Cognitive Corporate Finance
Cognitive Corporate Finance positions itself as a cutting-edge merchant advisory firm, leveraging technology and big data to connect companies with investors and strategic partners. Their core thesis revolves around using data-driven insights to understand counterparties and identify overlooked investment opportunities. They aim to transcend traditional advisory services by actively partnering with clients throughout their strategic development and growth phases. They emphasize their ability to make connections other firms miss and target investors that are often not considered by other firms. They emphasize their global reach and data-driven approach as key enablers of their capabilities.
Constructor Capital
Constructor Capital is a Swiss-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in Deep Tech, Software, and Edtech. They bridge frontier research and scalable venture capital, backing founders who turn scientific breakthroughs and advance software ideas into global businesses. As the venture engine inside of Constructor Group, they leverage a global ecosystem encompassing research, universities, and applied technology to connect frontier research with venture discipline, aiming to help founders transition from lab to market faster and with higher conviction. Their investment approach is deeply rooted in science and aims to identify and support breakthrough innovations that accelerate learning and scientific discovery. Constructor Capital's edge is defined by several key factors: a research network comprising relationships with over 50 universities and 500+ world-class researchers for early sourcing and due diligence of deep science opportunities; access to Constructor Group assets, including Constructor University, Constructor Tech, and Constructor Start, for pilots, talent, and co-development; an operator DNA with partners who have founded and scaled platforms; a global network of VCs, LPs, and corporate partners across Europe, MENA, US, and Asia; and a commitment to ecosystem deal flow through partnerships with TTOs, incubators, and accelerators to commercialize academic IP. The firm is particularly passionate about the future and actively seeks out opportunities in areas like quantum technologies, even before they gain mainstream attention. Their General Partner's acquisition of Constructor University and the development of Constructor Tech reflects their belief that changing the world begins with knowledge and underscores their commitment to building the future. They focus on science-based ventures at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. Constructor Capital provides significant value add by supporting executive hiring, facilitating customer outreach, and connecting academic founders to elite business networks, turning scientific breakthroughs into real growth stories.
Cornerstone VC
Cornerstone VC focuses on investing in early-stage technology businesses led by diverse teams in the UK. They employ a 'people first' investment strategy, believing that the potential in diversity as an asset class is significant. Their approach centers on supporting founders who are intentional about building world-class teams, excel in high-growth environments, and are obsessive about execution. They prioritize the team and the people behind the idea, as much as the product itself. The firm's investments span across three key themes: Live, Work, and Play. Within Live, they invest in Health Tech, Carbon Tech, Supply Chain and Logistics, and PropTech & Infrastructure, focusing on technologies that improve lifestyles and create a sustainable future. In Work, they target Enterprise Software, Machine Learning/AI, Fintech, and Ed Tech & Skills, supporting innovative applications for collaboration, data protection, financial empowerment, and employee wellness. For Play, they invest in Networks & Marketplaces, Online Communities, Web 3.0/Immersion, Social, Adtech, and Martech, redefining how people wind down, socialize, and spend quality time. Cornerstone VC emphasizes being an approachable and supportive partner to founders, particularly during the challenging early stages. They aim to be present during both the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey. They actively look to break barriers within the VC landscape and support opportunities for talented founders from diverse backgrounds. They started as angel investors and aim to bring that experience into their fund investing activities. They seek founders who are building world-class teams, can excel in high growth environments and are truly obsessive about execution.
