Venture Capital Firms in Berlin

Almaz Capital is a global venture capital fund that invests in early-stage, capital-efficient technology companies operating in high-growth sectors. The firm primarily targets disruptive deep tech within the B2B software space, with a keen interest in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), blockchain applications, the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing enablers, and cybersecurity. Their investment strategy is designed to bridge companies from emerging tech regions to the global marketplace, fostering their growth and international expansion.Almaz Capital was founded in 2008 by Alexander Galitsky, Charles Emmitt Ryan, Peter Loukianoff, and Pavel Bogdanov. The firm was initially backed by Cisco Systems and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with the vision of connecting Eastern European startups, particularly those from the CIS and CEE regions, with the resources and network of Silicon Valley. This "bridge fund" model aimed to leverage engineering talent in Eastern Europe for global markets. Over time, the firm's geographical focus has evolved, shifting its European operations to Berlin in 2017 and ceasing investments with ties to Russia in 2014 and Belarus in 2020, while remaining committed to supporting Ukrainian startups.Almaz Capital has built a diverse portfolio of approximately 50 companies, with over $300 million invested. Notable exits include Yandex (IPO NASDAQ), Qik (acquired by Skype), Sensity Systems (acquired by Verizon Communications), and Acumatica (acquired by EQT). Recent investments span various industries, including Business/Productivity Software (Moonshot AI, Platma, specter automation, Dabbl, MakeTime, Cinarra), Specialty Retail (Refurbed), Hardware (USound, Minut), Database Software (ClickHouse), and other technology areas like 3DLOOK (AI-first mobile body measuring), DMarket (NFT trading platform), and Mobalytics (gaming).The Almaz Capital team comprises experienced general partners and operational staff with diverse backgrounds in investment, operations, enterprise software, telecom, security, networking, analytics, data technologies, fundraising, LP relations, and portfolio management. Key team members include Alexander Galitsky (Co-Founder and Managing Partner), Charles E. Ryan (General Partner focusing on later-stage companies and exit strategy), Aniruddha Nazare (General Partner based in Berlin with expertise in enterprise software and telecom), Geoffrey Baehr (General Partner with a deep technical focus on security, networking, analytics, and data technologies), and Pavel (Pasha) Bogdanov (General Partner based in Berlin, involved in fundraising and portfolio management). Michael Bastholt serves as Partner & COO, overseeing operational leadership and investor relations, while Russell Green is the Financial Controller. Daniil Stolyarov and Tanya Dadasheva also contribute as partners and managing directors, respectively.

Berggruen Holdings is a global investment firm that serves as the direct investment vehicle of the Nicolas Berggruen Charitable Trust. The firm deploys proprietary capital across a diverse range of industries, continents, and asset classes, including direct private equity, real estate, alternative energy, financial instruments, and basic industry startups. They are known for their long-term, value-oriented investment approach, often building their portfolio organically through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Berggruen Holdings is prepared to invest up to $200 million in a single transaction, demonstrating significant financial capacity and flexibility due to operating without external capital commitments or fund structures.Founded in 1984 by Nicolas Berggruen, the firm originated from his early investments in real estate and public stocks, utilizing his trust fund. Over the past two decades, Berggruen Holdings has made hundreds of investments globally, expanding into private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds. Nicolas Berggruen, a German-American billionaire investor and philanthropist, established the firm to manage his investments and later co-founded the Berggruen Institute, a non-profit think tank focused on governance, economic systems, and technology.The firm's portfolio showcases a wide array of investments. Notable recent ventures include Chemify (2025) in the healthcare sector, and earlier investments in Story (2023), iLoF (2022), and prePO (2022) in seed and Series A rounds. Berggruen Holdings has also made significant acquisitions such as TLC Companies (2019) and has a strong presence in real estate, including a partnership with Firebird Grove for multi-family properties in New York City (2020) and extensive holdings in Berlin and Portland, Oregon. Other past investments span diverse areas like International Education Corporation, Thunder Funding (transportation factoring), and Telnic (a TLD operator).Berggruen Holdings is led by a seasoned team, with Nicolas Berggruen as Investment Advisor and Justin Topilow as Chief Executive Officer. The leadership also includes Koonal Gandhi as Chief Investment Officer and Eleanor Hsu as Managing Director of Investments. The team's global reach is evident through Managing Directors specializing in regions such as Global Real Estate, Germany, Europe, France, Turkey, and India, reflecting the firm's diversified international investment strategy and expertise across various asset classes and geographic markets.

