Last year marked a recovery for the private equity and venture capital sectors, according to new figures from the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA).

The association’s annual activity survey showed that last year fundraising in Europe was up 80 per cent on 2010, reaching the highest level since 2008 at €40bn.

Investments were up 6 per cent on 2010, and realised investments were up 50 per cent on the previous 12 months reaching levels last seen in 2005-06.

Commenting on the figures, EVCA chair Karsten Langer highlighted the sector’s contribution to overall economic recovery, stressing that 85 per cent of the companies receiving private equity or venture capital investment were SMEs.

“An 80 per cent leap in fundraising demonstrates that investors from pension funds to charities are increasingly turning to private equity and venture capital to deliver long-term, sustainable returns in a climate of uncertainty in Europe,” Karsten said.

Access the report here.

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