Saarbrücker21
Saarbrücker21 (SB21) is a group of friends and internet/tech entrepreneurs who invest in young startup and digital companies. They operate as active business angels, providing seed funding to founders with promising ideas. Their core value proposition extends beyond capital, emphasizing hands-on support and guidance to help founders avoid common pitfalls based on their own experiences. They offer introductions to relevant contacts, leveraging their collective experience to assist startups in various aspects of company building. The SB21 team consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds who have all successfully built, sold, or IPO'ed companies. This collective experience allows them to provide valuable insights across different industries. They believe in the power of cross-industry knowledge transfer to unlock new opportunities and add value to their portfolio companies. SB21 prides itself on being quick decision-makers and readily available to support their portfolio companies. They act as a sounding board for new ideas, providing introductions to key contacts, and offering general support whenever needed. The group's strength lies in their shared experiences as founders and their commitment to helping other startups succeed.
Space Ventures Investors
Space Ventures Investors Ltd (SVI) focuses on building a Strategic Space Value Chain by researching trends in space commerce, forming joint ventures and partnerships, and investing in space companies that have a niche role in this value chain. They target opportunities often overlooked by institutional funds, venture capital, and public funding, aiming to provide seed funding to innovative space startups. SVI aims to build and manage an evolving space portfolio to match changes in technology, and ultimately deliver returns to investors for decades to come. The firm conducts proprietary research on the space industry and markets and performs due diligence on numerous space companies, especially early-stage ones. They have invested in earth observation startups, launch companies, and lunar resources ventures. SVI sees the next wave of innovation in infrastructure-level operations, such as cheaper and more environmentally friendly launch solutions, new spaceports, space-based solar power, lunar resource extraction, orbital servicing, space debris mitigation, and orbiting data centers. SVI leverages its experience and research to identify and support European space entrepreneurs and companies developing innovative technology, especially those focused on space resources, from mining engineers to planetary academics working on harvesting resources for commercial gain. This extends from sifting platinum group metals from Lunar regolith to developing space-based solar power constellations. They also consider the legal aspects of space commercial ventures.
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.
bmp Ventures
bmp Ventures, established in 1997, is a venture capital firm that invests in outstanding teams with innovative and scalable business models, primarily in tech companies. They position themselves as 'partners in crime' for early-stage and growth startups, providing not only financial resources but also strategic advice and access to an international network, from seed phase to exit. With 25 years of experience, bmp Ventures has managed 11 funds, made over 250 investments, achieved over 120 exits, and had more than 15 IPOs. Their approach focuses on supporting entrepreneurs with big ideas and innovative companies in growing markets, emphasizing sustainable growth, strong teams, and entrepreneurial substance. They are known for providing hands-on support, strengthening key areas of their portfolio companies, and acting as sparring partners in the development process. They also heavily weigh ESG criteria in their investment process, aiming to be CO2 neutral and prioritize sustainability.
exist
exist is a program by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) designed to foster a thriving startup ecosystem within universities and research institutions. Their core strategy revolves around supporting students, graduates, and scientists in developing technology and knowledge-based ventures. They provide funding through various programs like the exist Start-up Grant and exist Research Transfer, specifically targeting individuals and projects with significant research and development components. A key element of their strategy is to increase the number and success rate of technology-oriented and knowledge-based companies emerging from academic environments. exist's approach encompasses various initiatives aimed at establishing a vibrant and sustainable startup culture. This includes competitive programs to incentivize universities, model projects to explore innovative approaches to startup support, and resources like the Global Certification and Consulting Center (GCCC) to assist international founders. Their involvement since 1998 demonstrates a long-term commitment to developing the German startup ecosystem. The program actively encourages universities and research institutions to integrate startup support into their teaching, research, and administration. This holistic approach aims to create an environment that naturally cultivates entrepreneurial thinking and action. By focusing on knowledge-based and technology-driven ventures, exist contributes to the German economy's growth and competitiveness in high-tech sectors. Ultimately, exist strives to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial application by providing the necessary resources, guidance, and ecosystem support for researchers and students to transform their ideas into successful businesses. Their focus on early-stage, research-intensive ventures positions them as a crucial player in fostering innovation and technological advancement in Germany.
