The four megatrends growth investor Lightrock is looking to invest in: 'Extremely interesting'

Pål Erik Sjåtil, Lightrock CEO, with press image from one of Lightrock's portfolio firms Max. Photo: press.
6 maj 2025
10:01
Europe excels at supporting startups in their early stages. But when it comes to providing follow-on funding, US investors are much better, according to Pål Erik Sjåtil, CEO of growth investor Lightrock.

In an interview at his London office, Sjåtil outlines what he believes Europe needs to do to create major success stories.

"The key difference between the US and Europe is that US investors are more willing to double down on companies that show the most promise," Sjåtil tells Impact Loop, and also shares the four megatrends he's looking to invest in next.

In the race to scale climate tech, a persistent challenge looms over Europe’s innovation ecosystem: the "missing middle."

While early-stage venture capital is abundant and well-networked across the continent, growth-stage funding – the critical bridge between startup and scaleup – remains underpowered.

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