Spread Ventures
Spread Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on empowering sustainable fashion solutions. They aim to improve the future of fashion by investing in creative minds and turning seemingly impossible ideas into the new normal. Backed by Spread Group, a global provider of customized fashion and lifestyle products, Spread Ventures combines operational e-commerce and made-to-order production know-how with venture capital expertise. They leverage this combination to drive change in the fashion and creator industry. Spread Ventures invests in tech-driven early-stage companies, primarily in the pre-seed and seed stages. Their investment strategy centers around partnering with startups, founders, and visionary pioneers who possess the potential to redefine the fashion and creator industry. They seek companies aligned with a vision for a better and more sustainable future. The firm focuses on specific sub-sectors within the fashion tech and creator economy, including made-to-measure, mass customization, production-on-demand, digital creator services, content creation and monetization, virtual fitting, avatar & metaverse, phygital fashion, sustainable materials, supply chain & circularity solutions, and new textiles & circular fashion. This targeted approach allows them to leverage their operational background and market knowledge to support their portfolio companies effectively.
Square One
SquareOne is a venture capital firm that invests in B2B tech entrepreneurs at the pre-seed and seed stages. They focus on entrepreneurs who are deeply committed to solving complex problems in large, expanding markets. Their website highlights a focus on industry expertise, product advising, tech advising, mentorship, and customer connections to provide value beyond capital. The firm appears to take a hands-on approach, assisting portfolio companies with building, connecting, facilitating, and hustling. SquareOne's investment strategy seems centered around identifying and supporting companies developing innovative solutions, often involving deep tech or software, as evidenced by their portfolio. They aim to actively assist their portfolio companies in scaling and navigating the challenges of early-stage growth. The inclusion of veteran mentors and guaranteed connections indicates an emphasis on practical guidance and leveraging a strong network. Their approach to 'squaring ideas' likely encompasses a rigorous evaluation process coupled with active involvement in refining and executing the company's vision. Given the repeated reference to assistance with 'building, hustling, connecting, and facilitating,' SquareOne seems to position itself as an active, operationally-focused investor, rather than solely a provider of capital. The fund invests in startups across various sectors including AI, robotics, cybersecurity, ecommerce, and green technology. They appear to offer a strong network through their industry, product, and tech advisors to help with customer connections and problem-solving.
Start-up BW Innovation Fund (managed by MBG Baden-Württemberg)
MBG Baden-Württemberg, managing the Start-up BW Innovation Fund, focuses on providing flexible financing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Baden-Württemberg. They offer both mezzanine capital and venture capital to facilitate growth, business start-ups, and succession planning. The firm aims to act as a neutral and bank-independent financial partner, providing long-term stable financing instruments through both silent and open participations. MBG actively supports companies through various stages, from seed to Series A and beyond, focusing on increasing the long-term value of the invested companies. MBG emphasizes the importance of maintaining the entrepreneur's freedom in making business decisions, refraining from interfering in the daily operations of the companies they invest. They provide access to a broad network of associations, chambers, and consultants to assist with business model evaluation, entrepreneur preparation, and problem-solving. This network also facilitates the exchange of ideas between established corporations and startups, fostering innovation and offering new perspectives to traditional businesses. The firm aims to strengthen the equity base of companies, primarily through silent participations that are considered economic equity by banks due to their subordinated status in case of insolvency. This can positively influence the company's credit rating. MBG aims to provide a financial structure that offers a solid foundation for entrepreneurial flexibility, enabling companies to remain agile in a dynamic environment with rapidly changing conditions. MBG Baden-Württemberg also takes pride in its ability to link the Old and New Economy, by connecting startups and established companies to foster innovation and new ideas. They emphasize the collaborative nature of their investment approach, combining their long-standing experience in financing and participations with the industry know-how of their clients to successfully implement business plans.
Styx Urban Investments
STYX Urban Investments is a venture capital firm focused on investing in entrepreneurs who are reimagining the urban environment. They aim to support startups that offer innovative solutions for greener cities and buildings. Their investment strategy revolves around providing not only capital but also access to their 'Urban Living Labs,' which allow startups to test and validate their products in real estate assets across key European markets. STYX targets pre-seed funding rounds, helping urban tech startups prepare for seed rounds. They consider themselves to be more than just an investor, viewing themselves as an enablement partner and an Urban Living Lab VC.