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 is a pre-seed venture capital firm focused on investing in B2B startups in Europe that address hard problems with complex technology. They aim to be the companion for technology founders at hour zero, providing a strong foundation for sustainable growth. The firm's core belief is in backing highly ambitious teams with scientific or technological breakthroughs, helping them turn these innovations into impactful startups. They emphasize a hands-on, supportive approach, delivering "first momentum" to their portfolio companies. This includes providing resources, a relevant network, and the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of building a successful deep tech startup. Their Pre-Seed DNA means they have deep expertise in guiding companies from zero to one, leveraging their experience since 2015. Their team of engineers and scientists enables them to speak the language of technical founders and understand highly technical products, markets, and commercialization paths. They strive to offer tangible support through high-value connections to talent, customers, and future investors, emphasizing that IQ and EQ are equally important in their relationships with founders. Beyond capital, First Momentum builds ecosystems for technical founders by creating communities, knowledge resources and events tailored to this audience.
HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds
HTGF (High-Tech Gründerfonds) is a pre-seed and seed investor focused on tech startups. They aim to back tech founders who are building the future, particularly in Germany, from the very beginning. Their mission is to strengthen the technological backbone of the German economy and create international market leaders. They achieve this by providing capital, access to a strong network of industry and science experts, experience in scaling startups, and deep tech know-how. They invest in companies across a variety of high-tech sectors, including industrial, climate, deep tech, life sciences, chemistry, and digital tech. They focus on tech startups in Germany and seek to help them to become successful and leading international companies.
High-Tech Gründerfonds
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) invests in tech founders with the ambition to shape the future. They focus on early-stage investments (pre-seed and seed) and provide a strong network in business and science, along with experience in scaling startups and deep tech know-how. Their mission extends beyond track record, aiming to strengthen the technological backbone of Germany and create international market leaders. HTGF invests in all major tech sectors, from software to hardware, including AI, Deep Tech, and Biotech. They emphasize supporting companies developing innovative technologies across industrial, climate, deep tech, life sciences, chemistry, and digital tech sectors. HTGF aims to provide not only capital but also expertise and support to navigate the challenges of the early phases of startup development. HTGF focuses on backing tech founders and helping them build the future early on. They are deeply involved in helping companies scale, utilizing their extensive network and tech expertise. Their stated mission is to sustainably strengthen Germany's position as a leading tech hub and facilitate the creation of global market leaders. HTGF's team comprises founders, visionaries, and individuals with experience in business and science, boasting over 300 years of combined investment experience, understanding the dynamics and challenges of early-stage companies. HTGF participates actively in the German startup ecosystem through news, stories, and events. They offer online seminars (FoundersClasses) and podcasts such as 'ZukunftsReady' and 'Founders Faces' to share insights and knowledge with founders. HTGF supports startups not only financially, but also by providing support in communication through press releases and logo downloads. The firm emphasizes the importance of people, recognizing the value of diversity and passion in tech.
Merantix Capital
Merantix Capital focuses on building and investing in AI-native companies. Their approach includes a venture studio model, where they partner with pre-idea entrepreneurs to define new AI categories and build companies from scratch. Simultaneously, they operate a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed and seed-stage AI-native companies. They aim to leverage Europe’s largest and most diverse AI community to provide support and resources to their portfolio companies. This multi-faceted approach allows them to identify, create, and nurture promising AI ventures from the earliest stages.
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.
Trind Ventures
Trind Ventures backs bold consumer ideas across Europe, focusing on early-stage consumer and community-driven startups. They invest in founders who build for real users, not just pitch decks, and provide support from the first ticket to multi-round investments. They look for startups that spark change and demonstrate early traction that can be turned into lasting growth. The firm is committed to long-term partnerships with its portfolio companies. The firm's focus is on companies operating in the consumer sector, including apps, marketplaces, and community-driven platforms. They prioritize companies that are building products people actually use, love, and talk about. Trind Ventures aims to help its portfolio companies scale with discipline, emphasizing capital efficiency and strong execution. Specifically, they are looking for companies that are addressing changing consumer attitudes, rising awareness of sustainability, and increasing cost-consciousness. They're excited to support companies expanding into new markets and bringing sustainable options to a broader audience.
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.