Europe’s startup scene is facing a reckoning. For years, founders chased the Silicon Valley dream: move fast, raise big, and break things along the way. Headline valuations and rapid expansion defined success. But more recently, the costs of that approach have become impossible to ignore. Startups have depleted their funds, high-profile collapses have made investors wary, and acquisition prospects are more discerning. The old mantra is showing its limits.

Valuations that once rose on potential now require demonstrable operational success and a track record of repeatable results. Founders face longer runways with selective buyers demanding clear paths to profitability. This pivot favours builders with proven discipline over those chasing bold visions alone.

Persistent economic pressures accelerate this shift across the continent. “You can’t ignore operational discipline anymore,” says Alexander Kopylkov, who has backed more than 20 European startups in AI, green tech, and advanced technologies. “The ‘move fast’ era created brilliance, yes, but also brittleness. With disciplined growth, speed takes a backseat to smart, more sustainable choices.” More than seven in ten European venture funds now focus on long-term resilience rather than chasing rapid scale. 

Kopylkov speaks from experience, having started in engineering and real estate, where careful planning and attention to detail made the difference in complex projects. His portfolio firms in AI and green tech demonstrate this, sometimes achieving over 30 percent annual revenue growth through methodical execution.

Economic uncertainty – including inflation, geopolitical instability, and a tighter funding environment – is prompting founders to act more carefully and plan strategically. At the same time, cross-border deals are picking up as startups look for stability and partners they can trust. It is becoming increasingly apparent to founders that strong operations matter as much as ambition.

Regulations are shaping behaviour too. Recent EU legislative developments concerning digital markets and sustainability are directing startups towards ESG-compliant models. Investors are becoming more discerning – demanding answers about revenue consistency, sustainable business models, and routes to profitability. The days of relying on buzzwords and inflated valuations are over.

With decades of experience spanning engineering, real estate, and venture capital, Kopylkov works closely with founders at every stage. “Scaling quickly is only valuable if the foundation is solid,” he says. “Rushing to grow can close doors. We focus on the long-term because that’s when real value emerges.” 

Kopylkov guides founders through business model refinements and operational optimisations. He stresses rigorous scenario planning for market shifts, and prepares teams for exits that reward preparation. This hands-on partnership builds enduring value.

Research backs this up. According to SeedBlink, teams with an established operational discipline will continuously outperform teams without one, resulting in higher valuations and exit outcomes. Harvard Business Review has observed a similar trend; startups focusing on developing a plan for the long-term, implementing efficient processes and creating operational processes will outperform startups focusing on generating exponential growth with no checks in place. 

Across the continent, founders are building discipline into everything from fundraising to operational planning and stress-testing. Over time, these habits will pay off in stability, investor confidence, and better exit outcomes. The pace may be slower, but the payoff is real. Companies will attract higher-quality investors, withstand market shocks, and are positioned for meaningful exits. “Speed wins sprints and discipline prevails in marathons,” Kopylkov says. “That’s the edge European startups need today.”

As the European startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the future innovators and value creators will be businesses that combine strong vision and execution.