In 2021, amid the changes caused by the pandemic, Europe has become a powerful force shaping the global venture capital landscape. The rapid growth has attracted considerable attention from both non-European investors and non-European capital. The venture capital market has entered a new paradigm with trends pointing to a vibrant new normal. Accelerating fundamental growth contributes to higher valuations, reflecting additional potential growth in broad targeted markets, with startups gaining market share in many sectors. Larger funding rounds, larger transaction volumes, and faster and larger exits reflect the fact that investors and founding teams are becoming more sophisticated and experienced. The digital venture space is replete with investment opportunities. Fintech opens up many opportunities for both developed and developing countries transitioning to a cashless economy. The authors conducted a retrospective study of the methodology for evaluating venture investments based on the analysis of Russian and foreign studies. When studying the material, the Russian specifics and European trends of changes in the venture market are taken into account. A set of qualitative criteria is proposed, according to the authors, relevant when considering Russian startups at the beginning of 2022. The proposed classification includes basic criteria that historically define venture investment projects, as well as the minimum necessary for the formation of an offer to an investor.