Founded in 2016, BlueYard Capital is a thesis-driven venture capital firm headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with additional presence in the US and Europe. The firm focuses on backing visionary founders who develop transformative technologies that decentralize markets, empower users, and liberate data. BlueYard invests primarily in early-stage companies, from pre-seed to Series A rounds, with investment sizes ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. BlueYard’s investment strategy centers on sectors such as applied computation, engineering, aerospace and defense, biology and chemistry, and crypto networks. They seek to support technologies that either move society toward a utopian future or help hold the line against existential risks. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Protocol Labs, Filecoin, Privy (acquired by Stripe), Chemify, Flashbots, and Marvel Fusion, spanning industries from Web3 and blockchain to synthetic biology and frontier engineering. The firm manages approximately $500 million in assets under management (AuM) across multiple funds, including their latest $185 million Fund III. BlueYard operates as a small, equal partnership with a global perspective, actively investing across Europe and the United States. Their team comprises experienced general partners and operational staff with deep expertise in technology and venture capital, including founders Ciarán O’Leary and Jason Whitmire.

ByteDance is a global technology company renowned for its diverse portfolio of content platforms that aim to inspire creativity and enrich life. The firm operates leading applications such as TikTok, its Chinese counterpart Douyin, and the news aggregator Toutiao. Beyond social media and news, ByteDance's ecosystem includes video editing tools like CapCut, enterprise collaboration platforms like Lark, virtual reality products such as Pico, and mobile games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The company's core strategy revolves around leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to power personalized content recommendation engines, driving user engagement across its various platforms.Founded in 2012 by Yiming Zhang and Rubo Liang, ByteDance emerged from the nascent mobile internet market with a vision to build platforms that could significantly enhance people's lives. The company quickly launched Toutiao in August 2012, followed by Douyin in September 2016. A year later, ByteDance accelerated its global expansion with the introduction of TikTok, which rapidly gained traction worldwide. A pivotal moment in its history was the acquisition of Musical.ly in November 2017, which was subsequently merged with TikTok to create a unified global short-form video platform.As a corporate investor, ByteDance strategically invests in companies that align with its technological and market expansion goals. The firm has made numerous investments, particularly in areas like digital ICs, social platforms, and logistics technology. Notable investments include companies such as Shadowmootechnology, Hyper3D, and Xinyuan Semiconductor. ByteDance's investment activities are often geared towards enhancing its AI capabilities, expanding its product offerings, and strengthening its presence in key global markets, with a particular focus on China, the United States, and India.The leadership team at ByteDance includes Chairman of the Board Rubo Liang and a diverse group of board members such as Arthur Dantchik, William E. Ford, Xavier Niel, and Neil Shen. The company's strategic direction is also guided by key executives like TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and CFO Julie Gao. ByteDance's commitment to innovation is further underscored by its significant investments in AI infrastructure and research, with dedicated teams focusing on areas like AI foundation models, robotics, AI for science, and responsible AI, reflecting a deep expertise in cutting-edge technology and a forward-looking approach to digital content and services.

Capnamic Ventures is a Cologne- and Berlin-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. With deep roots in the German startup ecosystem, Capnamic provides not only capital but also strategic support, industry access, and operational guidance to help young companies scale effectively.The firm invests across various digital sectors including SaaS, B2B solutions, consumer internet, marketplaces, and enterprise tech. Capnamic’s team combines entrepreneurial experience with a strong corporate network, helping portfolio companies secure customers, talent, and next-round financing. The firm often co-invests alongside top international investors to maximize growth potential.Capnamic maintains a strong presence in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), focusing on founders with scalable business models and global ambitions. Through its hands-on approach, Capnamic has built a reputation as a founder-friendly partner, offering value far beyond funding to the next generation of European tech leaders.

Founded in 2015 by Mingpo Cai and Denis Barrier, Cathay Innovation is a global venture capital firm affiliated with Cathay Capital. The firm focuses on multi-stage investments in innovative startups across sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, digital health, consumer technology, and energy. With offices spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, it leverages a global network to support founders in scaling their ventures internationally. In 2025, Cathay Innovation launched its largest fund to date—Fund III, a $1 billion investment vehicle focused on AI startups. The fund targets application-layer innovations in digital health, consumer apps, fintech, and energy/mobility. Strategic LPs include leading corporates such as Sanofi, TotalEnergies, and BNP Paribas Cardif, reinforcing the firm’s strong links between venture investment and corporate innovation. The firm invests from Series A to late-stage rounds with check sizes ranging from $5 million to $80 million. Already backing 14 companies through Fund III, including Nabla and Mogic AI, Cathay Innovation unites startups, investors, and corporates to deliver strategic growth. Its hybrid global-local model ensures unique market access and operational support to portfolio companies worldwide.

