The BVCA Reflections series marks the 40th anniversary since the BVCA was established as the trade association for the UK private equity and venture capital industry. During this series, we will be talking to industry leaders from today and previous decades as we reflect on how the industry and the BVCA have evolved.

In episode 5 of the BVCA’s 40th anniversary podcast series, the BVCA’s Senior VC Manager, Chris Elphick, talks to Christoph Ruedig, Partner at Albion VC, Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner at IQ Capital, and Stephen Nundy, Partner & CTO at Lakestar, about the outlook for venture capital and the broader tech ecosystem in 2024.

Covering off the shocks and difficult market conditions seen in 2023, the guests consider how the market will play out going forward, with tips for founders and investors looking to raise in a difficult market, the central importance of board governance, the increasing role of government, and the potential impact of BVCA initiatives such as the Investment Compact.

Running order:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 02:01 – Key developments from 2023
• 09:18 – 2023 was the year of AI, what sectors will take off in 2024?
• 12:40 – How to support founders going through a down/flat round
• 18:49 – The outlook for venture – green shoots or more pain?
• 21:09 – Addressing the scale up gap
• 23:50 – Where will exits come from?
• 28:20 – How to exit at speed in a tough market?
• 33:40 – Will fundraising be easier in 2024?
• 36:43 – Advice for emerging managers
• 39:16 – The policy landscape in 2024
• 43:00 – The impact of the Investment Compact
• 46:54 – Closing remarks

This episode of the BVCA podcast is hosted by Chris Elphick, Senior VC Manager at the BVCA.

Chris’s guest for episode 5:

• Christoph Ruedig, Partner at Albion VC
• Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner at IQ Capital
• Stephen Nundy, Partner & CTO at Lakestar