European tech is experiencing a conflicted moment. Anxiety spiked after US AI firm Anthropic announced a $65bn funding round — nearly matching the entire European ecosystem’s fundraising last year. Yet VC firm Balderton has launched its “Built in Europe” campaign, aiming to celebrate the continent’s achievements and foster a more confident industry self-image. Sifted podcast host Freya Pratty discussed with senior reporter Daphné Leprince-Ringuet and news editor Martin Coulter whether European tech can finally shed its inferiority complex and build a stronger global narrative.
In-Depth:
It’s been a curious fortnight in European tech.
There was a fresh bout of anxiety after US AI giant Anthropic announced its latest funding round — which, at $65bn, is nearing the amount raised by the entire European ecosystem last year.
But there’s also growing pushback against the doom and gloom. This week, VC firm Balderton launched its “Built in Europe” campaign, aimed at celebrating the continent’s successes and reshaping the way the ecosystem portrays itself.
On this week’s episode of the Sifted podcast, host Freya Pratty chats to senior reporter Daphné Leprince-Ringuet and news editor Martin Coulter about whether European tech is finally shaking off its inferiority complex and if a new, more confident narrative can support the ecosystem better compete on the global stage.
