLC 22. Jasandra Nyker - Managing Partner at Saja Climate Partners 23. Benjamin Hall - LOFT® CEO at LOFT 24. Ornam Ho - Former Director at Morgan Stanley 25. Dr Sunny Ahonsi - CEO at School of BioNatural Medicine 26. Lutfi Talib -Senior Partner at McMillian Woods 27. Giselle Mettam - Executive Director at Metta Health 28. Peter Crowhurst 江浩思 - Senior Advisor at Norstar Global Recruitment Pte Ltd 29. Dominic Bowen - Managing Director at Nhanz Ltd 30. Craig Lambie - Founder at JC Holdings 31. Sanjoy Sanyal - Founder at Novo Partners (London) Limited 32. ⁠Guest of Sanjoy Sanyal 33. ⁠Guest of Sanjoy Sanyal 34. Dr Narisa Chauvidul-Aw - CEO and Founder at KogoPAY Group 35. Amitabh Singhania - Interim Chief risk and compliance consultant and more.. *Upcoming Events* *Vietnam Chapter - Business Opportunities in ASIA* 🗓️ Date: 31st Oct, 2024 (5pm to 8pm) 🎟️ RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gfMcpRdN *Hong Kong Chapter - Business Leaders in ASIA Event* 🗓️ Date: 8th Nov, 2024 (2pm to 5pm) 🎟️ RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gCaPAmKQ JOIN ASIA CEO COMMUNITY: https://lnkd.in/fW74hTC ASIA CEO COMMUNITY: www.asiaceo.club Linkedin: https://lnkd.in/ec76qvK Facebook: https://lnkd.in/e6Y8YbA #ASIA #BUSINESS #BUSINESSMAN #Indonesia #Australia #Vietnam #BUSINESSWOMAN #CEO #CXO #STARTUP #FINTECH #entrepreneur #china #hongkong #Malaysia #singapore

Invitation: Join us for the Danish Impact Meetup on May 30th 16-18:30! Are you curious to learn more about impact? Struggling to meet investors? Then join us on May 30th for drinks and food at Matrikel1, Højbro Plads 10 in Copenhagen as we are gathering the impact investing community 🌍 in Denmark and also celebrating the launch of the Danish Impact Committee! 🎉 The purpose of the event is to gather the ecosystem as the impact scene is still young and developing. This is a chance for asset managers, venture and private equity funds, entrepreneurs, advisors, NGOs and others to get to meet and understand the many approaches to conduct #impactful companies and investments. For entrepreneurs: Although this isn't a match making event, there will be plenty of investment funds and business angels for you to meet, and we will do our best to introduce entrepreneurs to potential investors. Please sign-up for the #DanishImpactMeetup on this form, we look much forward to meetup and welcome you all: bit.ly/3Q5Fqyb And follow-us on our new Linkedin page here 🤗 : https://lnkd.in/dqz4djE7 Sponsored by Mesh Community, Aktive Ejere - Active Owners Denmark & IMPACT Partners #DanishImpactCommittee #impactinvesting #greenimpact #socialimpact