Observed Signal · Sep 13, 2022 · Funding · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Northzone and EQT launch new billion-euro funds
Within 24 hours, two European venture capital firms announced major new funds. London-based Northzone raised €1 billion to back startups in Europe and the US from seed stage to IPO, focusing on fintech, healthtech, SaaS and consumer tech. Stockholm-based EQT launched EQT Growth with €2.4 billion to invest in fast-scaling technology companies in Europe and Israel, aiming for rounds of €50–200 million. The firm relies partly on its AI-based investment platform Motherbrain. Additionally, Bessemer Venture Partners announced two new funds totalling $4.6 billion. The announcements signal that growth capital remains available for European tech despite market turbulence and downrounds, though investors are expected to emphasise sustainable growth over hyper-growth.
Multiple multi-billion VC fund launches signal continued growth-stage capital for European and US tech startups, which can benefit the broader adtech/martech ecosystem, but the news does not directly shift the advertising industry.
Track Northzone Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Northzone raised a €1 billion fund for startups in Europe and the US from seed stage to IPO.
- EQT Growth raised €2.4 billion to invest in fast-growing technology companies in Europe and Israel.
- EQT Growth targets investment rounds between €50 million and €200 million.
- Bessemer Venture Partners announced two new funds with a combined volume of $4.6 billion.
- EQT has used its AI-based investment platform Motherbrain since 2016.
Connected Companies & Entities
8 Entities mapped“Northzone from London announced a new billion-euro fund for investments in European and US startups....”
“EQT from Stockholm announced EQT Growth with €2.4 billion for fast-growing tech companies in Europe and Israel....”
“Bessemer Venture Partners announced two new funds totalling $4.6 billion....”
“Cited as a portfolio company example of Northzone....”
“Cited as a portfolio company example of Northzone....”
“Cited as a portfolio company example of Northzone....”
“Cited as a portfolio company example of Northzone....”
“Cited as a portfolio company example of EQT....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
European Defense Tech Funding to Hit $10.5B Record
European defense tech startups have raised $7.4B in venture capital this year, nearly triple all of 2025 ($2.6B), according to the 'State of Defence Tech 2026' report by Dealroom and Resilience Media. The report projects year-end total to reach $10.5B. US investors now provide 47% of funding, up from 17% in 2020, with Accel, Founders Fund, General Catalyst, Lightspeed, and Y Combinator most active. Germany leads with $3.5B, driven by Munich firms Helsing ($1.8B round, $18B valuation) and Quantum Systems ($1.2B, $8B valuation). Defense tech now represents 11.1% of European VC, up from 4%. However, mega-rounds dominate (>85% of funding), exits remain scarce, and procurement hurdles persist in Germany and Britain.
European defencetech hits record $7.4B as investment nearly triples
European defense technology startups have raised $7.4 billion in venture capital in 2026, nearly triple the $2.6 billion raised in 2025, according to the 'State of Defence Tech 2026' report by Dealroom and Resilience Media. Mega-rounds of over $1 billion account for more than 85% of funding, led by companies like Helsing, Quantum Systems, and others. The sector now represents 11.1% of European VC investment, up from 4% a year ago. Germany leads with $3.5 billion, driven by Munich-based Helsing ($1.8B) and Quantum Systems ($1.2B). For the first time, US investors contribute a larger share (47%) than European investors, up from 12-17% in 2020. Despite rapid growth, challenges remain, including limited exits and procurement hurdles, with year-end funding projected at $10.5 billion.
ElevenLabs valuation doubles to $22B in tender offer
ElevenLabs, a voice AI startup based in New York and London, completed a $300 million employee tender offer at a $22 billion valuation, doubling its valuation from February. Co-led by Wellington and T. Rowe Price, the tender included new investors EQT, Goldman Sachs, GIC, OTPP, Sapphire Ventures, and BDT & MSD, alongside existing backers. This is the company's second secondary transaction, following a $100 million tender at $6.6 billion in September 2025. The valuation surge is driven by the rapid growth of its conversational agents platform (ElevenAgents), which has more than tripled ARR since the Series D and now handles over 15 million conversations weekly. Enterprises account for 55% of revenue, with clients like Stripe, Deutsche Telekom, and SevenRooms. ElevenLabs also released new text-to-speech models (Eleven v4 and v4 Turbo) and plans an IPO in 2-3 years. The company faces a class-action lawsuit in Illinois over alleged biometric voiceprint extraction without consent.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.