When you raise capital or prepare for an exit, valuation becomes one of the most sensitive topics. Many entrepreneurs have a number in mind for their company’s worth, but often it is far from reality.

Fundraising is not just about money, it is about momentum. In Belgium, where rounds take six to twelve months and investors value clarity over hype, building FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is your most powerful lever.

Fundraising is a strategic move, not a race. In Belgium, closing a round takes six to twelve months, and timing can make or break your success.

Fundraising is often seen as a milestone for ambitious entrepreneurs, but here’s the truth: it’s not always the right move and it does not have to be a move.

European venture dealmaking in 2025 is a story of extremes. While average deal sizes are climbing, overall activity is cooling, and capital is clustering around a handful of outsized AI rounds.

European venture entered the summer under mixed signals. After a strong Q1, dealmaking slowed noticeably in Q2, reflecting global volatility and investor caution. But beneath the surface, the market is not collapsing : it is compressing.

Startups are often built on speed, instinct, and hustle. In the early stages, founders juggle operations, hiring, product, and finance : sometimes all in the same morning.

In this short memo, we break down what’s changing in 2026, who’s impacted, and how to stay one step ahead : whether you’re a founder, investor, or employee with stock options.

Something is clear, Venture Capital feedback often falls short. We’ve supported dozens of founders through their fundraising journeys, from pre-seed rounds to late-stage negotiations with hundred of VCs and global growth funds.