US companies raising money from European funds
US-based founders: What has your experience been raising money from European VCs? I have seen some companies secure money effectively, while others have been given a cold shoulder because of the current political environment. If you have raised in Europe, what was the process like? Did you reach out to them? Did they find you?
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Sign InIn my experience, European investors that are interested in US companies will come over here for deal flow, but this is usually in specific sectors where the US excels (eg: ag robotics). I've had rejections from several EU VCs specifically because they didn't think they could be helpful for us, and I understand that so much better now. The VC, commercial and operating environments are so different across the pond.
Unless you're operating in the EU, have major essential markets there, or meet a EU VC who is hunting for deals in the US, I don't think it is so helpful to try to get checks from EU investors as a US company. I do not think a roadshow or pitching in the EU is going to be productive for most US companies (they will come over this way if they are looking for US deals).
The exception will be later stage/growth investors, who are always looking for the best investments for their portfolio - in this case make sure you've got a clear thesis fit, as many funds still have a geographic focus built into their DNA.
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