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How a Fund-of-Funds Invests: Decoding the Upstream of Venture Capital | Deep Tech Catalyst

Oscar Farres, head of the Tech VC Unit at the European Investment Fund, on how fund-of-funds select VC managers, mobilize private capital, and build venture ecosystems.

Welcome to the 60th edition of Deep Tech Catalyst, the channel by The Scenarionist where science meets venture!

In this milestone episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Oscar Farres, Head of the Tech VC Unit at the European Investment Fund (EIF).

We’ll dive deep into the mechanics of venture capital in Europe, exploring how fund-of-funds models shape the startup ecosystem and what it takes to build sustainable investment networks.

If you’re a startup founder, investor, or Deep Tech operator, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of the forces driving venture capital in Europe—and what they mean for your own journey.


Quick Facts:

🚀 €3.5 Billion Deployed Annually – The EIF invests in 85-90 VC funds each year, fueling deep tech, life sciences, and climate startups across Europe.

📊 The ‘Magic Triangle’ of a Strong VC Fund:

  • Team Composition

  • Market Access

  • Fund Structure

📈 How to Build a VC Market from Scratch: A Case Study – In Cyprus, the EIF worked with the government to launch a brand-new venture capital ecosystem, conducting market research, structuring funds, and attracting both local & international investors.

🚀 Final Thought: Europe has world-class talent, but closing the funding gap is key. Mobilizing private capital, strengthening VC ecosystems, and driving long-term investment will ensure Europe’s Deep Tech sector continues to thrive.


BEYOND THE CONVERSATION — STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE

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