Creative UK
Based on the crawled data, Creative UK operates as an organization focused on supporting and investing in the creative industries within the United Kingdom. Their investment thesis appears to center on providing both debt and equity financing to creative enterprises, particularly through initiatives like Creative Growth Finance (CGF) and North East Investment. They actively promote growth in the creative sector by offering various forms of support, including Creative Enterprise programs, Film & TV support, and Regional Growth Programmes. Their goal is to create a robust and diverse creative ecosystem through financial investment, resources, and advocacy. Creative UK also focuses on championing the creative industries through advocacy and campaigning, exemplified by their manifesto and engagement with political entities like the Labour Party Conference. They operate membership and community engagement programs for individuals and students. Through their diverse services, Creative UK endeavors to foster a sustainable and innovative environment for creative businesses. They organize events like the Big Creative UK Investment Summit to connect investors and creative entrepreneurs. The firm's strategy encompasses various initiatives, including Creative Growth Finance, North East Investment, and debt/equity portfolios, signifying a multi-faceted investment approach. The firm provides support programs to assist creative enterprises to thrive via creative enterprise programs, film & tv support, regional growth programs, and creative crowdfunding in conjunction with Crowdfunder.co.uk. They also advocate for the creative industries through their manifesto, campaigns, and engagement with the UK Council and political events. The firm supports diversity & inclusion by focusing on related EDI case studies and providing means for addressing bullying & harassment. They aim to be a comprehensive resource for creative businesses, providing not only capital but also guidance, networking opportunities, and a platform for advocacy. They facilitate partnerships through various means and operate a creative portal to engage with their members.
D-Ax Corporate Venture Capital
Novax is an active, long-term partner to growth companies, aiming to build successful companies that can become future cornerstones of Axel Johnson. Their strategy involves investing in, supporting, and developing small and mid-sized enterprises, creating an ecosystem where people and businesses can thrive. The firm emphasizes a long-term ownership approach, suggesting a commitment to nurturing companies over an extended period to realize their full potential within the broader Axel Johnson group.
DB1 Ventures
DB1 Ventures is the venture capital arm of Deutsche Börse Group. Based on the limited information available, it appears their investment thesis centers around strategic investments in companies that enhance or complement Deutsche Börse Group's existing financial infrastructure and market services. This includes companies involved in electronic trading platforms, data analytics, and the digitization of capital markets processes. They seem to seek out businesses with validated product-market fit and the potential to scale across regulated markets. A key aspect of their strategy likely involves leveraging Deutsche Börse Group's expertise, network, and market access to accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies. The focus appears to be on investments that can contribute to the overall innovation and efficiency of the financial ecosystem. The portfolio companies indicate a focus on businesses operating within trading, market intelligence, and capital markets infrastructure. By investing in these areas, DB1 Ventures aims to capitalize on emerging trends and technologies transforming the financial industry. They likely prioritize companies with strong management teams and scalable business models that align with Deutsche Börse Group's long-term strategic objectives. The firm's investment decisions appear to be driven by the potential for synergistic relationships between the portfolio companies and Deutsche Börse Group's existing businesses. This suggests a preference for investments that can generate strategic value beyond pure financial returns. Given Deutsche Börse Group's global presence, DB1 Ventures may also target companies with international expansion potential. Overall, the investment thesis seems to be rooted in supporting innovation and driving efficiency across the financial markets landscape, with a particular emphasis on strategic alignment with the parent company's broader goals.
DTCP
DTCP is a platform focused on specialist investment strategies, driven by the conviction that rapid technology adoption fuels innovation, disrupts industries, and unlocks unprecedented wealth creation. Their approach is centered on identifying and investing in transformative sectors, where digital advancements lead to lasting impact and growth. They focus on two primary investment strategies: Infra and Growth. DTCP Infra specializes in digital infrastructure investments within the European mid-market. They target essential assets like data centers, mobile towers, and fiber networks. Their aim is to support the growth of these critical infrastructures, playing a vital role in enabling the modern digital economy. They believe that ESG and sustainability principles are integral to creating value for investors and stakeholders alike by mitigating risks and capturing new opportunities. Proactively addressing ESG matters throughout the investment cycle not only benefits society but also drives value creation and enhances investment outcomes. DTCP Growth partners with top enterprise SaaS entrepreneurs in Europe, the US, and Israel. They focus on growth-stage companies – scale-ups – in Cybersecurity, Vertical SaaS, DevOps, Cloud, AI, and Robotics. Their goal is to drive transformative growth and support their journey toward successful global expansion. DTCP aims to deliver transformative value to its portfolio companies through a team of over 60 professionals with a unique blend of financial acumen and vast operational experience.
