Acurio Ventures

Acurio Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Bilbao, Spain, specializing in seed and Series A investments across Europe. The firm adopts a sector-agnostic approach, targeting exceptional companies and committed founders in diverse industries such as software, marketplaces, biotech, energy, and advertising. They primarily co-invest or follow leads, occasionally taking co-lead positions, and emphasize agility, quick decision-making, and value addition through their extensive networks and operational expertise. Acurio also operates a fund-of-funds strategy, drawing on prior fund management experience with approximately €400 million in assets under management, over 100 portfolio companies, and more than 150 international co-investors. Founded in early 2018 by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, Acurio Ventures was established to empower European founders with hands-on support. The name draws inspiration from Juan de Acurio, who supported Magellan's voyages, symbolizing their commitment to backing visionaries through challenges. Key founders include Diego Recondo, who kickstarted the firm after roles in startups and law; Hugo Fernández-Mardomingo, with prior VC and private equity experience; Ander Michelena, known for scaling Ticketbis to a successful eBay acquisition; and Kate Cornell, former UK CEO of Jobandtalent. The team expanded with principals like Jaume Ayats and Piotr Bukanski, bringing analytics and investment management expertise from top funds. Acurio's portfolio features standout companies like Fourvenues for event management software, Exoticca in luxury travel, Flagcat Studio for digital comics, Phagos in bacteriophage biotech, and Rabot Energy for green electricity solutions. Other investments include leaders in automated wealth management, refurbished device marketplaces, educational apps, AI-powered advertising, language tutoring platforms, men's healthcare, and supply chain planning software. Portfolio companies have collectively raised over $5 billion, reflecting the firm's ability to select high-potential ventures across more than 16 markets. The team's entrepreneurial DNA sets Acurio apart, with members having founded and scaled multiple ventures, worked at firms like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Rocket Internet, and managed significant funds. Based in Bilbao with presence in Madrid and London, they provide strategic intros, hiring support, and fundraising assistance, fostering strong founder relationships evidenced by a high Net Promoter Score of 93+ from entrepreneurs and limited partners.