Venture
Biotech IPOs under investor microscope
The recent flurry of biotechs seeking to raise capital on the public markets could prove mistimed as question marks are raised over investor appetite. François Rowell investigates.
UK FTF makes first committment to DFJ's third fund
The UK Future Technologies Fund (UK FTF), one of two fund-of-funds which effectively make up the UK Innovation Investment Fund, has made its first commitment into the DFJ Esprit III vehicle, bringing it closer to its £130m target.
Octopus VCT closes at £50m
Octopus Investments has reached its £50m capacity for its limited life VCT - open since September 2009. The fund is now closed for new investments.
Boehringer Ingelheim launches €100m corporate venture fund
Pharmaceuticals giant Boehringer Ingelheim has launched the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, a €100m corporate venture vehicle.
bmp wins mandate for €20m early-stage fund
bmp has won the mandate to manage a €20m early-stage fund in Brandenburg following a Europe-wide tender.
3i closes growth fund on €1.2bn; open to new investments
Further strengthening its position in the markets, 3i has just announced the final close of its Growth Capital Fund on €1.2bn, and has made it clear that the firm will continue to look for new investment opportunities.
MMC Ventures launches EIS fund for youngsters
MMC Ventures has launched a tax-efficient EIS fund aimed at younger investors aged between 18-35 years old.
Atomico closes second fund on $165m
Early-stage technology investor Atomico has closed its second fund, Atomico Ventures II, on $165m.
New £90m VC fund launches in Yorkshire
A £90m venture capital and loan fund has been launched to boost business growth in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Q&A: Early-stage evolution
Bart Diels, partner at Belgian investor Gimv, speaks to Francinia Protti-Alvarez about how the venture market in the Benelux region has adapted to the changing economic climate.
Q&A: The fundraising fulcrum
Francois Rowell speaks to Mounir Guen, CEO of placement agent MVision, about the fundraising climate in 2010.
Trimming down: Northzone reflects new reality for venture funds
While the newly-launched Northzone fund is in many ways a rare success for European venture fundraising in the current market, its modest target reflects the continuing difficulties in securing commitments. By Rikke Eckhoff.
Northzone secures EUR 90m in first close of venture fund
Nordic venture investor Northzone Ventures has secured EUR 90m in a first close of its sixth fund.
Investec Private Bank provides £8m loan to DFJ Espirit
Investec Private Bank has provided an £8.2m loan to Encore Ventures, a division of venture firm DFJ Espirit.
Longbow Capital launches £10m Approved EIS Fund
Longbow Capital has launched the Longbow Approved EIS Fund, a tax-efficient investment vehcile aimed at investment in the healthcare, life science and well-being sectors.
New Danish seed fund attracts DKK 435m in first closing
Danish start-up investor SEED Capital Denmark has secured DKK 435m in commitments for second fund.
BioMedPartners strengthens management team
Healthcare venture firm BioMedPartners has strengthened its management with Josef Bissig as new venture partner.
Secondaries players to fill later-stage gap
A lack of LP appetite has left a void at the later-stage end of the European venture market. Could secondaries players hold the key, asks Emanuel Eftimiu
smac partners acquires ICT-portfolio from iD TechVentures
Munich-based venture firm smac partners and Headway Capital have acquired a tail-end portfolio from iD TechVentures Ltd. The equity was drawn from smac partners Fund III, with Headway providing backing.
EUROPE - Exciting times for venture
Venture's simple business model of providing equity without relying on cheap finance or financial chicanery stands it in good stead for the future, argues Index Ventures' Ben Holmes in a recent video with unquote's Rikke Eckhoff.
UK - MTI and YFM to manage £9m NWDA fund.
MTI Partners and YFM Group have received a mandate from the Northwest Regional Development Agency to jointly manage a new £9m capital pool.
UK - Braveheart launches Beta EIS Fund
Braveheart Ventures has launched its Beta EIS Fund, a successor to the Group's Alpha EIS Fund.