Decelera Ventures

Decelera Ventures is a distinctive venture capital fund and the world's first startup decelerator, focusing on early-stage, mission-driven tech companies. The firm distinguishes itself with a founder-centric approach, emphasizing investments in individuals who demonstrate resilience, vision, and leadership. They aim to support entrepreneurs in building transformative and sustainable companies, ultimately fostering the next generation of tech unicorns with a positive impact on the world. Decelera Ventures combines capital with a hands-on, founder-centered methodology, creating lasting value for companies, stakeholders, and the broader ecosystem.

The firm's unique methodology involves an immersive program, often held in locations like Menorca, Spain, designed to help founders slow down, reflect, and reconnect with their purpose. This program has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of the 50 most influential players in the European entrepreneurial landscape. Decelera Ventures targets sustainable startups with unicorn potential, particularly those addressing critical environmental and social challenges. They have secured €38 million in capital for their primary fund and manage a second fund in Mexico targeting approximately $30 million, demonstrating their commitment to expanding their impact across Southern Europe and the Hispanic ecosystem.

Decelera Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies, with initial tickets ranging from €150K to €1M per company. Recently, they increased their initial investment to €300,000 for every startup selected for their European program, with the potential for an additional €700,000 convertible note post-program, bringing the total initial investment to €1 million. Further follow-on investments of up to €1 million per company are reserved for top-performing portfolio companies, allowing for a cumulative investment of up to €2 million. Their investment strategy is adaptable to new trends, including artificial intelligence.

The firm is led by a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and operations. Key team members include founders and partners Marcos Martín, Borja Escalada, Jaime Pérez, Jordi Vallejo, and Diego Laresgoiti, alongside a dedicated team covering investment management, portfolio management, growth, tech, and legal aspects. This diverse expertise underpins their comprehensive support for founders, extending beyond just capital to include strategic guidance and operational assistance.