The business networking industry in Europe thrives on connecting individuals and organizations to build productive relationships. Companies operate in various sectors, including technology, telecommunications, and event management, each offering platforms and services designed to enhance professional connections. Notably, the focus is shifting towards digital solutions that facilitate networking online, complementing traditional in-person gatherings. As businesses increasingly embrace remote work, innovative networking solutions are expected to grow, emphasizing virtual collaborations. The evolving landscape hints at a vibrant future, with communities and platforms that prioritize engagement, improving opportunities for professionals across all industries.


This list spotlights sixteen notable investors in Europe's business networking arena, primarily venture capital and private equity firms. These entities vary in size, from small teams to large organizations, while their headquarters span cities such as London, Paris, and Stockholm. Funded from the early 1990s through recent years, their transaction counts for 2024 reflect an active pursuit of supporting growth in the networking ecosystem. With investments in prominent companies like Kima Ventures and Bpifrance French Tech Accélération, these investors are shaping the future of business connections.


Top 16 Business Networking Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally. It offers a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments, with a mission to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the business networking context, such as their investment in Frenchfounders, which raised over $4.8 million to connect entrepreneurs. They also participated in funding rounds for Malt, a platform that connects freelancers with businesses, and Comet Meetings, a provider of meeting and event venues, which raised $30 million to enhance networking opportunities. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting platforms that facilitate business networking and collaboration.


2. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, providing financial support and mentorship to help them navigate their initial challenges. Kima Ventures backs two startups per week, demonstrating a robust investment strategy. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to the business networking industry, such as Collective, which raised $8 million in a seed round in December 2021, and StarOfService, which raised $1,181,294 in a Series A round in March 2015. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the business networking space, making them a suitable candidate for inclusion in a list of business networking investors.


3. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, and is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. They focus on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in The Family, which raised $1 million in a seed round in 2014 and focuses on supporting startups through community and networking. They also invested in The Stack World, which raised $4 million in 2019, and Second Home, which raised over $25 million in a venture round in 2018. Both of these companies emphasize creating collaborative spaces and networks for professionals, further highlighting Index Ventures' involvement in the business networking context.


4. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notable transactions include equity crowdfunding for DrivenWoman, which raised $148,503, and UnderPinned, which raised $815,798. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's involvement in supporting businesses that foster community and networking, making it a key player in the business networking landscape.


5. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses through investment and strategic advisory services. They operate globally, with a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Partech has invested in Gens de Confiance, a trust-based networking platform that raised $1,123,974 in a seed round in 2016, highlighting their engagement in the business networking industry. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding for Fastwork, an online freelancing platform in Southeast Asia, which connects freelancers with businesses, further emphasizing their interest in platforms that facilitate professional networking. Their involvement in these transactions showcases their commitment to supporting innovative companies that enhance business networking opportunities.


6. LocalGlobe

  • Website: localglobe.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: localglobe

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating their growth challenges. Notable transactions include their investment in Translucent, an accounting platform for multi-entity businesses, which raised £5M in a Seed round in 2023. This platform is designed to unify financial data for businesses, enhancing their operational efficiency and networking capabilities. Additionally, LocalGlobe has invested in Circle, a financial technology company, and SlideShare, a platform for sharing presentations, both of which have networking elements. Their diverse portfolio indicates a strategic interest in technology-driven solutions that can facilitate business networking and collaboration.


7. Microsoft Accelerator


Microsoft Accelerator is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. It is part of Microsoft, a leading technology company known for its innovations in artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions. The accelerator focuses on enhancing productivity for businesses through secure and effective AI integration. Notably, Microsoft Accelerator has been involved in several transactions relevant to the business networking context, including Raklet, which raised $500,000 in a seed round in March 2016, aimed at community management and networking solutions. Other transactions include Talmix, InTouchApp, Contest & co, and Tracktl, which received non-equity assistance, indicating Microsoft Accelerator's commitment to supporting a variety of startups, including those in the business networking sector.


8. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notable transactions include their investment in Onecom, the UK's largest independent business telecommunications provider, where they secured a £100 million funding package to support growth. Additionally, LDC backed the management buyout of Giacom World Networks, a cloud IT and communications solutions provider, aiming to enhance its proprietary platform and accelerate growth. These investments reflect LDC's active role in sectors that are crucial for business networking, making them a relevant player in this space.


9. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT Ventures led a funding round for Berlin-based voilà, which raised €8.8 million to accelerate its European expansion, highlighting EQT's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the tech sector. Additionally, their investment in FoodHack, which aims to create an investment platform for people and planetary investing, showcases their interest in fostering new business models that can enhance networking opportunities. EQT's strategic acquisitions, such as Adamo Telecom Iberia, further illustrate their focus on sectors that are crucial for business connectivity and networking.


10. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notable transactions include a GBP7.3 million investment in AdEPT Telecom, which supports IT services in the education sector, and a $11.99 million Series B investment in Techspert, a company that likely operates in the technology and networking space. These investments reflect BGF's commitment to fostering growth in sectors that can enhance business networking capabilities.


11. Seedcamp

  • Website: seedcamp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: seedcamp_2

Seedcamp is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, focusing on early-stage startups across Europe. They provide not only financial backing but also crucial support in areas like product-market fit and sales, leveraging a vast network of investors to help founders succeed. Among their notable transactions, Seedcamp participated in the seed funding rounds for BridgeU, an education technology startup that aims to enhance networking opportunities for students and educational institutions. This involvement highlights Seedcamp's interest in companies that can impact business networking, even if their primary focus is on technology-driven innovation. Other investments, such as in Twine and Hype App, further illustrate their commitment to supporting startups that may intersect with networking functionalities in various sectors.


12. Informa

  • Website: informa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: informa

Informa plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in publishing and business intelligence. Founded in 1998, Informa has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has made significant investments in various sectors. Notably, Informa has been active in acquiring companies that enhance its business networking capabilities. For instance, the acquisition of Tarsus Group in March 2023 for approximately $945 million and UBM Plc in January 2018 for over $5.26 billion demonstrate its commitment to expanding its portfolio in event management and business intelligence. Additionally, the acquisition of Winsight in May 2023 for $380 million further solidifies its position in the business networking space, as Winsight focuses on providing insights and connections within the foodservice industry. Through these strategic acquisitions, Informa continues to connect its customers with specialized knowledge and networking opportunities, making it a relevant player in the business networking industry.


13. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, Accenture offers a wide range of solutions to businesses across various industries, helping them innovate, improve efficiency, and navigate digital transformation. In 2024 alone, Accenture was involved in 51 investments, showcasing its active role in the investment landscape. Notably, Accenture Technology Ventures participated in the second round of funding for NetByTel, highlighting its interest in technology-driven companies. Furthermore, Accenture's involvement in the Series A and Series B funding rounds for Synadia Communications, which focuses on networking technologies, underscores its commitment to enhancing business networking capabilities. Through these transactions, Accenture demonstrates its strategic interest in fostering innovation and connectivity within the business networking sector.


14. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has been actively involved in the business networking industry, particularly through its investments in InterNations GmbH, a platform that connects expatriates and facilitates networking among them. HV Capital participated in several funding rounds for InterNations, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C, showcasing their long-term commitment to the company. Additionally, they invested in Experteer, a career service that connects professionals with job opportunities, further emphasizing their focus on platforms that enhance professional networking. Through their strategic guidance and capital support, HV Capital helps startups navigate growth challenges and achieve market success, making them a significant player in the venture capital landscape.


15. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, England. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has invested in various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, they have made significant investments in business networking-related companies, such as Slack, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $412.7 million Series G round in 2017 and a $427 million Series H round in 2018. Additionally, their investment in WeWork, which raised $250 million in post-IPO debt in 2023 and previously invested $300 million in 2017, highlights their interest in companies that facilitate networking and collaboration in both physical and digital environments. Their commitment to fostering technological advancement positions them as a key player in the business networking industry.


16. Apax

  • Website: apax.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance their capital through strategic investments in private equity funds. Notably, Apax has been involved in several transactions relevant to the business networking context, such as the acquisition of Incisive Media, which provides essential information and services to professionals, and their investment in Arkadin, a company focused on collaboration and communication solutions. These transactions highlight Apax's commitment to enhancing business networking capabilities within their investment portfolio.



Business Networking Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
Microsoft AcceleratorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020130
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
SeedcampLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740
InformaLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19984
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
ApaxLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019818


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