Creandum is a prominent European venture capital firm founded in 2003, specializing in early-stage investments in innovative technology companies. With headquarters in Stockholm and offices in Berlin, London, and San Francisco, Creandum supports founders building global, category-defining businesses across multiple sectors including SaaS, fintech, healthtech, climate tech, consumer internet, and AI/ML.The firm emphasizes partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs, providing financial backing, strategic guidance, and access to a broad network to scale companies from seed rounds through IPO and beyond. Creandum’s investment philosophy centers on identifying startups with strong founding teams, differentiated products, and large market opportunities.They typically invest between €200K and €10M in seed and Series A rounds, nurturing companies with global ambitions. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, combining operational experience from investors who are former founders, engineers, and specialists, to support portfolio companies through growth challenges and international expansion.Over its history, Creandum has invested in over 280 companies, managing assets of approximately $2 billion USD. Creandum maintains a strong presence in the Nordic region while leveraging its offices in major innovation hubs to connect European startups with global markets, including the US. Their commitment extends beyond capital, focusing on building long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs to create lasting impact in technology and innovation.

Cusp Capital is a prominent European venture capital firm that specializes in investing in software and technology companies. The firm is built on a core belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship, focusing its investments on companies that are at the forefront of redefining their industries. Cusp Capital targets early to growth-stage companies across continental Europe, acting as a lead investor with initial investments typically up to €10 million and the capacity to invest up to €35 million over multiple funding rounds.Founded in 2021, Cusp Capital emerged with a strong vision to support the next generation of tech innovators. The firm's investment strategy is guided by several key theses, including the revolution of business for SMEs through industry-specific software, the market transformation driven by digitization and sustainability (ESG), the rise of digital products for lower-income consumers and workers, and the shaping of future digital infrastructure by European innovations.Cusp Capital's portfolio showcases a diverse range of impactful technology companies. Notable investments include firms like Delta Labs (database software), CertHub (medtech compliance), ONE WARE (AI model configuration), Payflow (earned wage access), akeno (AI-based production planning), Libeen (smarthousing), and Meight (transport management). The team's collective experience extends to supporting well-known companies such as Zalando, Delivery Hero, Klarna, Scalable Capital, data Artisans, Personio, and SoSafe.The firm prides itself on a robust team of in-house experts whose support extends beyond capital. Cusp Capital's team members bring extensive experience from various backgrounds, including finance, HR, legal, and ESG, providing comprehensive guidance to their portfolio companies. This hands-on approach aims to equip founders and their teams with the necessary expertise and confidence to navigate challenges and achieve success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Eurazeo is a prominent global investment group specializing in private markets asset management. The firm offers a comprehensive platform that supports companies across various stages of growth, from startups to established mid-market leaders. With a diversified fund offering and an extensive international network, Eurazeo identifies and invests in high-growth potential companies, leveraging deep sector expertise and a long-term vision to foster sustainable value creation. The firm's investment strategies span private equity, private debt, and real assets, catering to a broad range of institutional and private clients.Eurazeo's origins trace back to the merger of Eurafrance and Azeo in April 2001, consolidating decades of investment expertise from entities linked to the Lazard network. This strategic consolidation, guided by figures like Michel David-Weill, aimed to transform a fragmented portfolio into a robust, permanent-capital investment vehicle. The firm quickly evolved from a French industrial holding into a multi-strategy asset manager, establishing a strong presence across Europe and expanding its global footprint.The firm's investment focus is broad, encompassing sectors such as technology, business services, energy transition, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services. Eurazeo actively supports its portfolio companies through international expansion, digital transformation, and strategic acquisitions. Notable investments include companies across various industries, demonstrating the firm's commitment to building European champions with global ambitions. Eurazeo's team comprises experienced investment professionals and high-level operational experts dedicated to active ownership and hands-on support.Committed to profitable impact-driven companies, Eurazeo integrates a recognized scientific approach to identify and support businesses that address environmental, social, and societal challenges. This responsible investment philosophy is central to its value creation model, aligning financial performance with positive societal impact. The firm's global reach, with 14 offices worldwide, enables it to access diverse markets and deliver strong performance for its investors and shareholders.