Sunfish Partners
Sunfish Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in deep tech startups originating from Eastern Europe (CEE). Their core mission revolves around bolstering Europe's autonomy through strategic investments in the space and defense sectors, alongside hardware and software startups. They provide pre-seed funding with ticket sizes between €150k to €300k. The firm's investment strategy targets companies that contribute to technological advancement and independence within Europe, particularly within the space and defense industries. They invest in both hardware and software, acknowledging the critical intersection of these domains in fostering impactful innovation. Geographically, they prioritize founders based in Eastern Europe (CEE). Sunfish Partners emphasizes providing early-stage capital and expertise to support the growth of promising startups. They actively engage with the space and defense tech ecosystem, participating in events and sharing insights through articles and videos. They are dedicated to fostering the next generation of deep tech companies in the region.
Technologiegruenderfonds Sachsen (TGFS)
Technologiegruenderfonds Sachsen (TGFS) is a venture capital firm that invests in knowledge-based, technology-oriented startups in Saxony, Germany. They aim to support innovative ideas and help startups achieve success through capital and know-how. TGFS positions itself as a leading seed and early-stage financier in the region, offering venture capital and management support. A key part of their investment strategy is to facilitate access to further international investors for their portfolio companies. The firm was initially launched in 2008 with funds from the Free State of Saxony and Saxon financial institutions. Now in its third fund generation, TGFS has supported over 100 startups. They invest in early stages when convinced by the idea and the team. TGFS focuses on providing equity financing to startups in the technology sector, particularly those based in Saxony. The fund actively looks for promising ventures and helps them execute their vision by providing capital and leveraging their years of experience. They aim to scale companies and contribute to the next stage of technological development, such as investing in quantum computing.
Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS)
Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS) is a venture capital firm that invests in knowledge-based, technology-oriented startups in Saxony, Germany. It focuses on providing capital and management support to teams in both the seed and startup phases. TGFS aims to be the leading early-stage financier in Saxony and helps its portfolio companies access international investors. The firm invests in companies across various technology sectors, providing equity financing and leveraging its experience to support founders. TGFS is active in early phases, backing ideas and teams they believe. The fund's investment strategy is centered around supporting the growth and scalability of its portfolio companies, as evidenced by recent investments in areas such as HR tech (clarait), Deep-Tech (Last Mile Semiconductor), and quantum computing (SaxonQ). Established in 2008, TGFS has evolved through three fund generations, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the Saxon startup ecosystem. The current fund generation has a total volume of €241.2 million, reflecting the firm's significant resources and capacity to support promising startups in the region. Their focus is heavily geared towards firms with strong technology underpinnings, and the ability to scale globally.
argo vantage GmbH
argo Vantage GmbH is a European venture capital firm focused on investing in innovative startups within technology, health, and sustainability. They prioritize making follow-on investments and actively engage with entrepreneurs, striving to advise and challenge them as board members. The firm emphasizes direct and transparent relationships built on trust, utilizing a "no bullshit" approach. They seek founders who share their values and are driven by a desire to build companies that contribute to a positive vision of the world. Their investment strategy focuses on identifying and supporting groundbreaking B2B solutions in Deep Tech, Business Process Automation, and Mass Consumer Disruption, seeking to disrupt massive consumer markets through digital technology.
vent.io
Vent.io is a corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Deutsche Leasing AG that aims to accelerate the growth of the German Mittelstand by investing in and building digital solutions. They focus on strengthening Deutsche Leasing AG's position as the financial backbone of the German Mittelstand by driving digitalization and innovation and creating long-term value for its customers. They operate two business areas: product engineering, which builds data-driven digital solutions, AI-powered products, and customer-centric portals for Deutsche Leasing Group, and corporate venture capital (CVC), which invests in B2B startups and connects them with the Deutsche Leasing ecosystem and customers through strategic partnering and pilot projects. Vent.io's investment strategy centers around data-driven B2B startups from seed to Series A. They leverage Deutsche Leasing AG's 60+ years of experience in the leasing business, its €40+ billion assets under management, and its extensive distribution network to benefit their portfolio companies. This network includes 341 savings banks and over 100 top-tier OEM partners. The firm emphasizes strategic relevance, long-term value creation, and strengthening the future of asset finance and asset-related services. They also prioritize venture partnering, assisting startups in developing needs-based strategies and identifying strategic customer fit within the Deutsche Leasing ecosystem. This includes facilitating access to customers and partners and helping startups expand their customer base through pilot projects with clear KPIs to validate business potential.
