Europe’s Tech Counter-Offensive: Building on Our Own Terms

For too long, the conversation around European tech has been dominated by comparisons to the US, often highlighting perceived shortcomings. But as Oliver Holle, our CEO & Managing Partner, recently discussed with EU.VC – in a keynote speech at their London summit and a new podcast interview, the narrative is shifting. 

Europe isn't just playing catch-up; it's forging its own unique path, leveraging inherent strengths and addressing its challenges with a new sense of urgency and strategic focus. 

This isn't about slogans; it's about the tangible realities shaping Europe's tech counter-offensive. 

As part of our ongoing "Build in Europe" series, we're diving into five key takeaways from Oliver's keynote and podcast conversation that offer a fresh perspective on Europe's opportunities to become a true global leader in tech. 

(Full keynote and podcast interview embedded below)

Europe Has the Raw Power, Now It Needs Better Leverage

Europe isn't lacking in the fundamental building blocks of a thriving tech ecosystem. We boast world-class universities, deep R&D capabilities, a massive consumer market of 450 million, and a wealth of often-overlooked innovation. The issue isn't a lack of "raw power" but rather our historical inability to fully leverage and connect these assets effectively. The counter-offensive hinges on better connecting this existing strength, fostering more collaboration between research, industry, and capital.

The Alignment Deficit is the Real Bottleneck, and VC Must Advocate for Change

Europe's primary challenge isn't a lack of talent or ideas, but a deficit in alignment. There is a  critical need for unified startup visas, truly scaled late-stage capital, and crucially, friction-free regulation that allows founders to build at "EU speed," not the often-cited "EU pace." 

This isn't about watering down standards; it's about creating a level playing field where European companies can scale as efficiently as their global counterparts. Venture Capital has a responsibility to actively advocate for these changes and push for a more founder-friendly environment.

If we want to 10x the Venture Capital industry again, like we did in the past 10 years, we need to prioritise growing and professionalizing the industry. In order to fund the projects of the future, European VC needs to consolidate and grow its AuM, rather than further fragment into smaller operations, which are harder to operate at scale.

Geopolitics and EU Funding are Unexpected Catalysts for Real Action

While often viewed as bureaucratic hurdles, Europe can (and should) have a more optimistic perspective on the current geopolitical climate and the influx of new EU funds. These factors are now acting as unexpected catalysts, turning the long-standing talk of "tech sovereignty" into tangible action. The urgency created by global shifts, coupled with dedicated capital, is finally providing the momentum needed to address the alignment deficit and invest strategically in key areas.

We need to look to Asia and the Middle East as real opportunities for Europe to build on the changed world in which we are living, and where massive pools of capital exist for those willing to pursue it. 

Sector Specialization and Pan-European Reach are Europe's Strategic Advantages

Instead of trying to replicate the US model across the board, Europe should play to its inherent strengths in specific sectors and the power of a truly pan-European approach. Our diverse markets and deep industrial expertise create unique opportunities in areas like industrial tech, sustainability, and deep tech. Speedinvest's own pan-European footprint and sector-focused strategy are direct responses to this reality, leveraging the diverse talent and market opportunities across the continent rather than focusing on a single hub.

The Focus Must Shift Decisively from Problems to Solutions – "Build in Europe" is the Mantra

Tangible action is a necessity. Endless debate about Europe's challenges is counterproductive. Our "Build in Europe" initiative isn't just a content series; it's a call to arms. The focus must now be squarely on identifying and implementing concrete solutions across talent development, capital deployment, and regulatory reform. This proactive, building-oriented mindset is crucial for turning the counter-offensive from a concept into a reality.

Europe's tech counter-offensive is now happening in real time. The message of securing Europe’s future in an uncertain world resonates deeply with our "Build in Europe" ethos. 

Europe’s raw potential is real, and so are the challenges. But with focused action and strategic alignment, a globally leading ecosystem is within reach. The key now lies in decisive action, strategic alignment, and leveraging Europe's unique strengths. This isn't just about competing with the US; it's about building a thriving, globally leading tech ecosystem on our own terms. 

Let's get to work.