Private equity at Work
April was a month filled with insightful discussions and impactful initiatives within the European private equity and venture capital landscape.
Amidst rising concerns about economic slowdown and the climate crisis, Invest Europe has remained steadfast in showcasing the positive contributions of the industry. The 5th edition of the Private Equity at Work report underscores the industry's role in driving employment, fueling innovation, and fostering a sustainable and competitive Europe.
We highlighted the industry's pivotal role in revolutionizing healthcare through funding cutting-edge research and development on the dedicated days this month. Furthermore, I had the privilege of offering insights at the Better Finance conference, emphasizing the importance of private equity and venture capital in driving financial security for pensioners and fostering entrepreneurial growth in Europe.
In the latest issue of Investment & Pensions Europe (IPE), I contributed commentary on Enrico Letta's report, emphasizing the need for an environment conducive to innovation and growth in Europe. Moreover, I extend my congratulations to all those listed in Private Equity News' 20 Most Influential in ESG 2024, recognising their tireless efforts in driving sustainability and responsible investing.
Looking ahead, we have the release of our Activity Data Report and the Invest Europe 2023 Annual Report, which will continue to underscore the industry's significant contributions to Europe's growth and prosperity.
Private Equity at Work (2024): 5th edition
It is five years since the publication of Invest Europe’s first Private Equity at Work, yet that short period has been one of the most challenging in living memory. This year’s report tracks the performance of European private equity and venture capital in 2022 – a year when the mood shifted from the ebullience of the post-COVID recovery to concern about rising prices and economic slowdown. And all against the backdrop of the climate crisis.
When we first published Private Equity at Work, our aim was to set the record straight and prove conclusively that European private equity and venture capital does not destroy jobs, but rather creates them through the companies we back. The data speaks for itself. More than that, it shows what private equity can do. Driving employment across countries and regions, fuelling innovation and the talent that supports it, and taking the lead in sectors that underpin a more sustainable and competitive Europe.
This is an industry that has created, and will continue to create, tremendous sustainable value for Europe and Europeans.
Focus on Healthcare
This month we celebrated World Health Day, World Parkinsons’ Day and World Immunization Week by highlighting how private equity and venture capital have been at the forefront of the healthcare revolution, funding cutting-edge research and development, and bringing new treatments and therapies to market.
Opinion: An opportunity to re-imagine private capital in Europe
In the latest issue of Investment & Pensions Europe (IPE), I wrote that Enrico Letta's long-awaited report on the future of the European Union’s single market could help shape thinking on European integration ahead of the upcoming elections in June. "In a world of fierce global competition, the EU must prioritise the creation of an environment conducive to innovation and disruptive growth, especially for start-ups and scale-ups." Read the full article (subscription required)
20 Most Influential in ESG 2024
I’d like to extend my congratulations to all those listed in Private Equity News' 20 Most Influential in ESG 2024. Delighted to see that the list recognises several representatives of the Invest Europe ESG Committee, who have worked tirelessly on our many reports and resources, including our newly updated GP ESG Due Diligence Guide, the Invest Europe Climate Change Guide series, and our ESG Reporting Guidelines. I would like to express my congratulations to: Robert Sroka, Abris Capital Partners
Coller places ESG at the centre of all of its investments. As part of our A Different Angle film series, we explored how the firm, alongside GP Permira, has helped apparel business Best Secret reduce its environmental impact at the same time as transforming into a more attractive, profitable and scalable company.
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Events:
Better Finance: Breathing New Life into the Capital Markets Union | A Blueprint for the Next EU Parliament 17 April 2024
With the countdown to the European elections ticking, I was honoured to offer my insights at the conference in Brussels on Wednesday 17 April, during which I emphasised the importance of letting European pension funds drive returns by investing in private equity and venture capital, crucial for pensioners' financial security.
· Simplifying FDI/FSR rules is imperative to attract investors to the EU, enhancing competitiveness. Private equity markets are pivotal in fostering entrepreneurial growth.
· Reforming capital requirement regulations and updating the definition of professional investors will bolster support for European businesses and help build Europe's next champions.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to the organisers, BETTER FINANCE - European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users and the CFA Institute, for hosting this critical dialogue.
Impact Investing Webinars part 2: EU and UK regulatory frameworks In the second leg of our Impact Investing webinar series we looked at the EU and UK regulatory frameworks surrounding impact investing. Speakers Michael Raymond, Travers Smith, Rafaella SCHEER, AXA Climate and Heike Schmitz, Herbert Smith Freehills discussed:
· How do impact funds fit into the current EU SFDR framework?
· How are impact funds likely to be affected by any new or revised EU rules?
· How does the UK SDR define “impact”?
· What are the overlaps and divergences between the UK SDR and EU SFDR regimes?
Invest Europe members can explore the webinars and presentations archive here.
Coming up:
1. Activity Data Report on 10 May
Keep an eye on this page for Invest Europe’s flagship report ‘Investing in Europe: Private Equity Activity 2023’ - the most comprehensive and authoritative source of fundraising and investment data.
2. Invest Europe 2023 Annual Report on 16 May
Stay tuned for Invest Europe’s Annual Report 2023, a round-up of achievements from our 40th anniversary year, marked with events, publications and communications that highlighted private equity and venture capital’s true value to Europe.
Follow Invest Europe’s LinkedIn page to stay abreast with our upcoming reports and events’ presence in May.
As ever, thanks for your time and engagement!
Yours,
Eric.