B2Venture
B2Venture is a European venture capital firm that focuses on backing "the Unique, the Mavericks, the Outliers." They aim to leverage the power of generations to shape tomorrow by investing in the earliest stages of companies with the best ideas and brightest minds. The firm is supported by a community of angel investors spanning both tech and industry, who provide expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and hands-on support to portfolio companies. They invest primarily in the pre-seed and seed stage with the ability to invest in later stages through a Direct Investments track. B2Venture emphasizes its role as a long-term partner for entrepreneurs, providing deep experience, unwavering dedication, and unique expertise to support portfolio companies.
Expedite Ventures
Expedite Ventures is a business angel group of CTOs and CPOs focused on investing in and mentoring tech founders, with a particular emphasis on creating sustainable businesses. They provide both capital and in-depth, hands-on mentorship derived from decades of collective experience in building and scaling technology companies, which they believe is at least as valuable as funding. They prioritize supporting underrepresented groups in tech, including female and immigrant entrepreneurs. They are particularly interested in DevTools that promote cross-functionality, bridging gaps between developers and other creative colleagues. The firm looks for founders who identify and address real problems with innovative solutions. They value teams with industry expertise, unique access to data or resources, and a combination of smart technological implementations. They also invest in companies that combine AI, document management, and payments to tackle inefficiencies in the fintech and legaltech spaces. Their investment strategy involves partnering with founders and teams who demonstrate a clear vision, an innovative use of state-of-the-art technology, and the potential to disrupt their respective industries. They emphasize hands-on support to the companies they invest in and provide mentorship to ensure success.
First Momentum Ventures
First Momentum Ventures invests in pre-seed deep tech startups with highly ambitious teams addressing complex technical challenges. The firm provides comprehensive support from fundraising to recruiting, leveraging its team of engineers and scientists to understand technical products, teams, and markets deeply. They focus on building strong foundations for sustainable growth and act as dedicated partners, offering resources, networks, and expertise to navigate the complexities of early-stage startup development.
Project A Ventures
Project A Ventures is an early-stage VC firm focused on partnering with European entrepreneurs building the next generation of iconic companies. They invest in pre-seed and seed stages, providing initial investments ranging from €1m to €6m. The firm emphasizes a long-term, shoulder-to-shoulder approach, aiming to support founders through all cycles and build bold ideas into enduring businesses. Project A acts as early believers, offering support and expertise to overcome early-stage roadblocks. They are pan-European, investing from London to Berlin and beyond, and have a strong network that helps founders scale. Project A combines deep thematic expertise with a generalist platform, investing across sectors. The firm's investment themes include European Resilience, focusing on stronger national security, technological sovereignty, and democratic stability, as well as Fintech, towards democratic markets and efficient industries.
YZR Capital GmbH
YZR Capital focuses on investing in European HealthTech companies, from pre-seed to Series B, that are improving patient care, increasing provider efficiencies, and innovating value chains within healthcare. They aim to back ambitious entrepreneurs tackling complex challenges in global healthcare, combining deep expertise with fast execution to help build global champions with lasting impact. The firm emphasizes a hands-on, collaborative approach, leveraging their sector expertise to accelerate growth and support the founder's vision, building strong personal relationships with a shared ambition, and the freedom to innovate. They focus on quality over quantity, backing the right founders at the right time, and scaling them into market leaders across Europe. YZR Capital believes Europe offers an unmatched mix of world-class talent, deep tech expertise, and rising healthcare innovation potential. They aim to fill a critical knowledge gap and deploy capital when others paused, positioning themselves as a catalyst for this fast-growing ecosystem. They seek to partner with founders who are making healthcare more efficient, transparent, and accessible, building solutions that shape a healthier future. Their investment approach is centered around supporting founders who are building category-defining companies with scalable, tech-enabled solutions. They actively support their portfolio companies with functional and healthcare-specific know-how from day one. They aim to identify and scale companies that can address the growing challenges within healthcare such as a shortage of healthcare workers and the increasing number of people living with chronic diseases.
