Europe’s AI Future: Lessons from Accel’s Sonali De Rycker

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world. From reshaping how we work to helping solve major global challenges, AI has become one of the most talked-about technologies today. But where does Europe fit into the global AI race?

According to Sonali De Rycker, a partner at the venture capital giant Accel, Europe’s AI journey is at a turning point. In a recent conversation covered by TechCrunch, she shared some thought-provoking views about how AI is evolving across the continent—and what needs to happen next if Europe wants to compete on the global stage.

So, let’s explore what’s ahead for Europe’s AI future and the key takeaways from De Rycker’s advice.

Building AI, Not Just Using It

Let’s start with this question: Should Europe focus on building AI or just using what others have created?

De Rycker offers a strong opinion here. She believes Europe should aim to build its own AI ecosystem, rather than simply relying on models developed in the U.S. or China. In her words, it’s time to “build, don’t bind.” That means creating homegrown tech, supporting local researchers, and scaling European AI startups globally.

This isn’t just about pride or independence—it’s about staying competitive. If Europe only adopts AI tools created elsewhere, it risks falling behind in innovation and losing its say in how AI should be used responsibly.

What Does “Build” Really Mean?

Building AI isn’t just coding a few apps. It includes:

• Developing foundational models – These are the core engines behind powerful tools like ChatGPT or Google DeepMind’s Gemini.
• Backing AI startups – Companies that can focus on healthtech, fintech, robotics, or sustainability, all powered by AI.
• Training AI talent – Giving engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs the tools they need to innovate from within Europe.

According to De Rycker, now is the perfect time to encourage this kind of action. Europe has the capability—what it needs is coordination and confidence.

Why Europe Still Matters in a U.S.-Dominated Space

It’s true: Many of the world’s leading AI companies call Silicon Valley home. Think of OpenAI, Anthropic, and the giant AI labs being built by Meta and Google.

But Europe brings something valuable to the table—something that the U.S. doesn’t always prioritize: trust and regulation.

Let’s be honest—AI has issues. Whether it’s bias in algorithms or concerns over privacy and surveillance, users are starting to ask hard questions. Europe, with its strict data protection laws and history of holding tech giants accountable, can lead the way in ethical AI development.

De Rycker argues this is Europe’s superpower. If regulators, investors, and startups work together, Europe can become the region where trustworthy AI is not just a buzzword, but a standard.

Remember GDPR?

Europe set global standards with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While the U.S. was still debating privacy laws, Europe was already enforcing them. The same approach can work for AI. In fact, the EU’s AI Act is aiming to do just that—create guardrails that allow innovation while protecting users.

The Europe Challenge: Scaling AI Startups

Even with great talent and regulation, Europe faces a big issue: scaling.

A lot of amazing AI ideas are born in European cities—London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam. But turning those small startups into global companies? That’s where it gets tricky.

De Rycker points out a few challenges:

• Fragmented markets – Unlike the U.S., Europe is made up of many countries, languages, and legal systems. Startups often have to “go international” much sooner.
• Access to capital – While Europe’s funding scene is growing, it still lags behind the U.S. in terms of large, late-stage investment rounds.
• Fewer AI unicorns – Europe hasn’t yet produced the AI giants that dominate headlines.

But it’s not all bad news. According to De Rycker, there’s potential rising from Europe’s top research universities, startup accelerators, and increasingly tech-friendly politicians. The tide is turning—and with the right support, European startups could make serious waves.

From Hype to Reality: The Role of VCs

If you’ve been following AI news lately, you’ve probably noticed—everyone’s chasing the next big thing. Startups are popping up promising everything from automatic coding to robot assistants. But how do you tell what’s real value and what’s just hype?

That’s where venture capitalists (VCs) come in. According to De Rycker, investors like Accel have a key responsibility here: cut through the noise and support AI businesses with solid foundations. That means:

• Strong technical teams
• Clear paths to revenue
• Proper use of data

For example, imagine a startup using AI to improve cancer diagnostics. That’s a clear, purposeful use of AI with real-world value. Compare that to a hastily-built chatbot offering vague productivity boosts—harder to judge, right?

VCs can help balance vision with realism. As De Rycker puts it, VCs need to back companies where AI isn’t just icing on the cake—it’s the cake itself.

What’s Next? Europe’s Path Forward in AI

As AI continues to reshape industries, the question remains: Can Europe lead or will it lag behind?

If it follows De Rycker’s advice, here’s what should happen next:

• Founders get bold – Build AI companies that tackle big problems, not just small optimizations.
• Governments stay proactive – Provide friendly regulation, tax support, and incentives for R&D.
• Investors think long-term – Support startups through the full journey—from lab to global scale-up.
• Collaboration drives results – Universities, startups, corporations, and regulators must work together.

Is this easy? Nope. But nothing worth doing ever is.

Final Thoughts

Europe’s AI future is still being written. The decisions made now—by founders, regulators, universities, and investors—will shape how innovation thrives (or fizzles) in the years to come.

Sonali De Rycker offers a strong, clear message: Don’t wait for others. Build your own future.

Whether you’re a startup founder, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about where AI is going next, now’s the time to pay attention. The AI train is speeding up, and Europe needs to decide—will it ride or watch from the sidelines?

What do you think—can Europe lead the charge or is it too late? Let us know in the comments!