July funding: European startups secure €8.6B as exit activity accelerates

European tech funding in July reflected a market where capital remained resilient despite a slowdown in deal activity.

A total of 267 funding deals were announced, down from 293 in June, representing a 9 per cent decline in the number of transactions. Despite fewer rounds, European startups raised €8.6 billion, slightly more than the €8.3 billion recorded in June.

Companies

Out of 267 deals in July, 14 companies raised more than €100 million each. The value of 35 deals remains undisclosed.

The month's biggest deal came from Germany-based Helsing which secured a $1.8 billion Series E at a $18 billion valuation.

Industries

Artificial intelligence was the leading sector by investment volume in European tech startups in July 2026, capturing 21.2 per cent of the month’s total funding, at €7.7 billion.

Countries

Germany emerged as the top fundraising market in July, securing €3.5 billion over 48 transactions.

Exits

Exit activity strengthened in July, with 51 transactions recorded, up from 39 in June. Activity was spread across a broad range of sectors, with software, AI, fintech, healthtech and HR tech among the most represented.

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