Sam Ahmed’s Post

Today, we’re thrilled to share the results of our latest research, "𝗔 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀"—a deep dive into the unique traits and trends that have shaped Europe’s startup ecosystem over the past decade. We looked at 𝟯𝟭,𝟲𝟰𝟰 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 to uncover what sets Europe’s most successful founding teams apart. From academic background to team dynamics, we explore the factors that drove success in securing investment. Key Insights you don't want to miss: ✅ Degrees Matter: Founders with advanced degrees (PhDs, MBAs) raise significantly more funding—up to 66% more for PhDs! ✅ Four’s the magic number: Teams of four co-founders raise 208% more than smaller teams. ✅ Consulting to Founding: Ex-McKinsey, Bain, and BCG consultants are Europe’s secret startup superpower. ✅ Diversity Wins: Mixed-gender and international founding teams consistently outperform their peers in fundraising. 🔗 Dive deeper into the full ungated report 👇 https://lnkd.in/eBkzdMFY #Startups #EuropeanStartups #Entrepreneurship  #Fundraising cc: Bo Ilsoe, Atte Honkasalo, Christian Noske, Sam Ahmed

This report highlights some of the traits I like most about European founders: diversity, multicultural backgrounds, and deep academic expertise. While the industry still has a long way to go in supporting more diverse teams, I was encouraged to see that mixed-gender teams raise more than all-male teams. Progress is happening. Check out the full report below!

At NGP Capital, we dove into how founding team characteristics influence fundraising success for European VC-backed startups. Exploring a fresh dataset is always an adventure—you never know what you’ll uncover. This time, the insights were 🔥, with some aligning with expectations and others offering surprises that challenge conventional thinking. 👇 Check out the full analysis below!

Are you eager to learn how to achieve product-market fit and leverage corporate partnerships to secure your Series A funding? 🤔 Join us on November 7th, 2024, at 2:00 PM at @HubDay, where our Investment Analyst Sabeena Awan will take the Growth Stage alongside Mirko from shipzero and Sarah from T.Capital. In the panel discussion "From Seed to Series A: The Role of Corporate Partnerships," we'll dive deep into achieving product-market fit, how corporates can support - or sometimes hinder your journey, and what defines a startup as Series A ready from both investor and founder perspectives. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of collaborating with corporates, and share insights on what it took for startups to raise their Series A funding. Tickets are limited - don't let this opportunity slip away. Secure your spot now and be part of the conversation. 🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/d6MrA6bH #HubDay #NCA #Startups #Investment #SeriesA #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset

At Hans(wo)men Group, we believe that sustainable growth and success come from a strong foundation of values. That's why we’re proud to invest in startups like Journi, led by visionary CEO Andreas Roettl, who understands that culture is everything. As Peter Thiel once advised, “𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳*** 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.” For Andreas, this is more than advice—it's a mission. On his own words: “At Journi, values aren’t just words on a wall. They are lived every single day: ✨ Give & Receive Feedback: Open communication leads to growth.  💡 Act Like an Entrepreneur: Innovation and ownership drive success.  👥 Put Customers First: Customers are at the heart of every decision.  🤲 Giving Back: Supporting each other, the environment, and the future.  🎉 Celebrate Together: Success is better when shared!” Journi’s commitment to these values creates a thriving, innovative environment which is the reason why Hans(wo)men Group is proud to support them. #Startups #CorporateCulture #InvestingInInnovation #HanswomenGroup

Good news! 🤩🗞️🚨 Britain’s Got Startups has extended its application deadline for its Midlands, South-West and South-East founders until 22nd March! Britain’s Got Startups is a national event series spotlighting the best start-ups and scale-ups. This event series brings together investors, business leaders and local stakeholders to provide an active platform to pitch to. The best businesses from the regional finals will be invited to London for an event series finale on an international stage. What’s the aim? 🤔🤔🤔 Regional businesses are undervalued and don’t get the attention they deserve. The goal is to boost investment into start-ups and scale-ups to improve the flow of early-stage capital across the UK. Don’t miss out on the chance to get involved! Midlands and East of England waiting list: https://lnkd.in/ejEKdPYv South East and South West applications: https://lnkd.in/ePp_RjPk #startup #scaleup #pitching #investment #turnkey

I’m thrilled to announce my 70th investment in an early-stage startup, marking the 13th investment of this year! 🚀   Investing in innovative, passionate, and visionary entrepreneurs has always been my driving force as investor. As I celebrate this milestone, I remain committed to discovering and supporting the next wave of game-changers.  What I specially love about this job are:   1️⃣ Incredible founders: The passion and resilience of the founders I’ve met continue to inspire me every day. 2️⃣  Innovation at Its best: Witnessing groundbreaking ideas transform into successful businesses has been a rewarding experience. 3️⃣  Community and network: Building a strong network of mentors, advisors, and fellow investors who share the same vision of fostering innovation.   As I celebrate this milestone, I remain committed to discovering and supporting the next wave of game-changers. At the same time I am a little scared cause I am heavily overinvested in this asset class – if it does not work out financially I need help explaining it to my kids 🙈   Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey - special thanks to Hendryk Hosemann, Tobias Wallrabenstein, Sandra Lux. Special shoutout as well to Andrej Steinberg, Lucas Josefiak, Camilla v. Gayl, Björn Loose, Benjamin Wilkening, Daniel W. Dippold for doing intros to startups that led to investments this year - ❤️   #Startups #AngelInvesting #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Milestone #Sustainability #InvestmentJourney

We are proud of our alumni who demonstrate entrepreneurial skills in various industries around the globe and make important contributions to the economy and society. McKinsey's role as the founder forge of Europe is now further confirmed by a recent analysis from NGP Capital. 🚀 The American-Finnish startup investor analyzed nearly 18,000 startups that were founded in Europe over the past ten years. In 445 of these companies, at least one of the founders had previously worked for McKinsey. No other employer achieved a comparable value. In an interview with Handelsblatt, Managing Partner Fabian Billing explained: “From the first day, new McKinsey colleagues are encouraged to develop concrete solution sets and think entrepreneurially for our clients.” This is ideal preparation for founding a company. At the same time, alumni can draw on a large network: “Our alumni network today includes more than 55,000 former employees in 150 countries,” said Fabian Billing. 👉 (€) To the article: https://lnkd.in/g4374Fjf #Entrepreneurship #Startups

As entrepreneurial investors, we're fueled by the thrill of backing startups in their earliest stages and companies with untapped potential. Whether it's nurturing a seedling idea or revitalizing a struggling venture, we see boundless opportunities for creativity and growth. Investing in startups is like planting seeds in a promising garden—each idea has the potential to flourish with the right care and support. Similarly, revitalizing struggling companies allows us to inject new energy and perspective, unlocking innovation and propelling them to new heights. That's why Tactical Management is here—to provide the expertise, resources, and guidance needed to navigate the journey from vision to reality. Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate https://lnkd.in/dRt5x3m6 #Entrepreneurship #StartupInvesting #Transformation #VisionaryLeadership #TacticalManagement