Europe's Largest New Funds in H1 2026 Focus on AI and Climate

European venture capital fundraising remains challenging in 2026. Cautious limited partners, slower exits, and fewer distributions are making it harder for many fund managers to secure new capital.

Despite these headwinds, the first half of 2026 saw the launch of several significant new venture capital funds in Europe, with sizes reaching hundreds of millions of euros. These funds are primarily targeting scale-up companies, artificial intelligence, and climate technology to address evolving market needs.

This trend reflects a broader shift in European investment, with investors seeking out companies that demonstrate potential for substantial growth and possess strong strategic relevance. While the market is difficult, large funds continue to aim at supporting the most promising ventures.

Notable among the largest were London-based Verdane Capital Advisors, which raised €2 billion for a fund focused on scale-up and technology companies, and Swedish firm EQT with a €1.5 billion fund. These examples indicate that substantial capital is still available for promising, growth-oriented European businesses.