IBB Ventures is a venture capital and mezzanine firm established in 1997, located in Berlin, Germany. It specializes in providing equity financing to technology-oriented companies and those in the creative industries, focusing on sectors such as information and communication technology, life sciences, and industrial technologies. Specific areas of interest include hardware and software, network technology, biotechnology, and automation, among others. The firm also invests in creative sectors such as film, television, music, and multimedia. IBB Ventures typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million per transaction and often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies. Its investment strategy is concentrated on supporting young companies based in Berlin.

HV Capital is a Munich- and Berlin-based venture capital firm that supports founders in developing their internet companies. Since 2000 HV Capital, formerly HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, has invested in Internet and technology companies through various generations of funds and is one of the most successful and financially strongest early-stage and growth investors in Europe. HV Capital has already invested in around 200 companies, including Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixMobility and SumUp. The total of all HV Funds amounts to €1.7 billion. The company supports startups with capital between €500,000 and €50 million. This makes HV Capital one of the few venture capitalists in Europe that can finance startups through all growth phases.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH, established in 2005 and based in Bonn, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in high-tech startups across various sectors, including information and communication technology, software, healthcare, and life sciences. The firm focuses on companies that are less than one year old and have a turnover of less than €10 million. High-Tech Gründerfonds typically invests between €0.5 million and €3 million, acquiring a minority stake of up to 25% in its portfolio companies. The firm often acts as the lead investor and provides follow-on financing, having facilitated over €2 billion in additional funding from external investors. With a commitment to nurturing innovation, it has supported the development of more than 500 startups and has successfully exited over 100 investments. The firm’s backing includes participation from various public and private entities, reflecting its role as a key player in the German startup ecosystem.

Speedinvest GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Vienna, Austria, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-related startups across Europe. The firm focuses on sectors such as deep tech, fintech, health, industrial tech, consumer marketplaces, software as a service, and climate tech. Speedinvest typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million in pre-seed to Series A stages, aiming to take minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes operational support, often taking on active roles within the companies it invests in for periods ranging from six months to a year. With additional offices in cities including San Francisco, Berlin, Paris, London, and Munich, Speedinvest seeks to leverage a global network to enhance its contributions to Europe’s startup ecosystem.

Cherry Ventures is a Berlin-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2013 by a team of entrepreneurs experienced in scaling technology companies. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments across various sectors, including financial services, consumer goods, healthcare, industrial, leisure, and technology. Cherry Ventures aims to support ambitious founders, often serving as their first institutional investor, by providing not just capital but also strategic guidance on go-to-market strategies and business scaling. With a focus on backing innovative startups, the firm has invested in over 50 companies across Europe, including notable names like FlixBus and Auto1 Group. Cherry Ventures operates across Europe, with additional presence in London, Paris, and Stockholm, and seeks to make investments that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.

Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.

Atlantic Labs is an early-stage venture capital investment firm located in Berlin, Germany. The firm focuses on supporting mission-driven founders from the earliest stages of their ventures, aiming to help them create industry-leading companies. Atlantic Labs is actively involved in a variety of sectors, including Digital Health, Future of Work, AI and Machine Learning, Mobility, Industrial Automation, Fintech, Proptech, and Community. Through its investments, the firm seeks to foster innovation and drive growth in these emerging fields.

Earlybird Venture Capital GmbH & Co. KG is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 1997, focusing on early-stage and growth investments in technology and healthcare sectors. The firm typically invests in disruptive consumer and enterprise internet businesses, mobility, logistics, and various technology-driven fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and fintech. Earlybird emphasizes companies located in Europe, particularly in German-speaking countries and Central Eastern Europe, while also considering opportunities in the United States and other regions. With over €1 billion under management, Earlybird aims to provide not only financial backing but also strategic support and access to a robust international network. The firm usually invests between €200,000 and €5 million in initial funding, with the potential for follow-on investments up to €15 million per portfolio company. Known for being one of the most experienced venture investors in Europe, Earlybird has a strong track record, including seven IPOs and 23 trade sales.