EWOR is a Germany-based founder fellowship and early-stage venture capital platform founded in 2020 that uniquely combines education, capital, and mentorship to empower exceptional founders. It invests early in individuals, often before a company is formed, providing up to €500,000 in funding alongside hands-on support from unicorn founders and a global network of investors. EWOR’s model integrates venture capital with a fellowship program that includes weekly sparring sessions, personalized mentorship, and access to over 2,000 VC and expert partners.The company focuses on founders solving deep, systemic problems across sectors such as deep tech, AI and machine learning, health tech, space, robotics, climate, and energy storage. EWOR’s fellows have achieved record-breaking pre-seed funding rounds and raise capital at significantly higher valuations than typical startups. The fellowship is highly selective, with an acceptance rate around 0.1%, emphasizing quality over quantity and fostering a community of outlier founders who push each other to excel.EWOR is led by a team of serial entrepreneurs and unicorn founders who have created over €12 billion in company value. The organization operates globally, supporting founders from ideation through traction stages, and provides extensive educational resources, cloud credits, and investor connections. Its headquarters are in Berlin, Germany, and it maintains a strong focus on founder-first investment and long-term value creation.

Foundamental is a global venture capital firm dedicated to investing in the project economy, with a strong focus on Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and related technology sectors. The firm targets CapEx-heavy markets such as infrastructure, architecture, engineering, construction, heavy supply chains, and lot-size-1 manufacturing in areas like shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense. Foundamental distinguishes itself by investing early, typically leading pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B rounds with initial cheques ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. The firm emphasizes deep, nuanced knowledge within its specialized verticals and a global, cross-border collaboration model to support its portfolio companies.Foundamental was established in January 2019 with an initial commitment of $60 million, growing to manage over $300 million in assets by late 2025. The founders brought a diverse background spanning technology, venture capital, and industrial operations, aiming to build a pre-eminent vertical technology investment firm for project-based sectors. Their philosophy centers on identifying "vertical singularities" and partnering with exceptional founders who are building legendary companies in often overlooked, idiosyncratic markets.The firm boasts a diverse portfolio of companies across various geographies. Notable investments include Infra.Market, an Indian construction materials platform that achieved unicorn status; Tazapay, a cross-border payments startup; Enter, focused on renovation and upgrading for energy efficiency in Europe; and Speckle, a 3D and design data hub. Other key portfolio companies span areas like core AEC, supply chain & logistics, and 3D & design, demonstrating Foundamental's broad reach within its specialized domains.Foundamental operates with a team of approximately a dozen individuals, including partners Patric Hellermann and Shubhankar Bhattacharya. The team's expertise is rooted in a blend of investment acumen and operational experience across heavy industries. They are committed to embedding deeply in local markets while fostering global collaboration, which they consider their unfair advantage in transferring knowledge and supporting ventures worldwide. The firm's approach is highly hands-on, working closely with founders to navigate the challenges of building category-creating companies.

General Catalyst is a prominent global investment and transformation company that partners with entrepreneurs across various stages, from company creation to growth. The firm is dedicated to backing founders who aim to build enduring businesses that contribute to global resiliency and leverage applied artificial intelligence. Beyond traditional venture capital, General Catalyst actively engages in company building, offering strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio.Founded in 2000 by Joel Cutler and David Fialkow in Cambridge, Massachusetts, General Catalyst has grown significantly over two decades. The firm has expanded its global footprint with offices in major innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, and India. Under the leadership of CEO Hemant Taneja, General Catalyst has pioneered initiatives such as the Health Assurance Transformation Company (HATCo), which focuses on revolutionizing healthcare delivery, and the General Catalyst Institute, a think tank dedicated to shaping global tech policy.With over $43 billion in assets under management, General Catalyst boasts a diverse portfolio of more than 800 companies. Notable investments include industry leaders such as Airbnb, Stripe, Snap, Canva, Anthropic, Anduril, and HubSpot. The firm's investment focus spans critical sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare, Fintech, Defense & Government, Industrials & Manufacturing, Energy & Infrastructure, Enterprise, and Consumer, demonstrating a commitment to driving transformative change across a broad economic spectrum.

