Sean Lightbown
PitchBook Data
United Kingdom
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Past articles by Sean:
The deals that made 2018 the year of VC secondaries
From Uber to Ola, check out our analysis of investments in five companies that put VC secondary deals on the map this year. → Read More
Revolut and beyond: Meet the startups taking on the banking industry
Venture investment in fintech has exploded this year, with the rise of challenger banks paying no small part. We take a closer look at seven digital lenders that raised huge rounds in 2018. → Read More
The dangers of chasing unicorns
European countries are promoting programmes to increase the number of unicorns born within their borders. But focusing on $1 billion valuations could foster bad habits and be a recipe for disaster. → Read More
M&A graveyard: The 11 largest failed deals in Europe
Qualcomm's dashed $44 billion deal for NXP is the latest in a long list of thwarted multibillion-dollar deals in Europe. We take a look at the most valuable M&A attempts that never crossed the line → Read More
From startup to upstart: 5 VC tips for scaling your business
At the British Venture Capital Association's recent 'High Growth' event, five of the UK's top venture investors shared their thoughts on what it takes for a startup to make it big. → Read More
11 World Cup stars hoping to score with VC investments
From football pitches to startup pitches: As the World Cup gets underway, PitchBook takes a look at 11 tournament stars, past and present, looking to hit the back of the net with early-stage deals. → Read More
11 World Cup stars hoping to score with VC investments
From football pitches to startup pitches: As the World Cup gets underway, PitchBook takes a look at 11 tournament stars, past and present, looking to hit the back of the net with early-stage deals. → Read More
The top 11 VC investors in German startups
World Cup holders Germany are famous for nurturing talent from a young age. Which firms are doing the same for the country's startups? → Read More
Why founder-friendly funds could be the future for VC
Point Nine Capital managing partner and co-founder Christoph Janz tells PitchBook how the emergence of founder-friendly funds is driving a healthier European venture ecosystem. → Read More
How Natalie Massenet's new VC firm sees the future of retail
The Net-a-Porter founder launched Imaginary Ventures in April alongside former 14W partner Nick Brown. They sat down with PitchBook to discuss plans for their $75 million debut retail-focused fund. → Read More
Inside the EU's €2.1B plan to jump-start European venture capital
We spoke to the European Commission to find out what's behind its €2.1 billion plan to fill the continent's near-insatiable demand for investment. → Read More
10 charts explaining European private equity in 1Q 2018
Deal numbers are down and exits are scarce, but PE firms keep piling up the dry powder. Find out the numbers behind these trends and more, using charts from our recent 1Q 2018 European PE Breakdown. → Read More
Europe's VC-backed IPOs are disappearing
The number of VC-backed listings in Europe has fallen off a cliff this year, a worrying trend for an industry already subject to long hold periods. → Read More
Europe surpasses the US in PE fundraising in 2018
The continent's buyout houses have scooped up nearly half of the world's committed capital, marking a stark contrast to previously unimpeded US dominance. → Read More
Sanofi's wild 2018 illustrates a pharma sector in flux
With nearly €50 billion in acquisitions and divestments in the last three years, Sanofi CEO Olivier Brandicourt has led his company through a transformation as the industry undergoes a paradigm shift. → Read More
What the venture landscape is really like for Europe's female founders
PitchBook spoke to a number of female founders and investors about what VC and entrepreneurship are like for women in Europe. Here's what they had to say. → Read More
EU launches €2.1B VentureEU initiative to boost European VC
The funds-of-funds programme, launched by the European Investment Fund and European Commission, is an attempt to increase VC vehicle sizes on the continent—as well as attract big investors. → Read More
What 'Brilliant Jerks' can teach us about Travis Kalanick's rise and fall
A play fictionalising the tumultuous events at Uber was always going to draw attention—yet 'Brilliant Jerks' proves its worth with a nuanced and tragic look at entrepreneurship. → Read More
With Comcast's £22.1B offer, the battle for Sky begins
Comcast's £22.1 billion counteroffer for Sky is expected to spark a bidding war for the broadcasting business, adding a new twist to an eight-year saga. → Read More
13 charts explaining Europe's VC industry
A glance at the key graphics from our recent 2017 Annual European Venture Report, including data on deals, exits and fundraising. → Read More