Strong market validation persists, as demonstrated by company funding: An impressive 80% of companies selected for Tech Tour programs have successfully secured funding, reflecting the quality of selected companies and high level of investor interest. The average funding per company stands at €12.1 million, up 25% compared to last year’s cumulative data – reinforcing the strength of our network and its impact on startup growth.
Broad and diversified investor engagement: A robust network of 5,351 active investors has fueled the success of Tech Tour alumni, with highest numbers of investors coming from the US, Germany and UK. The investor base spans venture funds (66%), corporates (24%), and government/non-profit organizations (9%), demonstrating the diversity of funding sources.
Timely and strategic company selection: 74% of total capital raised by participating companies was secured after their first Tech Tour presentation, highlighting the crucial role our platform plays in unlocking funding opportunities.
Balance of investor interest across tech tracks, diversity of potential across sectors: With only slight advantage, 33% of total funding flowed into digital technologies, reaffirming its role as a dominant sector. Reflecting a growing commitment to green innovation, 29% of investments were directed towards sustainability, while 27% of funding supported health-related advancements, driving progress in MedTech and life sciences.
Superstars on the horizon: While there is general balance among sectors, energy and health garner the highest amounts of investment. Among of the standout companies that raised the most funding in 2024 are Sunfire, NIL Technology, Caresyntax, and Nearfield Instruments.
Total historic funding over the past 8 years up by €7.4 Billion: Total funds historically raised by companies over the past eight years are €33.9 billion, up almost 28% from the €26.5 billion in investments for the 8-year period ending in 2023. This demonstrates a strong 2024, as well as solid and growing potential for all previously selected companies.
Sovereign investors again back the highest number of companies: The EIC leads far ahead of others, with over 600 companies invested in. Significant numbers of companies were also backed by EIT Health, Innovate UK and the EIC Fund.
In gender representation, there is progress yet to be made: While strides have been taken, only 14% of executives in Tech Tour companies are women, highlighting the continued need for greater diversity in leadership.
For more detailed insights, see the full report here.