Project A Ventures GmbH & Co. KG is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, focusing on early-stage investments, particularly in the seed and series A stages. With assets under management amounting to €440 million, the firm specializes in investing in digital companies across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, digital health, proptech, and software as a service. Project A not only provides financial support, typically ranging from $1 million to $8 million in initial investments, but also offers extensive operational assistance through a team of over 100 experts in areas such as software engineering, marketing, and business intelligence. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Catawiki, WorldRemit, and Trade Republic. Project A primarily operates in Europe and Latin America and maintains additional offices in London and Stockholm.

Redalpine is a prominent European venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in early-stage investments in highly scalable start-ups. Founded in 2007, Redalpine has launched multiple funds, including Redalpine Capital IV, V, VI, and VII, focusing on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, biotechnology, fintech, and energy. The firm typically invests between CHF 0.3 million and CHF 10 million per company, aiming to support 15 to 20 companies per fund. Redalpine's mission is to assist talented entrepreneurs in transforming ambitious visions into reality by providing financial resources, operational expertise, coaching, and access to a robust network. With approximately USD 1 billion in assets under management, Redalpine's interdisciplinary team actively engages with over 70 portfolio companies, offering sector-specific knowledge and international connections to enhance their growth potential.

Picus Capital is an early-stage technology investment firm with a long-term investment philosophy. We work together with daring technology companies to build successful, global companies challenging the status quo and shaping tomorrow. We want to become the closest partner of our portfolio companies by working together on key strategic decisions and operative challenges. As a privately financed venture capital investor with long-term and flexible capital we are looking for exceptional founders who are committed to building category leaders throughout the next 5-10+ years. We invest in early-stage technology ventures with a focus on Real Estate, Finance & Insurance, Human Resources, Renewable Energy, Mobility, and Health. Picus makes initial investments in pre-seed, seed and series A ventures thereby starting to work together with entrepreneurs in various stages of their companies ranging from ideation phase to initial traction. We follow a very long-term investment approach investing significant amounts throughout the lifecycle of the companies. We have invested in over 50 companies to date. At Picus we work in a culture combining the discipline of a financial investor with the creativity and pragmatism of an entrepreneur. We follow a comprehensive and well-structured investment approach in order to identify the most attractive and ambitious investment opportunities in our target industries and geographies. Within our core investment team every member has a distinctive industry competence and a functional or geographic focus. We are working closely together with our portfolio companies to develop large and successful market leaders. This comprises in particular leveraging our marketing & sales expertise and our global market perspective to provide strategic advice, providing HR management to grant access to top talent, connecting our portfolio companies with our broad B2B & investor network as well as supporting the fundraising process.

Coparion GmbH & Co. KG is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, Germany, that specializes in early-stage investments in technology and life sciences companies across the country. Founded in 2016, Coparion manages an active fund of EUR 275 million, providing financial support to startups and early growth phase businesses. The firm typically invests between EUR 0.5 million and EUR 10 million per company, often engaging in multiple financing rounds. Coparion focuses exclusively on companies headquartered in Germany and prefers to invest alongside co-investors. The firm aims to support entrepreneurial visions with its expertise while refraining from interfering in daily business operations. By leveraging its experience in venture capital and company building, Coparion seeks to identify potential in emerging businesses and help navigate challenging situations effectively.

APX is an early-stage startup investor and accelerator in Berlin backed by Axel Springer and Porsche. Investing across sectors, APX is looking for ambitious founding teams with scalable, digital ideas and global aspirations to support them in becoming successful venture companies. Since 2018, APX has invested in more than 60 companies from 20 different countries together with more than 100 co-investors.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

468 Capital is an investment firm that specializes in the fields of investment management and financial services. The firm focuses on investing in companies that specialize in providing energy platform frequency and high-tech investments.

btov Partners is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2000, formerly known as BrainsToVentures. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on seed and series A rounds across sectors including life sciences, healthcare, industrial, and technology. btov manages a diverse portfolio, with institutional and partner funds that collectively oversee over EUR 420 million in assets. The firm invests approximately EUR 50 million annually, with individual investment amounts ranging from EUR 0.25 million to EUR 3.5 million, and can increase total commitments to as much as EUR 10 million across multiple financing rounds. btov has offices in Berlin, Munich, and St. Gallen, and has made notable investments in companies such as DataArtisans, DeepL, and Volocopter, among others.