DTCP Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners
DTCP operates as a platform focused on specialist investment strategies, driven by the belief that rapid technology adoption fuels innovation, disrupts industries, and unlocks wealth creation. Their investment approach is centered on identifying and investing in transformative sectors where digital advancements lead to lasting impact and growth. They focus on both digital infrastructure and growth-stage enterprise SaaS companies. DTCP aims to play a vital role in enabling the modern digital economy by supporting the growth of critical infrastructures and driving transformative growth in their partner companies, supporting their journey towards successful global expansion. The firm also emphasizes ESG principles as integral to creating value for investors and stakeholders, focusing on environmental sustainability and social responsibility to reduce business risk and enhance financial performance. DTCP's ESG Committee oversees the integration of ESG principles across all aspects of their operations.
DTCP Digital Transformation Capital Partners GmbH
DTCP Digital Transformation Capital Partners is a platform focused on specialist investment strategies, driven by the conviction that rapid technology adoption fuels innovation, disrupts industries, and unlocks unprecedented wealth creation. Their approach centers on identifying and investing in transformative sectors where digital advancements lead to lasting impact and growth. DTCP operates across two primary investment strategies: Infra and Growth. DTCP Infra specializes in digital infrastructure investments within the European mid-market. They focus on developing and operating essential assets like data centers, mobile towers, and fiber networks, supporting the growth of critical infrastructure for the modern digital economy. DTCP Growth partners with top enterprise SaaS entrepreneurs in Europe, the US, and Israel. They concentrate on growth-stage companies (scale-ups) in Cybersecurity, Vertical SaaS, DevOps, Cloud, AI, and Robotics, aiming to drive transformative growth and support their journey toward successful global expansion. DTCP's ESG and sustainability principles are integral to their value creation process. They believe proactively addressing ESG matters throughout the investment cycle not only benefits society but also drives value creation and enhances investment outcomes. They are committed to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Deep Tech & Climate Fonds
Deep Tech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) is a venture capital firm that invests in visionary companies driving breakthrough innovation and the transformation of the economy. As a long-term investor, they partner with entrepreneurs and other private investors, including venture capital funds, family offices, and corporations, to back the technology champions of tomorrow. They focus on companies with long development cycles, deep technology roots, and bold visions, providing capital, expertise, and strategic support to navigate complex growth journeys and reach international markets. DTCF's goal is to strengthen Europe's global competitiveness by helping companies scale, enter new markets, and design future-ready exit paths. They aim to connect high-tech startups, SMEs, and long-term-oriented investors to drive sustainable success and support those who shape the future of Europe's tech leadership. DTCF is funded by the German Future Fund and the ERP Special Fund, and provides long-term support to scale groundbreaking ideas in DeepTech and ClimateTech. They offer more than just funding and act as a sparring partner, offering technology foresight and a cross-industry perspective, with a focus on sustainable, long-term growth. They aim to help build resilient battery value chains, assist in advancing sustainable technologies, and deliver hardware to make clean fusion power a reality. DTCF values a long-term investment horizon and deep technical expertise, aligning with business models focused on sustainable technologies. DTCF aims to bridge the gap between investors, SMEs, and early-growth tech startups. They are committed to investing long-term capital in pioneering DeepTech and ClimateTech companies, leveraging their backgrounds in science, engineering, and venture building to provide hands-on experience and a shared passion for turning innovation into impact. The firm is focused on building bridges between startups and other investors, demonstrating a willingness to dig in, challenge constructively, and make conviction-based decisions. DTCF also takes ESG factors seriously, publishing an ESG report in 2024.
