VP in Europe
Europeans began taking an interest in venture philanthropy from 2000 and by 2002, the first UK fund to overtly describe itself as a venture philanthropy organisation was launched by individuals from venture capital and consulting backgrounds – Impetus Trust was inspired by US models that strongly resonated with the professional, investment experiences of its founders.
Numerous isolated initiatives across Europe were given focus and drive through the leadership of the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA). EVPA was founded in 2003 by five executives from the European private equity/venture capital industry and opened to membership in 2005. The founders were influenced by venture philanthropy in the US, and between them had many decades of experience in venture capital and philanthropy. They originally conceived EVPA as a modest and informal association to stimulate discussion, capture good practice, and encourage new philanthropic funds based on the high engagement model.
However, the appetite for networking and interest in venture philanthropy was so great that EVPA recruited thirty members in its first twelve months, was formally endorsed by the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA) and sponsored by several leading private equity firms. EVPA is today headquartered in Brussels and has a membership of more than 140 organisations across 20 countries. Its prestigious annual conferences have the unique ability to draw a diverse audience from the private equity community, grantmaking foundations, business schools, professional service firms, as well as the growing number of European venture philanthropy funds.
For an updated list of members in EVPA, click here.
Modelled on EVPA, but operating independently, AVPN’s activities support its members and grow the broader venture philanthropy and social investment community across Asia.