Symposium explores risk capital for European innovation
Danmarks Nationalbank hosts a high-level symposium on risk capital on May 21, 2026. Experts from central banks, pension funds, and investment firms will discuss financing solutions for European innovation and deeptech startups.
From deeptech to pension funds
The symposium opens with remarks from Christian Kettel Thomsen, Chair of the Board of Governors at Danmarks Nationalbank.
The initial stage-setting features Rolf Strauch of the European Stability Mechanism on productivity challenges, Greg De Temmerman from Techleap on deeptech innovation capital, and Rasmus Barfred of The Magic 5 sharing a founder's perspective.
The first roundtable, moderated by Ulrik Nødgaard of Danmarks Nationalbank, focuses on how pension funds can support risk capital.
Participants include Kristin Skogen Lund (INSEAD), Harmen van Wijnen (ABP), and Petra Hielkema (EIOPA), discussing strategies for long-term investment in high-growth ventures and the role of institutional investors in fostering a robust risk capital ecosystem across Europe.
Public funds and policy outlook
Keynote addresses will be delivered by Merete Clausen, Deputy Chief Executive of the European Investment Fund, and Øystein Børsum, Deputy Governor of Norges Bank.
The second roundtable, moderated by Adair Morse (UC Berkeley Haas School of Business), will explore the role of public and private funds in risk capital.
Speakers include Kyle McEneaney (Schmidt Family Foundation), Marcus Wallenberg (SEB Group), and Peder Lundquist (Export and Investment Fund of Denmark).
The symposium concludes with a session on policy perspectives for the EU and member states, led by Helge Berger, Deputy Director of the IMF's European Department, followed by closing remarks from Signe Krogstrup of Danmarks Nationalbank.
Source: High-level symposium on risk capital
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