Balderton Capital raises $1.3B for EU startups across two funds: a $615M early-stage fund and a $685M fund for “growth” investing in more mature startups (Tim Bradshaw/Financial Times)
London, UK – Balderton Capital, a prominent venture capital firm, has secured $1.3 billion across two new funds to fuel the growth of European startups. The firm has raised a $615 million early-stage fund, focusing on seed and Series A investments, and a $685 million fund aimed at “growth” investing in more mature companies.
This substantial fundraising reflects Balderton’s continued confidence in the European startup ecosystem, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The firm, known for backing successful companies like GoCardless, TransferWise, and Deliveroo, plans to utilize the fresh capital to support a diverse range of promising startups across various sectors.
The early-stage fund will target companies with disruptive potential, providing seed funding to help them build traction and navigate the initial stages of growth. The growth fund, on the other hand, will focus on scaling established businesses, providing them with the necessary resources to expand their operations and reach new markets.
“We see a massive opportunity in Europe,” stated Suranga Chandratillake, Managing Partner at Balderton Capital. “There is a growing pipeline of innovative companies with the potential to become global leaders. These new funds will allow us to play a vital role in their journey to success.”
The investment landscape for European startups has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with a surge in venture capital activity. Balderton’s impressive fundraising demonstrates its commitment to backing the region’s brightest minds and fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The firm’s strategy to focus on both early-stage and growth investments reflects the evolving needs of European startups. While seed-stage companies require capital to establish a strong foundation, more mature startups demand significant resources to expand their reach and compete in a global market.
By deploying its capital across these two funds, Balderton aims to provide comprehensive support to European startups at various stages of development, contributing to the region’s continued growth as a global hub for innovation.
“We believe in the power of European entrepreneurship,” added Chandratillake. “These new funds are a testament to our commitment to building a thriving startup ecosystem in the region and nurturing the next generation of global tech giants.”