b.value AG
b.value AG is a venture capital firm focused on investing in DeepTech startups that combine exceptional founders and disruptive technologies to create solutions for a sustainable future. They aim to build a portfolio of fast-growing companies that define the future of production processes and markets, bridging the gap between R&D and global markets. Their strategy is based on identifying and supporting companies with talented founders, scalable business models, and disruptive, protected technologies. The firm specializes in companies operating in the European D-A-CH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), particularly those in the pre-seed and seed stages. b.value acquires minority stakes, co-investing with other investors to minimize risk and pool resources. This collaborative approach enables them to foster the success and growth of promising companies. b.value emphasizes its deep technology expertise and operational experience in building and managing biotech and high-tech companies. They aim to offer strategic and financial support, as well as access to a comprehensive network of industry experts, scientists, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to assist in scaling their portfolio companies. The firm believes that sustainable processes and products are fundamental for the future. Their focus lies on biotechnology (including precision fermentation, sustainable chemicals, food/feed, life science methods) and advanced materials, sectors they view as having above-average growth and innovation potential.
b2venture (btov)
b2venture is an early-stage European venture capital firm that leverages a strong community of angel investors with expertise spanning both tech and industry. This network allows them to bring unique expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and hands-on support to their portfolio companies. They aim to back unique, maverick, and outlier founders. They see themselves as partners for the long term and support companies at the earliest stages with dedication and expertise. b2venture invests primarily in the pre-seed and seed stages, but also has the ability to invest in later stages through its Direct Investments track. They aim to shape the future by investing in the best ideas and brightest minds, helping them to take flight. The firm's website emphasizes the importance of the investment team as strong allies to their portfolio companies. They believe that entrepreneurs are hiring partners, not just raising capital. The site presents the team as deeply experienced, unwavering in their dedication, and uniquely expert, highlighting their role in helping their portfolio companies fly.
10K Ventures
10K Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests its own capital and time in early-stage startups, funds, and businesses. They are inspired by relentless founders tackling big problems globally and are intellectually curious about massive opportunities driven by emerging technologies. Their investment strategy revolves around 100x ambition, aiming to turn $10-50k tickets into >$1Mn outcomes, focusing on bold and fast-moving companies from Day 0 to pre-seed with a clear path to >1Bn€ exits within 10 years. They prioritize business models that redefine and outperform the status quo, favoring innovative and scalable technologies with significant value creation potential. 10K Ventures emphasizes founders who can effectively sell their vision, execute flawlessly, and compound their successes over the long term. They seek founders with strong founder-market fit and the courage to pursue significant, long-term growth rather than optimizing for short-term gains. They aim to win deals through relevance and reputation, focusing on providing value-add to attract top founders. They build a strong network of investors, talent, and BD/partnerships to provide valuable introductions. They strive to maintain a good reputation for picking winners, avoiding a spray-and-pray approach, acting as superfans for founders and going the extra mile to provide support when needed. Their investment approach is multi-asset class, but their core focus is on venture-backed companies. They have a strong track record, with over 20 direct early-stage startup investments, achieving >6x TVPI and +46% IRR, including 6 soonicorns and a 9-figure exit. They have also invested in 4 early-stage funds spanning Emerging Markets and UK / Europe.
42 Cap
42CAP focuses on seed-stage tech- and data-driven B2B software companies across Europe with global ambition. The firm invests in businesses that leverage data and technology to create sustainable ventures. 42CAP's investment strategy is built upon the partners' experience as entrepreneurs who built two of Europe's largest software companies in the first internet wave, aiming to bring their entrepreneurial experience to support founders in the B2B software sector. They position themselves as peers amongst entrepreneurs.
EWOR
EWOR focuses on backing the top 0.1% of founders building €10B+ companies. Their investment strategy centers around early-stage investment, specifically targeting exceptional minds with the potential to create significant impact. They are not just advisors; they consider themselves peers, co-hustlers, and dedicated ecosystem co-founders for their portfolio companies. The firm aims to empower founders who will reshape the world, believing extraordinary talent transcends all boundaries. Their approach involves providing not only capital (up to €500k) but also mentorship from builders of unicorn companies, suggesting a hands-on and supportive approach to portfolio management.
FoodLabs
FoodLabs is a venture capital firm that focuses on backing bold entrepreneurs building iconic companies committed to planetary and human health. Their investment strategy revolves around tackling key challenges in the food and agricultural sectors. They actively assist the companies they invest in, offering support in various areas to help them scale and succeed. They are also a certified B Corp, indicating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. FoodLabs seeks to invest in companies that are rethinking the future of food and agriculture, aiming to create a more sustainable and healthy ecosystem. This involves supporting innovations that range from alternative proteins (making cheese from microbes instead of cows) to technologies that improve farming and logistics. The firm's portfolio showcases a diverse range of companies working to address different aspects of the food system. Their approach includes a 'Studio' model which likely indicates that they also actively participate in venture creation or incubation activities. They are based in Berlin but support entrepreneurs globally, showing a broad scope in their investment activities. They foster a culture focused on planetary and human health, reflecting in the types of companies they invest in and the support they provide.
