Europe's first free VC fund accelerator launched to back emerging managers

Mountside Ventures, the early-stage advisory firm, has launched the inaugural venture capital (VC) accelerator, the Emerging VC Manager Programme in partnership with Osborne Clarke. The initiative, led by Osborne Clarke Partners Helen Parsonage in the UK and Tanja Aschenbeck in Germany, aims to empower the next generation of VC fund managers.

Europe-wide programme

The Emerging VC Manager Programme is a 12-week structured programme designed to support 15 to 20 exceptional managers headquartered in Europe. These managers will be investing at pre-seed to Series A stages and raising their first to third fund. The programme provides participants with access to potential investors, mentoring from experienced fund managers and valuable insights on fund structuring and terms.

Sole legal partner

As the only legal partner in the programme, Osborne Clarke will offer training and advice to the first cohort. This involvement underscores the firm's commitment to supporting the venture community and fostering the growth of emerging VC managers.

Other partners in this initiative include the fund administrator HFL, technology specialist Sage, PR and communications firm Ballou, business advisory Johnston Carmichael and corporate financier Leela Capital.

Benefits for participants

Participants in the programme can expect to receive warm introductions to limited partners (LPs) through in-person events across Europe, including London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Helsinki

There will be also at least 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring from founding partners behind some of Europe’s most successful VCs and LPs

Structured content focused on LPs is another benefit, with comprehensive guidance on offer based on feedback from over 200 LPs. There will also be at least six days of workshops delivered by LPs and fundraising experts over the three-month period, along with a series of LP matchmaking events.

Unique opportunities

This programme is the first of its kind in Europe, aiming to reduce barriers for underrepresented managers and attract top-quality funds – it's also a unique opportunities to build relationships, gather market intelligence, and network with European VCs.

Osborne Clarke comment

New and developing VC firms often outperform larger brands by offering better speed, value-add, and financial returns to LPs. However, support for these investors is scarce, and they often find it hard to raise funds. The Emerging VC Manager Programme seeks to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive support system for emerging managers.

Applications for the programme close on 6 December.

For more details about the programme, visit Mountside Ventures' website and share, like, and comment on Mountside's LinkedIn post. Osborne Clarke is proud to support this initiative and looks forward to contributing to the success of the next generation of VC fund managers.