Rougher times

The first month of 2008 has been far from uneventful. The most significant event was the sale of MySQL to SUN Microsystems for $1bn (page 26), marking one of Europe's best venture exits. The Nordic region has now placed itself firmly on the map as one of the most prominent venture communities with this and the Skype exit in 2005. However, statistics show that the Nordics are lagging behind the rest of Europe in terms of venture performance (see page 12), but I believe such stellar exits will have positive ring-effect and help to stimulate inspiration, professionalism and optimism among Nordic venture capitalists.