Green Generation Fund
Green Generation Fund (GGF) is a Berlin-based venture capital firm focused on catalyzing prosperity by backing founders and breakthroughs in Europe's foundational sectors. They invest in technologies that reshape these sectors, creating lasting value. GGF combines capital with entrepreneurial insight, working hands-on with teams from pre-seed to Series A. Their investment strategy acknowledges sector convergence and seeks opportunities at the intersection of deep tech, AI, and consumer & marketplaces. GGF aims to invest in companies using AI to solve pressing global challenges. They also look for startups shaping new consumption patterns and unlocking transformative models in established B2C and B2B industries. Recognizing the evolving landscape of consumer behavior and market dynamics, GGF targets companies that are poised to redefine the consumer experience or disrupt traditional business models. Beyond specific sectors, GGF emphasizes a holistic mindset and cross-cutting technologies. They believe that capturing value in the current environment requires a broader perspective and the ability to leverage multiple technological advancements. They also are interested in scientific breakthroughs and university spinouts across energy, space tech, robotics, and synthetic biology & chemistry.
Heal Capital
Heal Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in technology-driven startups redefining healthcare. They focus on providing capital and access to the healthcare system to mission-driven founders. Their investment strategy targets early-stage HealthTech startups across Europe, from Pre-Seed to Series A. They aim to back companies that are leveraging technology to improve various aspects of healthcare, likely including diagnostics, treatment, patient care, and healthcare operations. Given the focus on access to the healthcare system, they probably actively facilitate partnerships and integration opportunities for their portfolio companies with existing healthcare providers and institutions. Their portfolio highlights various areas in healthtech, from platforms that help patients navigate healthcare to advanced AI tools used in radiology and drug discovery. This indicates a diverse investment interest within the broader HealthTech landscape. The mention of exited companies suggests a demonstrated ability to successfully guide startups to exit events. Heal Capital invests between €1-5m, allowing them to take meaningful stakes in companies at the seed and series A stage. They are likely to play an active role in the companies they invest in, using their expertise and network to accelerate growth.
Picuscap
Picus Capital is a global investment firm that seeks to identify and invest in promising business models and founding teams, irrespective of their geographic location. They provide comprehensive market understanding and strategic support to their portfolio companies from early stages, often participating in multiple rounds from pre-seed to Series B and beyond. They emphasize a hands-on approach, offering support in areas such as talent acquisition, fundraising, internationalization, and navigating complex financing challenges. The firm looks to establish close partnerships with founders, acting as a sounding board and offering guidance based on deep industry knowledge. Their portfolio companies highlight the firm's consistency, conviction, and thoughtful support throughout their journeys. Picus demonstrates a commitment to rolling up their sleeves to tackle challenges hands-on, contributing strategic insight and operational support. Picus Capital's investment strategy focuses on identifying companies with the potential to become category-defining players. They appear to have a particular interest in supporting companies that are building at the forefront of technology and are willing to invest early and consistently in promising ventures. Their global approach allows them to identify and support innovation across diverse markets and industries. Recent news indicates a focus on AI, developer platforms, and energy, suggesting a continued emphasis on disruptive technologies and sustainable solutions. The firm's closing of Picus Venture Fund II at €250M indicates a significant commitment to continuing its investment strategy.
Tiburon
Tiburon is a seed and early-stage venture capital firm based in Europe, founded in 2001, with a goal to become the leading European-American early-stage investment boutique. Their mission is to be a trusted sparring partner for founders. They aim to provide more than just capital, offering strategic advice, access to their network, and marketing expertise. The firm emphasizes a deep dive approach, focusing on understanding the underlying reasons for success and actively engaging with portfolio companies to achieve their goals. Tiburon seeks to invest in innovative startups in the digital sector, specifically within media, mobile, communities, meta platforms, FinTech, or SaaS. They look for founders who are hungry for success and willing to engage in a collaborative partnership. Tiburon is led by Daniel Wild, who has over a decade of experience investing in inspiring founders. With over 20 years of venture investing experience and over 150 startup investments, they are one of the earliest movers in European tech. They differentiate themselves by providing 'smart money' which includes access to an outstanding network, marketing expertise, synergies between companies and continuous strategic advice, versus just providing cash. They are not afraid to invest in early stage companies, even referring to them as 'baby sharks'.