In a groundbreaking move for the European venture capital landscape, Mountside Ventures has unveiled its inaugural VC accelerator programme. This initiative aims to empower emerging fund managers, addressing a critical gap in the ecosystem and potentially reshaping the future of venture capital in Europe.

The Need for Emerging Manager Support

Venture capital firms in their early stages consistently rank among the top performers in the asset class, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the highest-returning funds. These emerging managers often outpace larger, established firms in terms of agility, value addition, and financial returns. However, the support infrastructure for these up-and-coming investors has been noticeably lacking, especially when compared to the myriad of resources available for startup founders.

Programme Overview

The Emerging VC Manager Programme is designed to cater to exceptional fund managers headquartered in Europe, focusing on both specialist and generalist funds operating at the Pre-Seed to Series A stages. This annual initiative represents the first structured programme of its kind in Europe, aiming to assist a cohort of 15 to 20 outstanding VCs in successfully closing their next fund.

Key Features of the Programme:

Comprehensive Support

Participants will receive warm introductions to Limited Partners (LPs) through a series of in-person events across major European cities. They will also gain access to a curated list of international LPs and family offices.

Expert Mentorship

The programme offers at least 10 hours of one-on-one mentoring from founding partners of some of Europe's most successful VC firms and LPs. This includes industry luminaries from LocalGlobe, Dawn Capital, Connect Ventures, and Hoxton Ventures, among others.

Tailored Content and Workshops

Structured content focused on LP engagement will be provided, along with at least six days of workshops delivered by LPs and fundraising experts over the three months.

Inclusive Approach

In a move to ensure equal opportunity, the accelerator is fully funded by corporate partners, making entry and participation free of charge. This approach aims to level the playing field for underrepresented managers who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints.

Impact on Diversity in VC

The programme comes at a crucial time when diversity in venture capital remains a pressing issue. Despite evidence showing that diverse management teams generate significantly higher revenues, and widespread agreement on the benefits of diversity in VC performance, underrepresented groups still face substantial barriers. The accelerator aims to address this imbalance by providing equal access to resources and opportunities.

Corporate Partnerships

Mountside Ventures has partnered with several key players in the VC ecosystem to deliver this programme. These include Blue Future Partners as the fund selection partner, along with specialized firms providing support in fund administration, legal services, technology, PR and communications, accounting, and regulatory compliance.

The launch of Mountside Ventures' VC accelerator programme marks a significant step forward in nurturing the next generation of European fund managers. By providing comprehensive support, expert mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities, this initiative has the potential to catalyze innovation in the VC landscape and drive the growth of Europe's tech ecosystem. As the programme prepares to welcome its first cohort in Q1 2025, it stands poised to make a lasting impact on the future of venture capital in Europe.