Index Ventures, a leading European venture capital firm, has had a successful year but is now focusing on succession planning as partner Danny Rimer considers retirement. The firm has seen significant returns, including a substantial investment in Figma and a promising stake in cybersecurity startup Wiz.

The author shares insights from a recent trip to New York City, recalling personal experiences in the tech scene over the past 15 years. He emphasizes the strong fundamentals of NYC companies and their focus on sustainable growth, contrasting it with the hype often seen in Silicon Valley.

Tiger Global Management has launched its latest venture capital fund, targeting $2.2 billion. The firm plans to focus on its top-performing investments while expressing caution about inflated valuations in the AI sector. Recently, it has significantly reduced the number of new investments compared to previous years.

The article discusses the recent trends in AI venture capital, highlighting significant exits and the increasing interest from investors in artificial intelligence startups. It emphasizes the implications for both the technology landscape and the investment community, as well as the potential future of AI-driven innovations in various sectors.

Goldman Sachs is set to acquire venture capital firm Industry Ventures for $665 million in cash and equity, with potential additional payments based on future performance. The acquisition aims to enhance Goldman’s alternatives investment platform and provide better investment opportunities for clients in the tech sector. The deal is expected to close in early 2026, with all of Industry Ventures' employees joining Goldman.

The article discusses the trend of democratizing venture capital investments, allowing smaller investors to participate in funding startups through platforms that enable small-check investments. It highlights the benefits of this shift, including increased accessibility and a diverse range of investment opportunities for everyday individuals.

The report analyzes the performance of over 2,500 venture funds from 2017 to 2024, highlighting key metrics such as IRR, DPI, and TVPI. It reveals significant variations in performance among funds and discusses the increasing prevalence of smaller funds in the venture capital landscape.

VC investments in fintech have faced a downturn, but recent late-stage deals signal a possible rebound, with median pre-money valuations rising significantly. Despite the positive trends, many leading fintech companies remain cautious about going public due to market volatility and regulatory challenges.