E542 | William McQuillan, Frontline Ventures: Europe & the US: Not Rivals—Partners in Building

EUVC

At the EUVC Summit 2025, William McQuillan of Frontline Ventures delivered a data-backed reminder: If we’re serious about building global companies from Europe, we need to stop treating the US as a rival—and start treating it like the deeply connected partner it already is.
Robin Klein & the Power of Ecosystem BuildersThe session opened with a heartfelt nod to Robin Klein, this year’s Hall of Fame inductee. When Frontline asked leading investors across the continent “Who has been most influential in your journey in European tech?”—four out of five said Robin.
“Building an ecosystem isn’t just about investing. It’s about building a fund, a culture, and a movement. Robin has done all three.”
His recognition is a signal to us all: the best investors aren’t just backing startups—they’re laying foundations for the entire ecosystem to thrive.
Europe vs. US? The Data Tells a Different Story
You might think Europe and the US operate as separate tech spheres. The media often frames it that way. Politicians like Trump make it seem that way. But the data tells a different story:

• 45% of the world’s internet traffic flows through just 17 transatlantic cables—every single day.
• In consumer tech, nearly 75% of global spend comes from Europe + the US combined.
• Signal AI, a Frontline portfolio company, analyzes global news in 150+ languages—yet a major share of its revenue comes from the US.

“We’re already collaborating—just not always intentionally.”
Think Big. Think Global.William’s message to investors was crystal clear:
“We shouldn’t be advising founders to go small or to ignore the US. Europe and America are economically and digitally intertwined—and always have been.
”He cited the powerful example of Dr. Katalin Karikó (Europe) and Dr. Drew Weissman (US)—the Nobel-winning team behind mRNA vaccines. Global breakthroughs, enabled by global collaboration.
Yes, it’s harder today to build across borders. But that’s where investors need to step up—not retreat.
Let’s not let political headlines shape our investment strategies.
Let’s help our companies build globally, because that’s how we build lasting, category-defining businesses.
And let’s take a page from Robin Klein’s book: invest in the ecosystem, not just the deal.