Bootstrap Europe

Bootstrap Europe is a prominent European investment firm specializing in growth debt and venture debt for high-growth technology and innovation-driven companies. The firm provides non-dilutive funding, allowing entrepreneurs and shareholders to retain control of their businesses while fueling their growth journeys. Their investment philosophy emphasizes supporting businesses that aim to make a tangible, positive impact on people and the planet, integrating ESG policies into their deal origination and portfolio management activities.

Founded in 2015 by Fatou Diagne and Stephanie Heller, Bootstrap Europe is headquartered in Luxembourg, with additional offices in London and Zurich. The founding team's extensive experience in financing and building technology companies laid the groundwork for the firm's focus on growth debt. Key partners like Humphrey Nokes, a pioneer in European growth debt, and Eliott Saba, formerly of Silicon Valley Bank, have further strengthened the team's expertise. The firm has invested approximately €1.7 billion across 416 loans in 14 jurisdictions, and in April 2023, they closed their third venture debt fund at €130 million.

Bootstrap Europe's diverse portfolio includes companies across various thriving industries such as green energy, genetic testing, deeptech, SaaS, fintech, and smarter city solutions. Notable investments include Blueprint Genetics, TransferGo, CloudNC, MiNA Therapeutics, M2i Life Sciences, No Issue, Animaj, and Dexory. The firm's reach extends across the UK, Germany, France, and the Nordics, and they are supported by major financial institutions like the Visa Foundation, the European Investment Fund (EIF), and the British Business Bank (BBB). In a significant move, Bootstrap Europe also acquired Silicon Valley Bank's German portfolio of $169 million loan commitments.

The team at Bootstrap Europe comprises experienced professionals with backgrounds in entrepreneurship, finance, and technology. Managing Partners and co-founders Stéphanie Heller and Fatou Diagne lead a team that includes Structuring Partner Humphrey Nokes, Partner Eliott Saba, and Chief Operating Officer Shailen Modi, among others. Their collective experience and understanding of the entrepreneurial journey enable them to provide strategic and financial support to flourishing businesses across Europe and the UK.