Redstone is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2014, with additional offices in Zurich and Helsinki. It specializes in early-stage European companies across various sectors, including health, industrial, and fintech. Redstone has developed a unique VC-as-a-Service model that bridges the gap between industry leaders and ambitious entrepreneurs, facilitating access to corporate capital, expertise, and networks. The firm combines investment services with tailored intelligence, helping its partners make informed strategic decisions and stay abreast of emerging digital trends. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs and investors deeply embedded in the European technology ecosystem, Redstone aims to identify and support promising ventures that align with its investment strategies. The firm emphasizes fast and transparent communication, fostering trust with both startups and investors.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

Target Global is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Berlin, specializing in early-stage and growth investments across various sectors. With over €800 million in assets under management, the firm focuses on the digital consumer sector, particularly in disruptive technologies, fintech, e-commerce, and cyber security. Target Global typically invests between $1 million and $30 million in companies with enterprise values ranging from $5 million to $500 million, emphasizing businesses where a significant portion of revenue is generated from the B2C segment. The firm has a strong global presence, targeting opportunities in European Developed Markets, as well as in Israel, Russia, and the United States. Founded in 2012, Target Global has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as Auto1, Delivery Hero, and WeFox, and is supported by a team of over 50 professionals with extensive operational and investment expertise.

Creandum is a prominent European venture capital firm, established in 2003 and headquartered in Stockholm, with additional offices in California and Berlin. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily targeting innovative technology companies within the consumer, software, and hardware sectors. Over the past decade, Creandum has invested in more than 80 companies, including notable names such as Spotify, iZettle, Small Giant Games, Kry, and Depop. Its focus extends across Western Europe and North America, emphasizing its commitment to fostering fast-growing enterprises in the technology landscape.

Lakestar Advisors GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2012, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, with additional offices in Berlin, Germany, and London, United Kingdom. The firm specializes in investing in technology-driven companies across various sectors, including media and entertainment, fintech, travel technology, mobility, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Lakestar targets series A, early, mid, late venture, and growth-stage investments, typically ranging from €500,000 to €45 million. Since launching its first fund in 2013, Lakestar has managed over €1 billion across multiple early-stage and growth funds. The firm's notable early investments include Skype, Spotify, Facebook, and Airbnb, while its current portfolio features companies such as Opendoor, Oscar, and Revolut. Lakestar focuses on helping its portfolio companies expand into new markets, particularly in Europe and the United States, providing support in business development, recruitment, technology, and marketing.

Partech is a global investment firm established in 1982, with offices in San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, and Dakar. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs at various stages, including seed, venture, and growth phases. With an investment capacity exceeding $1.5 billion, Partech's investments typically range from $200,000 to $50 million across a diverse array of sectors such as software, fintech, digital brands, and deep tech. The firm manages several funds, including Partech Africa II, which targets African startups in technology and consumer services, and Partech Growth II, aimed at growth-stage companies in Europe. Partech's portfolio has seen significant success, with over 20 companies achieving initial public offerings and more than 50 strategic exits valued above $100 million.

Entrepreneur First Operations Limited is an accelerator focused on seed funding for technology startups, founded in 2011 and headquartered in London, with additional offices in Singapore, Berlin, Paris, Bangalore, and Hong Kong. The firm specifically invests in individuals at the "pre-team, pre-idea" stage, selecting participants based solely on their technical talent. Its intensive six-month program aims to provide comprehensive support during the critical early stages of startup development. Entrepreneur First offers stipends to participants during the program, with varying amounts based on location. The firm typically invests in startups in London, Singapore, Bangalore, Berlin, Paris, and Hong Kong, taking a 10 percent equity stake. Over the years, it has successfully launched more than 100 startups, collectively valued at over $1 billion, and is backed by notable investors such as Y Combinator, Index Ventures, and Octopus Ventures.

