This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, we sit down with Yoram Wijngaarde, the Founder & CEO of Dealroom, a platform that has become one of the most trusted sources of data on startups, venture capital, and the broader innovation ecosystem. With a background in investment banking, Yoram saw first-hand the challenges of accessing reliable startup data and recognised the need for a more transparent, structured approach to tracking high-growth companies. This led him to launch Dealroom in 2013, a company that has since grown into an indispensable resource for investors, policymakers, and corporates seeking insights into the startup world.
In this episode, Yoram introduces a first-of-its-kind report, Startups Backed by the EU’s Framework Programmes, compiled by Dealroom, Dealflow.eu, and EU-Startups. The report explores the impact of EU grants and funding programmes, such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, on the European startup ecosystem. It provides a deep dive into how these programmes have supported high-growth companies, detailing the €12 billion in direct EU investment that has helped startups secure €70 billion in venture capital and generate €520 billion in total company value.
Yoram walks us through the report’s key findings, revealing how EU-backed startups are growing and outperforming their peers in securing funding and scaling successfully. We also discuss the challenges startups face in accessing EU funding, the role of DeepTech sectors like AI, Robotics, and ClimateTech, and much more!
Video version of episode 107
Audio version of episode 107:
Key takeaways:
- Only 5% of EU innovation funding is allocated to startups, despite their critical role in Europe’s future and global innovation.
- Over the last three EU Framework Programmes, 13,600 startups have received funding, totalling €12 billion from the EU and €70 billion from private VC, with a current combined valuation of €520 billion.
- EU-backed startups, particularly in DeepTech sectors like AI, Robotics, and ClimateTech, have higher graduation rates and show promising outcomes, though most remain in early stages and require further funding to scale.
- The complexity and number of current EU funding programmes create challenges for startups in accessing the support available.
- EU funding has provided a successful launchpad for startups at early stages and can be considered a fruitful hunting ground for private investors looking to support them in further rounds.
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