Overall investments in European companies remained stable. More than 5,000 companies were backed in 2013, as it was the case in the previous year. Equity investments decreased by 3% to €35.7bn.
More than 40% of the companies that received investments in 2013 were backed for the first time.
The total amount of venture capital invested had increased by 5% to €3.4bn. More than 3,000 companies were venture-backed. Start-up stage investments were the majority of venture capital activity by amount (55%) and number of companies (59%). The life sciences, computer & consumer electronics, communications and energy & environment sectors accounted for over 70% of all venture capital investments.
More than 800 companies received buyout investments. The related equity amount invested reduced by 2% and the number of companies by 9% compared to 2012. More than half of buyout investments concentrated on companies active in business & industrial products, consumer goods & retail, business & industrial services and life sciences.
As in 2012, more than 1,000 companies attracted growth investments. This represented an increase of 6% by number of companies and a 10% decrease in the amount of equity invested. About 50% concentrated on companies active in business & industrial services, business & industrial products, computer & consumer electronics and communications.
Courtesy of EVCA