La Famiglia is a European venture capital fund focused on seed and growth stage investments in technology companies that aim to enable or disrupt significant industries. Supported by a diverse group of accomplished entrepreneurs, business angels, and industry leaders, La Famiglia offers its portfolio companies valuable early market access, strategic partnerships, and extensive expertise. The fund's mission is to nurture promising founders by leveraging its network and providing essential capital, helping to cultivate innovative solutions in the technology sector.

Axel Springer Plug and Play is a Berlin-based pre-seed startup accelerator. They do not just invest money. They know that the real value is in the people. The founders, the people in their team but most importantly the people they know. They connect their companies to mentors, clients and investors. They are a joint venture between the Plug and Play Tech Centre and Axel Springer. They support them in every way possible. It also means they are not bound to one region, one topic, one opinion. They offer a global network and international opportunities.

DN Capital is a London-based venture capital and private equity firm established in 2000. It specializes in early-stage investments, including seed and Series A rounds, primarily targeting startups in Europe and North America. The firm focuses on sectors such as enterprise software, fintech, consumer internet, marketplaces, digital health, and e-commerce. DN Capital aims to invest in companies that aspire to operate internationally, particularly those based in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, as well as in Silicon Valley. Investment amounts typically range from €0.25 million to €10 million per company, with potential co-investments increasing this to €15 million. The firm generally opts for minority stakes or joint control and often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies. DN Capital has a history of successful investments, having backed notable companies like Endeca, Shazam, and Auto1.

Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) is a development bank based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1924. It serves as the subsidy bank for the Federal Land of Berlin, focusing on providing financial support to a diverse range of clients, including small and medium-sized enterprises, large companies, start-ups, universities, research institutions, and individuals facing financial difficulties. The bank offers various financing solutions, including loans for investment and working capital, pre-financing for orders, internationalization support, coaching, and venture capital. Additionally, IBB provides low-interest loans to landlords and property owners for new construction, property purchases, and modernization efforts, particularly emphasizing energy efficiency and accessibility improvements. The institution's strategic aim is to enhance Berlin's status as a competitive business and industrial hub through its targeted economic support and subsidy policies.

Cavalry Ventures Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, focusing primarily on the technology sector. Its investment interests include consumer internet, SaaS, marketplaces, big data, machine learning, AI, fintech, legal technology, and property technology, among others. Cavalry typically invests between $0.05 million and €1.5 million in startups, pre-seed, and series-A companies. While its primary investment focus is in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Europe, Cavalry Ventures also considers global opportunities. The firm is known for its hands-on, operations-driven approach and is led by a team with significant founder and investment experience, aiming to empower entrepreneurs to transform markets and build impactful businesses.

Point Nine Management GmbH, also known as Point Nine Capital, is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments primarily in the internet sector. Established in 2009, the firm focuses on areas such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), online marketplaces, and mobile technologies. It typically invests between €0.1 million and €1.5 million in startups, with the potential to increase total investments to €3 million over the lifetime of its holdings. Point Nine Capital aims to take minority stakes in companies and often collaborates with business angels and other venture capital firms. The firm has a global investment outlook, targeting markets across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and has a track record of supporting successful companies like Delivery Hero, Clio, and Zendesk from their inception.

