In a nutshell:
- Emerging European VCs can access a free 12-week program featuring top-tier mentoring, LP matchmaking, and fundraising workshops.
- Through program backed by industry leaders, Mountside Ventures aims to empower exceptional fund managers and diversify the VC landscape.
- Only 20 applicants will follow-through, but even those that are not accepted will get the fundraising resources. Apply before December 6th!
Less than 2 weeks left.
That’s how much time you’ve got if you want to be part of the fully funded program for emerging VCs based in Europe.
The Emerging VC Manager Programme by Mountside Ventures is the first of its kind. Leveraging their experience as an accelerator and leading LP-GP platform, Mountside Ventures’ goal is to make this program the gold standard in accelerating Europe’s exceptional fund managers.
As they received more and more requests from VCs to advise them in fundraising, this goal made even more sense. “We wanted to build a program at scale that could have a real impact on the European ecosystem,” Jonathan Hollis, Managing Partner of Mountside Ventures, commented for The Recursive.
There are thousands of startup incubators, accelerators & founder communities in Europe, but there is very little support for VCs. Yet, raising a fund is more time-consuming, expensive, and complex, even under favorable market conditions.
What to expect?
Over the past few years, Mountside Ventures supported the ecosystem at the VC-LP level through various instances. They hosted a number of LP-focused events across Europe, including their annual London-based conference, Funding Venture. Published LP reports and best practices such as 2024 CVC guide, 2023 VC Fund-of-Fund report and other Limited Partner Report such as Capital Behind Venture.
The knowledge and experience is there and they’ve used it well. They structured a 12-week program of LP matchmaking events, world-class mentoring from LPs & established VCs, and fundraising workshops. Mentors include Founding Partners from established European VCs who have collectively raised over $11bn across 80 funds, like Robin Klein (LocalGlobe), Haakon Overli (Dawn Capital), and Sitar Teli (Connect Ventures); while LP mentors include Christian Stiebner (KfW), Charlotte Palmer (Integra), and Dom Maier (AXA Venture Partners).
The program is free, with no hidden costs, to attract the best fund managers, avoid selection bias, and level the playing field for underrepresented managers.
Who are they looking for?
The Emerging VC Programme is meant for General Partners of an emerging VC (raising funds I — III), based in Europe. There are approximately 2.5k active VCs in Europe of which only 275 have raised their third fund, and at least 500 are trying to launch each year. So the program is, therefore, applicable to the majority of funds in Europe.
“We would absolutely love all the emerging VCs in the CEE to apply,” confirmed Hollis:
“The whole objective of the program is to find the hidden gems across Europe who are exceptional investors but who may not have perfected their fundraising skills yet – which couldn’t be more different from investing. Investing is technical, trend analysis, and differentiated outlook. Fundraising is showmanship, process, and sales.”
Hollis and the team got into a lot of details in their FAQ about the program and who it is tailored for, so I won’t bother you with details. On the matter of which VCs can be considered emerging, Hollis shared a simple deduction…
“Essentially if a VC considers themselves emerging, we are also likely to. In a few words – it’s hustle, competitive advantage, speed, and alignment.”
How to stand out?
Mountside will only pick 20 applicants for the first run. They will evaluate similar criteria as they would for Limited Partners: thesis, subject matter expertise, unique sourcing advantage, track record, team… So Hollis adds that differentiation would be the single biggest contributing factor in their evaluation. “What networks do they have that makes them unique, what’s their angle, what are they bringing.”
It is good to note that Mountside Ventures has reviewed more than 1,200 pitch decks, so you would need to show something substantial. They are also looking for diversity in fund vintage, geography, and sector. “VCs don’t follow the advice they give to founders. Keep your deck to 10-20 slides, with a sensible design and with one or two key points per slide.”
So, should you apply? We will leave you with Hollis’ ending clause:
“It’s free. All applicants receive fundraising resources including LP investor lists. It’s relevant to every Emerging Manager in Europe. It’s focused on getting you in front of LPs. What’s not to like?”
