About: venture capital Archives

Europe's chronic shortage of finance for young innovative companies will cause it to fall further behind global competitors, according to a business lobby group which wants governments to back entrepreneurs through tax incentives.

Securing funds to produce and promote new products are essential to the survival of new businesses, says Helen Wooldridge, founder of Cuddledry Limited, who believes having her own business makes it easier to juggle work and family life.

Securing funds to produce and promote new products is essential to the survival of new businesses, says Helen Wooldridge, founder of Cuddledry Limited, who believes having her own business makes it easier to juggle work and family life.

Christian Mandl, co-founder of SkyEurope Airlines which went bust this month, has launched a stinging attack on the hedge fund that took control of the airline after he sold his stake in 2007.

Christian Mandl, co-founder of SkyEurope Airlines which went bust this month, has launched a stinging attack on the hedge fund that took control of the airline after he sold his stake in 2007.

A dramatic decline in the availability of venture capital is stifling innovative start-up companies and damaging long-term growth prospects, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

European companies will remain world leaders in developing green technologies even in times of economic recession, but Europe must work on attracting more venture capital to bring these products to the market, business leaders told a European Business Summit session last week.

The European Commission has proposed that national regulators recognise venture capital funds operating in other EU member states in order to help innovative small businesses access risk capital.

In a communication published on 2 December, the Commission emphasises that concerted public action is needed to improve access to finance for SMEs across Europe.

The President of the Commission, Mr Romano Prodi, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Mr Guy Verhofstadt, have presented their ideas on the role of Brussels as capital of Europe.

While the new Polish government has made progress in enlargement negotiations, closing the difficult environment chapter, its ban on land-sales to EU citizens remains a major sticking point. Poland, a victim of constant occupation by its bigger neighbours throughout history, cites "special historical, social and political conditions" which justify its ban on foreigners buying Polish land.