Capnamic Ventures Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Cologne and Berlin, specializing in early-stage investments across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on seed to series A investments in technology-driven sectors, including fintech, health tech, adtech, martech, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, among others. Capnamic Ventures typically invests between €0.5 million and €3 million in initial funding rounds, with total investments in a portfolio company potentially reaching €6 million. The firm seeks minority shareholdings and collaborates with institutional and corporate investors, providing its portfolio companies access to a valuable network of partners and customers. With a track record of over 70 investments, including multiple successful exits, Capnamic's general partners bring extensive industry experience to the firm’s operations. The average holding period for investments ranges from two to six years.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on investing in technology companies with significant growth potential. With a presence across six continents and major entrepreneurial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, Antler has supported the establishment of over 200 startups, 40% of which have at least one female co-founder. The firm identifies exceptional individuals and early-stage businesses, providing comprehensive support from team formation and business model validation to capital investment. Antler invests primarily at the pre-seed stage and continues to engage with its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series C. The firm operates several funds, including those targeting specific regions like East Africa, while maintaining a commitment to fostering diverse founding teams representing 70 nationalities. Through its global platform, Antler aims to help founders build impactful startups that can define the future of technology.

Brandenburg Kapital is the private equity and venture capital investment arm of Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg, based in Potsdam, Germany. Established in 2000, the firm specializes in providing financing to small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including life sciences, technology, industrial applications, and information and communication technology. Brandenburg Kapital typically invests between €0.3 million and €3.0 million in companies that are headquartered or have facilities in the state of Brandenburg. It focuses on firms at all stages of development, from seed/start-up to pre-IPO, and generally takes minority stakes or silent partnerships. The company has a strong track record with over 200 investments and aims to support fast-growing, technology-oriented businesses. Exits are typically sought within four to eight years. The current venture capital fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth in the region.

Neosfer, operating under the name Main Incubator GmbH, is a subsidiary of Commerzbank AG based in Frankfurt, Germany. Established in 2013, it serves as an investment arm focusing on seed and early-stage venture investments, particularly in the FinTech sector. The firm primarily targets startups within Western Europe, especially in the DACH region, investing between EUR0.25 million and EUR2 million in equity. As a Research & Development unit, Neosfer explores emerging technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and IoT, aiming to integrate these innovations into Commerzbank's offerings. By investing in tech-driven startups and developing its own prototypes, Neosfer actively contributes to the FinTech ecosystem and positions itself as a key partner for Commerzbank in its digital transformation efforts.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1996, with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The firm specializes in investing in high technology and life sciences, focusing on early-stage companies across various sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and entertainment. Index Ventures partners with innovative entrepreneurs who aim to transform their industries and has supported the growth of notable companies such as Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, Farfetch, King, Slack, and Supercell. The firm's investment strategy typically involves allocating between $2 million to $20 million to promising ventures, primarily in Europe and the United States.

Bitkraft is a private equity firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in the esports and gaming sectors across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. With a focus on digital entertainment, Bitkraft has established itself as a significant player in the industry, leveraging its presence in major metropolitan areas to identify and support innovative companies. The firm operates multiple venture capital funds, including those targeting information technology and gaming, and typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.4 million in promising startups. Founded by Jens Hilgers, Bitkraft aims to nurture the growth of esports and gaming enterprises in a rapidly evolving market.

Vorwerk Ventures is the venture capital and private equity division of Vorwerk & Co. KG, established in 2008 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, targeting mid and late-stage venture, growth phase, and young middle-market companies. It focuses primarily on consumer technology, particularly those employing direct-to-consumer business models. Vorwerk Ventures invests between €1 million and €10 million in its portfolio companies, with a preference for minority equity stakes. The investment strategy encompasses a wide geographical range, including developed markets in Europe, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the United States. The firm emphasizes the importance of a strong founding team, existing market presence, and a well-defined exit strategy when considering investment opportunities, which often begin at the Seed and Series A stages. With assets under management exceeding €250 million, Vorwerk Ventures is committed to supporting innovative entrepreneurs in the consumer-facing digital business sector.

Rheingau Founders GmbH is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2011, focusing on early-stage investments in technology-driven companies. It specializes in pre-seed to Series B funding, primarily targeting business-to-business ventures in sectors such as digital health, insurance technology, property technology, construction technology, and software as a service. The firm typically invests a minimum of €0.25 million and prefers to take minority stakes in its portfolio companies, which are required to have at least 50 percent of their shares held by management. Rheingau Founders emphasizes the importance of geographical proximity for its investments during the initial year, fostering close collaboration. In addition to financial support, the firm provides strategic mentorship to help startups disrupt existing processes and create sustainable value.