Greencode Ventures is a digital-first green transition venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, with operating hubs also in Germany and Sweden. The firm is dedicated to accelerating the green transition by investing in early-stage digital solutions across Europe, specifically from seed to Series A+ rounds. Their investment thesis centers on software solutions that significantly reduce emissions, save resources, and add value across key sectors. These include Green Energy (transition to clean energy in digital and interconnected systems), Green Mobility (shift towards electrification and accelerated accessibility via software), Green Industries (digital solutions for resource and manufacturing efficiencies and circular economy), and Green Cities (improved construction, waste reduction, energy savings, and material recycling for carbon-neutral buildings).Founded in 2022 by industrial transformist Kaisa Hietala and green energy venture capitalists Terhi Vapola and Ines Bergmann-Nolting, alongside entrepreneurs Manuel Heckmann and Karin Henriksson, Greencode Ventures aims to support impactful digital solutions within this decade. The firm emphasizes a systemic approach to the green transition, recognizing its complexity beyond just CO2 reduction. They also highlight their commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women-founded teams in the VC landscape, being a female-led firm.Greencode Ventures has made several notable investments in companies driving the green transition. Their portfolio includes Groundhawk, an AI-powered 3D mapping platform for underground utilities. They have also invested in Cronvall, a digital B2B procurement platform transforming industrial buying and supplying. Other investments include Supercritical, a carbon-removal marketplace, Sustashift, which provides software for corporate sustainability reporting, Keto Software for portfolio management, Synergi for electricity management software, Southern Lights for clean energy sector software utilizing AI, LiveEO for earth observation data and geolocation services, Lumoview for building analytics, and Renow, focused on re-commerce solutions. The firm also has an interest in green data centers.The Greencode Ventures team comprises a diverse group of serial founders and investors with a proven track record in green technology and digitalization. Managing Partner Terhi Vapola brings extensive experience in greentech and digitalization investments, while Kaisa Hietala, Founder & Chair, is recognized for her role in Neste's transformation into a leading renewable products producer. Ines Bergmann-Nolting, also a Managing Partner, has significant expertise in energy, cleantech, and venture capital, particularly in shaping E.ON SE's venture capital efforts. The team leverages its deep industry knowledge and global corporate network to accelerate go-to-market strategies and foster rapid scalability for its portfolio companies. The advisory board includes prominent figures like Sari Baldauf, Chairwoman of Nokia, and Mika Anttonen, majority owner of energy company St1.

Headline is a global and data-driven venture capital firm that invests across various stages and sectors, ranging from direct-to-consumer and deep tech to software and artificial intelligence. The firm employs a multi-geography approach, actively investing in companies across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. They are known for their proprietary technology platforms, such as Searchlight and ATHENA, which leverage sophisticated algorithms to monitor millions of companies, identify high-potential ventures, and provide in-depth financial and operational insights for due diligence and growth forecasting.The firm's origins trace back to 1998 when it was founded as BV Capital in Santa Barbara, California, by Jan Henric Buettner, Wolfgang Rose, Mathias Schilling, and Thomas Gieselmann. Initially focused on internet and technology startups during the dot-com era, BV Capital later rebranded to e.ventures in 2012 to reflect its expanding global presence. In 2021, e.ventures, along with Infinity Ventures in Asia and Redpoint e.ventures in Brazil, unified under the single brand "Headline" to create a cohesive global investment identity.Headline boasts a diverse portfolio of over 300 companies, with notable investments including Sonos, Bumble, Farfetch, Acorns, AppFolio, Semrush, Creditas, Pismo, Segment, and Mistral AI. The firm supports companies from early-stage (Seed, Series A) through growth-stage (Series B and beyond), with typical check sizes ranging from $1 million to $50 million. They emphasize a hands-on approach, providing resources and support to help portfolio companies scale internationally, including an advisor network, talent and hiring support, and capital markets expertise.The Headline team comprises over 50 investment professionals operating from major cities worldwide, bringing a wealth of local and global expertise to their investments. Key figures in the firm's history and leadership include founders Mathias Schilling, Thomas Gieselmann, Jan Henric Buettner, and Wolfgang Rose, as well as Christian Leybold and Andreas Haug, who were instrumental in establishing the firm's European presence. The firm's investment philosophy is characterized by a data-driven methodology and a commitment to identifying and nurturing market leaders across various technology-driven sectors.

