Nick Clegg joins Hiro Capital: what it means for UK & European VC in 2026
Sir Nick Clegg, former UK deputy prime minister and ex-Head of Global Affairs at Meta, has joined London-based Hiro Capital as a general partner. He will help lead a new fundraise of over €500m for Hiro III, targeting investments across UK and European startups in sectors such as spatial AI, robotics, longevity, gaming, space and defence. Notably, AI scientist Yann LeCun - leaving his role as Meta’s chief AI scientist - will be an adviser to the fund.
Why this matters
This development highlights a strategic shift in venture capital positioning — senior government and deep tech leadership joining forces to catalyse capital into emerging technologies with a European growth focus. It signals renewed confidence in local innovation ecosystems and a stronger narrative for Europe to retain and scale home-grown tech talent and companies.
What is driving the move
Increased fundraising ambitions for UK-based VC funds post-uncertainty in public markets
A push to attract capital into next-generation tech sectors such as AI, robotics, longevity and space
Growing competition with US-centric VC firms for talent and capital flows
A broader focus on bridging public policy insight and private innovation scaling
Where value and opportunity sit for UK & European VC
Enhanced visibility for emerging sectors that align with deep tech development
Potential for stronger cross-border capital flows targeting European companies
Increased credibility for VC firms that can blend policy insight with tech experience
Ability to articulate a differentiated fundraising narrative compared with global peers
Risks and strategic questions
The fundraising environment remains competitive, with US firms still commanding large capital inflows
Translating high-profile appointments into demonstrable portfolio value requires operational execution
Retaining top talent and avoiding talent migration to the US or Asia will demand continued ecosystem investment
Takeaway
Sir Nick Clegg’s move into venture capital, alongside a renowned AI expert, reflects a broader trend of strategic positioning in UK and European innovation markets. For managers and investors, this underscores the importance of crafting compelling sector narratives, aligning fundraising strategies with deep tech opportunities and leveraging high-level experience to attract capital.