Delta Partners
Delta Partners is an early-stage VC firm based in Ireland that focuses on investing in foundation-stage Irish startups. They emphasize supporting entrepreneurs in building solid company foundations and milestone-focused, capital-optimizing cultures that last a company’s lifetime. They believe getting the foundations right dramatically increases a start-up’s chance of success and unlocks the path to explosive and sustainable growth. They consider the ability to execute an idea as more critical than the idea itself, focusing on how founders think, learn, act, and adapt. They look for evidence that founders have engaged with the market, tested solutions, and made decisions based on feedback, signaling momentum and potential.
Eden Ventures
Eden Ventures is an international venture capital firm focused on pre-seed startups, aiming to help founders realize their full potential. They position themselves as the "garden of Eden" for early-stage companies. Their strategy revolves around leveraging a large network of over 500 angels to provide business connections and fundraising opportunities through club deals and connections to VC partners. They seek to invest in teams with serial entrepreneurs, multidisciplinary skills, and strong commitment. The firm offers initial investments up to 100,000 EUR, with flexible financing options including SAFEs, convertible notes, and equity. They prioritize a "founders friendly" approach, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities of building a new business. Eden Ventures is backed by IAG, the main Italian business angel network, which suggests a strong tie to the Italian startup ecosystem and access to angel investors. Their investment criteria include targeting multibillion-dollar markets in hyper-growth sectors with well-defined target customers. They look for deals with the presence of professional investors, a clear roadmap, and defined KPIs, aiming to complete at least 50% of each round. They also mention synergies with the IAG portfolio of 80+ startups and scaleups as a value add. Their overall approach is network-powered, emphasizing connections, strategic advice, and maximizing next round opportunities for their portfolio companies.
Elevator Ventures
Elevator Ventures focuses on investing in innovative fintech and tech-driven companies in Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing security, digital transformation, and scalable solutions.
Elikonos Capital Partners
Elikonos Capital Partners focuses on investing in Greek Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are in growth or later stages. They aim to support these companies through capital investments and operational expertise. The firm manages Elikonos 2 S.C.A. SICAR, which has made multiple investments in various sectors, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the Greek economy. The team's diverse backgrounds in finance, operations, and investment banking contribute to their ability to identify and support promising companies. Their strategy includes acquiring minority stakes in companies with growth potential. They appear to be sector agnostic, with investments across Food & Beverage, Technology, Packaging, Cosmetics, and Aquaculture. Elikonos aims to create value by leveraging their team's experience to improve operational efficiency and expand market reach for their portfolio companies. Their exits, such as the divestment from Megas Yeeros and Eurocatering, demonstrate their ability to generate returns for their investors. Supported by entities like the European Investment Fund, ESPA, and EquiFund, Elikonos seeks to fill a crucial role in the Greek SME landscape. They aim to provide the necessary capital and strategic guidance to help these businesses scale and compete effectively. Their active investment approach is exemplified by their frequent announcements of new investments and exits. The firm's focus appears to be supporting established SMEs rather than startups.
Eurazeo
Eurazeo is a leading European asset manager in private markets, committed to supporting high-growth potential companies. They employ an integrated platform and diversified fund offering, leveraging a unique network to identify and nurture businesses, particularly in the mid-market and growth segments. Their strategy involves building European champions with global ambitions, drawing on their expertise in attractive sectors. Eurazeo also emphasizes profitable impact-driven companies, utilizing a scientific approach to invest in businesses that address environmental, social, and societal issues. Their stated ambition for 2024-2027 is to become the leading private asset manager across the European mid-market, growth, and impact sectors.
European Investment Fund
The European Investment Fund (EIF) is the European Union’s financing arm for SMEs and mid-caps. As part of the EIB Group, the EIF focuses on financial instruments that make financing more accessible and affordable for businesses, contributing to innovation, growth, competitiveness, social impact, and sustainability across the EU. The EIF also funds infrastructure investments with a social and sustainability objective. The firm aims to address funding gaps in both the SME and infrastructure ecosystems, increasing the supply of finance through existing and new market players, targeting underserved segments and supporting financing across the entire business lifecycle, from micro and early-stage enterprises to growth and scale-ups, aligning with EU policy areas including green, digital, and social infrastructure.
