Ek Daniel (Daniel Ek)

Ek Daniel (Daniel Ek)

Biography

2020: Investment of 1 billion euros into deeptech-startups

At the end of September, 2020 the co-founder of Spotify Daniel Ek said that he invests 1 billion euros from the private means in deeptech-startups within the next 10 years. Ek explained that he is interested in startups in the field of machine learning, biotechnologies, materials science and power.

Ek noted that would like to fulfill "a new European dream". Upsets him that many European entrepreneurs refuse the ideas and sell them abroad, and many talented people leave Europe, without having detected the application to the capabilities.

All of us know that one of the biggest problems for such people is an access to the capital, - noted Ek. - [Europe] needs more supercompanies which will raise the general bar and will be able to inspire entrepreneurs on new fulfillments.

According to Forbes, Ek's status makes $3.6 billion, i.e. expected investments make nearly a third of his status. Ek reported that the main attention will pay to technologies which will be able to advance the European society and also it is ready to work with scientists, entrepreneurs, investors and the governments.

To solve infinitely complex problems which our society faced we need to involve in cooperation different concerned parties, including the companies, the governments, academic institutions, non-profit organizations and investors.

Ek deeptech is interested long ago and already invested 16 million euros in the Swedish telemedicine startup of Kry and also 3 million euros in HJN Sverige AI company. The fund worth $1.2 billion will allow it to compete with other big European venture capitalists, such as Atomico, Balderton Capital, Accel, Index Ventures and Northzone.^[1]

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