EQT Plans to Roll Existing Venture Capital Stakes Into New…

Team S · 2026-01-22T13:30:57.000Z

EQT is preparing to shift a selection of venture capital holdings from its first venture fund into a new continuation vehicle, highlighting the growing adoption of secondary-led structures within venture markets. The move signals a broader push by large private market firms to create liquidity options and extend holding periods for high-conviction assets as IPO timelines continue to stretch globally. The continuation fund is expected to raise at least $500 million, with EQT planning to transfer around five to ten investments from EQT Ventures I, the firm’s 2016 vintage venture fund that raised roughly €505 million and made approximately 40 investments. The final fund size will depend on negotiations with buyers and how many existing investors choose to roll their stakes into the new vehicle, reflecting a flexible structure designed to balance liquidity needs with long-term upside potential. Jefferies is advising EQT on the process, and at least one of the assets expected to be included is Handshake, a US-based HR and early-career hiring platform first backed by EQT in 2018. The fund formation underscores how continuation funds are increasingly being used beyond traditional buyouts, now expanding into venture capital as the secondary market grows and investors seek more structured ways to manage exit timing and portfolio exposure.

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EQT Plans to Roll Existing Venture Capital Stakes Into New… | Newnex