Highland Europe raises €463 million fund to invest in growth-stage companies

Highland Europe, a VC firm with American roots headquartered in London and Geneva, has raised a €463 million fund, bringing its assets under management to a total of €1.1 billion. While investing from the new fund, the firm will keep its focus on growth-stage “software and internet-enabled companies.”

Raised in 12 weeks, this is Highland Europe's third fund in six years. As of today, the firm has 29 active companies in its portfolio, the combined revenue of which reached €1.1 billion in 2017. These companies, employing a total of 6,500 people, and mostly based in Germany, the UK, and France, as well as Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the US.

“We are growth-obsessed because it is the most significant driver of value in a company,” said Highland Europe partner and co-founder Fergal Mullen. “When evaluating teams, our scorecard prioritises excellent interpersonal relationships because we know from decades of experience that a positive frame of mind and constructive approach always deliver a better outcome.”

Launched in 2013 with five partners, Highland Europe has since then grown to a team of 12 people. Over the past 18 months, the firm has sold its stakes in MatchesFashion.com, SocialPoint, AMCS Group, generating more than €2.4 billion worth of enterprise value.