EDEN VENTURES Announce First Close of £32 Million Early Stage Technology Private Equity Fund
22 February 2005
The targeting, team and methodology of the Eden partners has been instrumental in bringing new institutional capital back into early stage and seed financing.
The event marks the most significant close of a European early-stage technology fund since the financial turmoil in the technology sector of 2000/01. The importance is evidenced by the calibre of its investors; companies such as AlpInvest, Swiss Re Equity Capital Partners, CapVent, EIF and Invesco.
Analyst and commentators across Europe have remarked in recent months on the dramatic shortfall in early stage and seed financing. Figures published by EVCA (2004) show that early stage investments are down to less than 35% of 2000 levels.
" .financing for early-stage investments is increasingly drying up. Practically no money is going into seed financing any more. From a growth standpoint, it is worrying that many innovative projects are lacking funds in the crucial phase before a company is set up."
Deutsche Bank Research, E-conomics No 49, 26th January 2005
The under exploited opportunities presented by these dramatic shortfalls strongly support the entrance of such a highly targeted and hands-on fund as the Eden One.
"We see excellent growth potential for companies in telecom, media and enterprise solution software, particularly those with capable and entrepreneurial management teams who want to partner with an active, hands-on investor like Eden".
David Embleton, Chairman, Eden Ventures
About Eden Ventures
Eden Ventures focuses entirely on early stage UK & Ireland software opportunities in the telecommunications, digital media and enterprise sectors. As serial entrepreneurs, Eden's partners bring the highest levels of expertise in building early stage technology companies. As seasoned investors, Eden's partners bring a strong investment track record, offering potential for high returns in this exciting sector. Eden adds significant sales & marketing, organizational and financial focus and capabilities to the existing inherent technology value of its portfolio members.
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