Founded in 2000 as Holtzbrinck Ventures and now independent, HV Capital is a venture capital firm headquartered in Munich (with an office in Berlin), supporting European startups at every stage—from early seed rounds to growth financing. Over its nine fund generations, the firm has built a strong track record backing iconic internet and technology disruptors across Europe. HV Capital deploys capital in rounds ranging from €0.5 million at seed level up to €60 million in growth stage investments, with follow‑on reserves up to €100 million per company. Its largest fund to date, Fund IX (closed in May 2023 at approximately €710 million), underscores the firm’s ability to support founders over the long haul. A continuation fund launched in 2022 (HV COCO Growth, €430 million) further demonstrates their commitment to multi‑phase backing. The firm targets sectors including fintech, B2B/SaaS, mobility, consumer marketplaces, healthtech, education and green‑tech. With €2.8 billion in assets under management as of mid‑2023, more than 225 companies backed, and a team of over 60 experienced professionals, HV Capital is one of Europe’s most active and established early‑stage and growth investors.

Karma Capital is a systemic investment fund based in Berlin, Germany, dedicated to channeling capital towards solving significant societal problems. The firm operates with a core belief that economic and capital markets are human-made systems that can be transformed to serve people and respect planetary boundaries. Their primary objective is not the maximization of economic returns, but rather the achievement of maximum systemic impact.The firm was initially established in 2018 as an investment holding by Sebastian Klein, who reinvested profits from his entrepreneurial endeavors into new ventures. A pivotal moment occurred in 2023 with the sale of Blinkist, a company Klein co-founded in 2012. Following this, he committed 90% of his personal wealth to philanthropic causes, forming the foundation of the non-profit Karma Capital. This transition solidified the firm's mission to utilize capital as a force for positive systemic change.Karma Capital focuses its investments in two key areas: companies operating under steward-ownership models and public-benefit media enterprises. Their portfolio includes Vyld VE, which produces tampons from algae; Wildplastic VE, specializing in circular products made from reclaimed plastic; WEtell VE, a sustainable mobile network provider; Klubtalent VE, offering coaching for professionalizing club structures; and Proservation VE, which develops innovative packaging solutions from grain husks.The Karma Capital team comprises individuals with diverse expertise, including Theresa Böttger as Steward Ownership Fund Lead, Nikolas Klein as Legal Lead, and Sebastian Klein as Media-Fonds Lead and Strategy Facilitator. Other key members include Taraneh Taheri for Media-Fonds Content, Daria Margo Helmke as People Lead, Frederik Lorenz as Communications Allrounder, Susanne Abraham for Legal & Compliance, Katharina Auer in Finance, and Christin Eboh for Legal-Admin. This collective expertise supports the firm's multifaceted approach to impact investing and systemic change.

Kensho Ventures is a Berlin-based DeepTech venture capital fund established in 2024. The firm operates with a techno-optimistic philosophy, believing in the transformative power of technology to create a better, more secure, freer, and less labor-intensive world. They focus on transforming groundbreaking research into reality by investing in early-stage deep tech startups. Kensho Ventures aims to back companies that leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive transformative change across various industries, particularly those that have been digitally underserved.The firm's investment strategy is anchored in core theses, including the belief in Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force across underserved industries. Kensho Ventures seeks out startups that cater to the needs of large corporate players with strong B2B sales, robust products, and lasting integration into their technology stacks. They also emphasize the growing importance of geopolitics and security, leading to investments in defense tech and cybersecurity. This includes startups providing defensive capabilities, cyber-intelligence platforms, AI-driven military systems, and next-generation cryptography solutions.Kensho Ventures has built a portfolio of innovative companies, including Pixel Photonics, which specializes in high-performance single-photon detection technology for quantum computing and other applications. Other notable investments include Energy Robotics, Qambria, CryptoNext Security, and Hefring Marine. The firm also saw an exit with Quality Match. Kensho Ventures typically engages in early-stage and later-stage venture capital investments, supporting companies from Seed to Growth stages.The team at Kensho Ventures includes General Partners Wolfgang Sachsenhofer and David Skigin, along with Principal Anton Foertsch. They bring expertise in identifying and nurturing deep tech innovations. It is important to note that while the user initially provided a website (kensho-ventures.com) describing an 'app lab' focused on self-reflection tools, the comprehensive research indicates that 'Kensho Ventures' (kensho.vc) is an active DeepTech venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, with a distinct investment focus and portfolio.

