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02.4

Smiles (Almost) All Around in European Tech

Europe's tech ecosystem remains characterised by a strong level of growing optimism about the future. This increase in optimism is most evident in Eastern and Southern Europe where there is real momentum. The UK, perhaps unsurprisingly, registered the largest downturn in optimism by a wide margin.

Are you more or less optimistic about the future of European technology today than you were 12 months ago?

Source:

Legend

  • More
  • About the same
  • Less

There continues to be a very strong sense of optimism across the European tech ecosystem.

European tech optimism

90%
of the European tech community is either more optimistic about the future of European tech, or maintain the same levels of optimism compared to 12 months ago. This remains the same as 2017, when 91% of respondents were more optimistic or the same.

2018 has seen some strong wins for the European tech ecosystem and we are resoundingly optimistic and excited by the opportunity set we see emerging.

2018 has seen some strong wins for the European tech ecosystem and we are resoundingly optimistic and excited by the opportunity set we see emerging. There were several large IPOs in the region signalling that the sector is maturing while still generating opportunities to partner with emerging, disruptive companies that combine market leadership, multiplying network effects and data-driven approaches to create transformative businesses. Enhanced access to early growth capital is also a hugely positive market driver, enabling more companies to scale rapidly while still prioritising innovation.

Munish Varma

SoftBank Vision Fund

The factors that are driving optimism around the future of European tech are many and varied. But when asked to state the most important grounds to be optimistic, respondents gave a clear number one reason: the people that make up the tech ecosystem.

What, if anything, makes you feel optimistic about the state of the European tech ecosystem?

Source:

Legend

  • % of respondents
Note:
Based on respondents that gave explicit responses only.

The question of the competitiveness of European tech companies on the global stage is frequently posed. Regardless of whether outsiders believe it or not, the European tech ecosystem itself, including its founders and especially its VCs, agree with a plurality that European founders can compete equally on the global tech stage.

European founders can compete equally on the global technology stage

Source:

Legend

  • Agree
  • Neutral
  • Disagree
Note:
Founder respondents only

I’m definitely more optimistic than 12 months ago. I think we’re seeing a marked shift in ambition in Europe, and crucially, that’s being matched at an investor level.

I’m definitely more optimistic than 12 months ago. I think we’re seeing a marked shift in ambition in Europe, and crucially, that’s being matched at an investor level. What's more, the increased cost of living and hiring competition seem to have taken the blinkers off a lot of Valley-bound entrepreneurs. This can only benefit Europe.

Rosie Dallas

Fat Llama