Evolem Start
Evolem Start accompanies entrepreneurs in executing their vision, investing in startups aligned with their values where they can have a significant impact. As a family office, they prioritize quick decision-making, stability, and a long-term, "evergreen" perspective in their partnerships. The investment approach is characterized by a commitment to ambitious growth alongside the entrepreneurs they back.
Exor Ventures
Exor's primary strategy appears to be building and managing great companies for the long term. They focus on creating value through active ownership and strategic management of their portfolio companies. They look for established businesses with strong market positions and growth potential, rather than solely focusing on early-stage ventures, although they do engage in some early-stage activities through affiliated entities. Their letter to shareholders emphasizes a commitment to growth and working with exceptional people. The core focus seems to be on increasing Net Asset Value (NAV) and outperforming the MSCI World Index over time. They directly invest into mature companies that are already established in their respective markets. Exor holds significant equity stakes and voting rights in a diverse portfolio of global companies. Their involvement spans various industries, including automotive (Ferrari, Stellantis, CNH, Iveco Group), healthcare (Philips, Institut Mérieux), sports (Juventus Football Club), and technology (Via Transportation). The level of economic and voting rights varies across these investments, suggesting a tailored approach to governance and influence. Exor also founded Lingotto in 2023, a long-term investment management company, and John Elkann is also a trustee of MoMA showing investment and involvement in culture. They approach investments with a long-term perspective, emphasizing sustainable growth and value creation. This is evident in their involvement with established brands like Ferrari and Philips. While they mention an "investment approach" and a detailed checklist of financial and business issues, the specific criteria for new company investments are not explicitly detailed on the website, suggesting a case-by-case evaluation process.
Export & Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO)
EIFO, the Export & Investment Fund of Denmark, operates as Denmark's business bank and investment fund, aiming to stimulate economic activity and prosperity through investments in Danish companies. Their primary goal is to assist Danish businesses in "setting things in motion," focusing on areas critical to Denmark's future, including security, innovative technologies, green transition, global business, and entrepreneurship. They provide both financial backing and strategic support to companies across various stages of development. The fund's strategy revolves around deploying capital to foster growth and innovation within Denmark, with a specific emphasis on sectors that align with national priorities, like defense, renewable energy, and advanced technologies. They aim to generate returns while simultaneously contributing to the broader societal objectives of increasing Danish wealth and competitiveness. By providing financial resources, EIFO enables companies to pursue opportunities for expansion, technological advancement, and global market penetration. EIFO actively participates in various initiatives and campaigns designed to promote entrepreneurship and business development, illustrating its commitment to being more than just a source of capital. They take a proactive role in identifying promising ventures and supporting their growth trajectories. The organization strives to create an environment conducive to innovation and to empower Danish companies to become leaders in their respective fields. Their focus areas revolve around defense/security, green transition, growth/entrepreneurship, and innovative technologies. They offer various financial instruments to support companies across their lifecycle, ranging from early-stage startups to established enterprises looking to expand their global footprint. The fund acts as a crucial catalyst in driving economic development and securing Denmark's future prosperity by backing promising businesses across strategic sectors.
