The sectors with the most momentum heading into H2 | Sifted

European startups and scaleups raised €39bn in equity funding in H1 2026, the highest first-half total since H1 2022.

That amount equals 72.8% of all equity invested in 2025, signaling a strong rebound in funding activity.

Healthtech, AI and defence are emerging as the main momentum sectors heading into H2.

The trend suggests capital, talent and deal flow could increasingly concentrate in these areas through the rest of the year.