Trump as an Unlikely Catalyst for European Tech
At the 2025 EUVC Summit, Oliver Holle, co-founder and managing partner at Speedinvest, made waves with a provocative claim: Donald Trump has been the most significant positive force for European venture capital.
It wasn’t a celebration of Trump’s policies per se – but rather an observation of how global instability, political polarization, and protectionist rhetoric in the U.S. have made Europe more attractive to founders, investors, and technologists who align with values like inclusivity, long-term vision, and regulatory clarity.
“I see founders wanting to be aligned with capital that supports their values,” Holle said. “Trump has ironically made Europe a better place to build.”
A Shift in Global Investment Sentiment
Holle argued that the Trump years (and the potential of his return) have pushed global stakeholders (including founders from the U.S., Japan, and emerging markets) to look toward Europe as a stable, values-driven alternative.
Rather than relying solely on Silicon Valley capital, many startups are choosing European cities for incorporation, research, and even IPO strategies. Asian investors, in particular, are reportedly turning to European funds and ecosystems in search of less volatile environments.
This isn’t just about politics; it’s about perceived trust and alignment with long-term innovation goals.
Rethinking the VC Playbook in Europe
But Holle didn’t stop at geopolitical commentary. He called for a fundamental mindset shift within the European VC landscape itself.
Europe doesn’t need “a thousand seed-stage funds,” he said.
It needs fewer, stronger players with larger funds and the ambition to scale like entrepreneurs.
He encouraged European VCs to stop thinking like capital allocators and start behaving like founders themselves; building scalable platforms, not just portfolios.
William McQuillan of Frontline Ventures added a healthy counterpoint: European investors shouldn’t become insular or reactive. Thinking globally remains essential, especially as over 40% of revenue from Europe’s publicly listed tech companies still comes from the U.S.
Europe’s Moment to Lead — If It Moves Boldly
The takeaway? Europe’s current opportunity isn’t just a reaction to American politics. It’s a chance to define what kind of tech ecosystem Europe wants to be — more democratic, mission-aligned, and resilient.
With top talent and capital drifting away from the volatility of U.S. markets, now is the time for European policymakers, VCs, and founders to build a cohesive, confident innovation engine that reflects regional values while staying globally competitive.
Source: tech.eu
