Financing innovation through venture capital

Innovation is widely recognised as a fundamental driver of productivity growth and, consequently, economic development. As countries in Europe and beyond confront major industrial challenges linked to the twin transition, the pursuit of greater competitiveness, and strategic autonomy in key technologies, fostering innovation is increasingly becoming a geopolitical priority. Venture capital (VC) has emerged as a crucial mechanism for financing disruptive innovation in private markets and is therefore gaining prominence worldwide as a policy lever to deliver economic growth and maintain economies at the technological frontier. It is therefore essential that institutional investors—both public and private—upgrade their knowledge of this asset class and the various ways they can gain exposure to it.

This course is designed to strengthen that knowledge and bridge the gap between institutional investors and the VC industry. By learning from leading academics and industry practitioners through a combination of lectures and hands-on case studies, participants will deepen their understanding of the asset class, exploring how to invest both in startups and in VC funds.

The course is structured over three days around two intersecting themes: investment approaches (direct and indirect) and key technological sectors. On one side, it delves into best practices for investing directly in disruptive startups, investing in VC funds, and engaging in corporate VC—strategies relevant for institutional investors and corporates seeking exposure to the asset class. On the other side, each day features sessions dedicated to specific sectors and technologies, where leading industry professionals share their perspectives on investing in these fields.