Sweden-based private markets firm EQT AB is aiming to more than double its European investments — raising them from roughly €120bn over the last five years, to €250bn over the next five — according to a report by Reuters.
At the same time, CEO Per Franzen is advocating for structural changes in Europe aimed at unlocking growth and competing more effectively with the US market. He called for reforms that include easier cross-border stock ownership, the creation of a pan-European stock market, and enhanced support for tech-start-ups.
Franzen added that changing geopolitical conditions make it vital that Europe is able to develop its own independent tech industry. He cited MIT research showing that the US has created 241 companies worth $10bn or more in the past 50 years, compared to 14 in Europe, to argue that the continent needs to become more competitive.