F2 Venture Capital
F2 Venture Capital is an early-stage VC firm that partners with bold Israeli founders to build iconic companies from 0 to 1. They focus on trust, boldness, and efficiency. They aim to be the first institutional investor and work closely with founders from inception. While the website doesn't explicitly state a comprehensive investment thesis, their actions and content suggest a focus on disruptive technologies and founders who are building category-defining companies. Their insights highlight the importance of company culture and strong marketing frameworks, which reflects their preference for well-rounded founders and businesses. They operate an "Operator Platform" indicating a focus on providing operational support and resources to their portfolio companies. They actively share news and insights through their blog, demonstrating a commitment to thought leadership and community engagement. Their focus on Israeli startups suggests a strong understanding of the local ecosystem and a desire to support its growth. The firm's website highlights recent investments and successes of their portfolio companies, demonstrating a commitment to showcasing their founders and their achievements. Their stated values of trust, boldness and efficiency suggests a team culture that values transparent relationships with founders, supporting ambitious ventures, and striving for efficient operations. They focus on being the first institutional investor. Overall, F2's strategy appears to be centered around identifying promising Israeli startups at the early stage, providing them with both capital and operational support, and helping them scale into globally competitive companies. They are looking for founders who can solve big problems with groundbreaking technology. They maintain an active content presence through the "Insights" section, featuring news, analysis and the perspective of their team members.
FIRSTPICK
FIRSTPICK is a first-check VC fund backing Baltic founders at the inception and pre-seed stages. They operate as a generalist early-stage investor but have a strong focus on AI-first software companies. They aim to be the fastest fund in the Baltics, providing quick decisions and support to founders. The firm takes a hands-on approach, acting as coaches supporting founders from the initial idea to the growth stage. FIRSTPICK invests with the long term in mind, building a strong community to support their portfolio.
Faber
Faber invests in teams transforming the world with frontier technology. They combine entrepreneurial DNA, scientific expertise, and investment success to help founders grow and scale globally. They focus on early-stage ventures, from pre-seed to Series A, supporting companies from idea to market to early growth. Faber has dedicated teams supported by an expert advisory network to guide its deep tech investments.
Femmes Business Angels
Femmes Business Angels (FBA) is the leading women's business angel network in France, dedicated to investing in and supporting early-stage companies. The organization aims to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship by increasing the representation of women in both investor and founder roles. FBA leverages a network of experienced female investors to provide not only capital but also valuable mentorship, industry expertise, and networking opportunities to its portfolio companies. FBA's investment strategy centers on identifying promising startups with high growth potential, strong management teams, and innovative business models. They look for companies that can disrupt existing markets or create new ones, and that demonstrate a clear path to profitability and scalability. The organization prioritizes investments in sectors where its members have significant experience and expertise, allowing them to provide targeted support and guidance to portfolio companies. By actively promoting female entrepreneurship and investment, FBA aims to create a more diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem. They believe that gender diversity leads to better decision-making, more innovative solutions, and ultimately, greater economic success. FBA is committed to empowering women to take on leadership roles in the business world and to fostering a culture of collaboration and support among its members and portfolio companies. While the website does not explicitly state the investment strategy in such detail, it is implied from the organization's mission and activities.
Finindus
Finindus is a Belgium-based investment company that provides early-stage and growth financing to innovative technology companies across Europe, with Flanders as its home base. They also invest globally in technologies aligned with their expertise and the strategic interests of their shareholders. Their investment strategy focuses on companies operating in the fields of materials, sustainable manufacturing, and Industry 4.0. Finindus seeks out outstanding entrepreneurial teams that possess unique, relevant, and sustainable competitive advantages with a positive impact in sizable industrial markets. They are deeply rooted in the Flemish steel industry, which gives them a great affinity for steel and metal-related technologies. They focus on identifying materials that offer high performance and functionality at an acceptable cost with minimal environmental impact. Finindus aims to reduce the environmental footprint of products, processes, and supply chains through investments in cutting-edge technologies. They invest in digital solutions and advanced hardware and software that improve industrial processes in terms of safety, environmental impact, quality, efficiency, reliability, and durability. The firm places high value on fairness, trust, respect, and commitment in their partnerships. They focus on value creation for all stakeholders, contributing their expertise in areas like financing, HR, and technology. Finindus investments aim to drive impact across several sustainable development goals, including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, and life on land. They also provide access to an extensive industry network, including their sister company OCAS, a world-class metals research center, and their shareholders, ArcelorMittal and the Flemish Region.