Kraken Ventures is a global venture capital fund that strategically invests at the intersection of FinTech and Blockchain/Cryptocurrency industries. The firm is dedicated to fostering the growth of innovative companies that are redefining digital interactions. Their investment focus spans a wide array of areas including decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Regulatory Technology (RegTech), and cybersecurity. They also show interest in B2B infrastructure, Web3, gaming, music, art, e-commerce, mobile payments, developer tools, and digital economies like virtual reality and e-sports.Launched in February 2021, Kraken Ventures operates as an independent fund, yet it benefits significantly from its strategic partnership with Kraken, one of the world's leading digital currency exchanges. This relationship provides portfolio companies with access to Kraken's extensive resources, industry expertise, and global network, supporting their growth, product development, and overall strategy. The firm successfully raised $65 million for its debut Fund I in December 2021.Kraken Ventures primarily specializes in Seed and Series A funding rounds, with typical initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $3 million, and often participates in follow-on investments for outperforming companies in Series B and beyond. Notable companies within their portfolio include Blockdaemon, Anchorage, Messari, Hashflow, Acala, pStake, Usual Labs, Fiat Republic, Kiln, Sprinque, Immortal Game, Rivero, Presail, CLST, LimeWire, Deblock, Rails, WalletConnect, 1Money Network, Sphere Labs, Schuman Financial, Cap Labs, Morpho, STAGE, Unite (ex Taki Games), RedStone, Nibiru, and Spherepay. [cite: 1, 2, 10 (from previous search)]The firm is led by an experienced team with deep roots in the crypto and financial services sectors. Key team members include Brandon Gath as Managing Partner, Akshi Federici as Operating Partner, Laurens de Poorter as Principal and Head of Europe, and Kirill Gourov as Partner. Jesse Powell, co-founder of Kraken, also provides anchor LP support to Kraken Ventures. The team's collective experience allows them to offer hands-on support and strategic guidance to their portfolio companies from inception through various growth phases, aiming to make financial services more open, inclusive, and transparent.

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm founded in 2000, specializing in multi-stage investments across enterprise, consumer, fintech, and healthcare sectors. With a mission to accelerate disruptive innovations, Lightspeed has backed over 500 companies worldwide, including notable names like Snap, Affirm, and Nutanix. The firm's collaborative approach and deep industry expertise have positioned it as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs aiming to build impactful businesses. Operating from 14 offices across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Israel, Lightspeed maintains a strong global presence. This extensive network enables the firm to identify and support promising startups in diverse markets. By providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, Lightspeed helps its portfolio companies navigate the challenges of scaling and innovation. As of 2025, Lightspeed manages approximately $28.2 billion in assets under management, reflecting its significant role in the venture capital landscape. The firm's commitment to fostering innovation and long-term partnerships continues to drive its success in supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a prominent multi-stage venture capital firm dedicated to accelerating disruptive innovations and trends across various sectors. The firm's investment philosophy is centered on a deep, immersive approach, moving beyond superficial understanding to build unwavering conviction in the companies it supports. Lightspeed is known for its commitment to serving bold founders with big ideas, providing high-conviction backing from Seed to Series F and beyond, and fostering enduring companies through a collaborative, global team.Founded in 2000 by a team of enterprise founders including Barry Eggers, Christopher Schaepe, Ravi Mhatre, and Peter Nieh, Lightspeed has accumulated over two decades of experience as an early backer and first investor in some of the world's most innovative companies. The firm's history reflects a consistent focus on identifying and nurturing groundbreaking ventures, expanding its global footprint with offices in key technology hubs worldwide.Lightspeed's extensive portfolio showcases a diverse range of successful investments. Notable companies include AI leaders like Anthropic, xAI, and Mistral, cybersecurity innovators such as Wiz, Rubrik, Cato Networks, and Netskope, and consumer-focused platforms like Faire and The Honest Company. Other significant investments span across enterprise software (ThoughtSpot, Ultima Genomics, Navan, Temporal, Ricursive Intelligence, Beacon, Fireworks AI, DualEntry, Exa, Condukt, Skild), fintech (Ramp, Alloy, Affirm), and healthcare (BetterUp, Neko Health, Guardant Health, Forty Seven).The firm's strength lies in its team, which is built on trust, collaboration, and conviction. Lightspeed emphasizes leveraging the collective power of complementary skill sets, diverse points of view, and deep domain expertise. This collaborative environment, comprising Investors, Venture and Operating Partners, and Specialists, acts as a force multiplier for the founders they serve, providing strategic insights and hands-on support throughout the company-building journey.