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Venture Capital Struggles: 2023 Marks Lowest Investor Returns Since 2011

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 19, 2024

The venture capital (VC) industry is grappling with its worst liquidity crisis in over a decade, as exits such as IPOs remain scarce in the aftermath of the boom years of 2020 and 2021. New data from PitchBook, cited by *The Wall Street Journal*, paints a stark picture of the situation in 2023.

U.S. venture capital firms invested $60 billion more into startups than they returned to their investors, marking the largest deficit in PitchBook’s 26-year history of tracking this data. Moreover, VCs returned only $26 billion in shares to their investors last year, the lowest total since 2011.

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While exits have slowed to a trickle, the industry has paradoxically seen record-high investment levels in recent years. The past three years collectively recorded the largest annual totals of venture funding in history, despite the limited liquidity events.

There is hope that the situation could improve in 2024. Companies such as Klarna and ServiceTitan are reportedly preparing IPOs, which may help reopen the exit market and begin to reduce the record deficit. For now, however, the VC industry faces mounting challenges in balancing its high levels of investment with its need to deliver returns to investors.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Greek Theon Group Redefines Global Defense With Cutting-Edge Electro-Optics And Strategic Innovation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 20, 2025

Founded in 1997 in Greece, Theon Group has evolved into a global leader in man-portable electro-optics, specializing in advanced night vision and thermal imaging systems. These cutting-edge solutions are indispensable for modern defense and security operations, serving a diverse international clientele.

Expanding Global Footprint

Theon Group has established a formidable presence worldwide with subsidiaries and production facilities spanning Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the Baltic states, the United States, the Gulf States, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Singapore, and South Korea. With over 200,000 systems deployed in 71 countries—including 26 NATO members—the company’s robust international network reinforces its leadership in the sector.

Exemplary Financial Performance

In 2024, Theon Group reported exceptional financial results that surpassed guidance expectations. Revenue surged to €352 million—a 61% increase year-over-year—with new orders totaling €466 million and a net profit increase of 86% to €67 million. These strong financial metrics, coupled with a strategic inventory build to secure critical components, position the company for sustained growth throughout 2025 and beyond.

Innovative Strategies and Market Expansion

At the heart of Theon’s strategy lies a commitment to user-centric innovation and strategic collaborations. By actively engaging with its customer base and partnering with both industry peers and leading technology firms, Theon Group continuously refines its products to meet evolving operational demands. The company’s robust business development approach is also evident in its expansion of R&D capabilities and workforce, which has grown from 297 to 618 employees while enhancing diversity and expertise.

Transforming Night Vision Capabilities

As modern combat increasingly relies on superior situational awareness during nighttime operations, Theon Group remains at the forefront by leading the transition from traditional night vision systems to integrated, augmented reality solutions. The introduction of its ARMED ecosystem—featuring the IRIS-C thermal clip-on and THEA heads-up display—demonstrates its commitment to next-generation technologies that fuse imagery and data for enhanced battlefield performance.

Commitment To ESG Principles

Theon Group’s strategic priorities extend beyond technological innovation to incorporate robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. By integrating sustainable manufacturing processes, such as solar energy utilization and rigorous waste management, and fostering an inclusive, safe workplace—recently acknowledged by the Great Place to Work award in Greece—the company underscores its dedication to long-term ecological and social responsibility.

In summary, Theon Group’s blend of innovative product development, strategic global partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to ESG principles not only reinforces its dominance in the defense technology arena but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable growth and operational excellence in a rapidly evolving global market.