SquareOne is a venture capital fund managed by Paua Ventures, a Berlin-based firm established in 2010. The fund focuses on early-stage investments, targeting seed and Series A rounds primarily in European technology companies. SquareOne's investment strategy encompasses sectors such as Software-as-a-Service, B2B marketplaces, B2C mobile applications, mobile enterprise solutions, and e-commerce. The fund aims to invest in approximately 20 startups over a three-year period, with individual investments ranging from $0.25 million to $2.5 million. Paua Ventures acts as both lead and co-investor, leveraging its expertise to support entrepreneurs and bridge the gap between innovative startups and the corporate sector.

West Tech Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed phase, seed phase, early stage, angel, and growth stage investments. The firm does not invest in Series A rounds of financing nor does it provide growth capital or late stage venture capital financing. It may invest in later, subsequent rounds of financing. The firm primarily invests in the information technology, software, software engineering, mobile services, media technology, media, and education SaaS solutions in the B2B market. It seeks to invest in companies in Germany. The firm seeks to invest between €0.05 million ($0.05 million) to €0.25 million ($0.26 million) in a first round and may provide follow-on financing. The firm takes its owners personal capital. West Tech Ventures GmbH is based in Berlin, Germany.

Axel Springer is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. Initially starting as a small publishing house in Hamburg, it has grown to become Europe's largest digital publishing entity, with a strong presence in over 40 countries and a leading position in both print and digital content. The company operates a diverse range of media brands, including well-known newspapers and magazines, while also maintaining a significant focus on digital marketing and classified advertising. Axel Springer has successfully transitioned to a digital-first strategy, with digital media revenues now contributing nearly 70 percent of its total income, a significant increase from just 2 percent in 2006. To further enhance its digital portfolio, the company actively engages with startups through its investment arm, Axel Springer Digital Ventures, focusing on innovative business models and technologies that align with its growth objectives. Through this approach, Axel Springer aims to solidify its position as a leading digital publisher while continuing its commitment to informative and entertaining journalism.

Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry-focused startup accelerators founded in 2010, headquartered in London with additional locations in cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, and Miami. The organization specializes in providing mentorship and investment to early-stage startups across various sectors, including digital health, fintech, smart transportation, food technology, and more. Each accelerator program lasts three months and offers startups funding, office space, and access to a network of over 400 investors and industry experts. By focusing on specific industries, Startupbootcamp connects startups with relevant partners and resources to facilitate growth and innovation. The organization has launched more than 20 programs worldwide, enabling selected startups to refine their business models and secure funding opportunities while benefiting from tailored support and guidance throughout the acceleration process.

Northzone is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, with headquarters in London and additional offices in New York, Oslo, and Stockholm. The firm has raised over €1.5 billion and focuses on early-stage investments in technology-driven companies. Northzone has partnered with notable founders of successful businesses, including Spotify, Avito, iZettle, and Klarna, among others. The firm aims to support the growth of category-defining enterprises by connecting them with customers, business partners, and key talent on a global scale. With a strong emphasis on the entrepreneurial experience, Northzone leverages its extensive network to foster innovation and drive success for its portfolio companies.

Balderton Capital is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2000 that focuses on early-stage investments in European technology startups. The firm specializes in series A funding, investing primarily in sectors such as enterprise software, e-commerce, fintech, consumer services, and mobile computing. Balderton typically invests between $0.1 million and $50 million, with a preference for funding startups in the range of $3 million to $5 million. The firm seeks to take a minority stake of 20% to 40% in its portfolio companies and often prefers a board seat to provide guidance throughout the growth phases. While its primary focus is on companies in France, Spain, and Portugal, Balderton is open to opportunities beyond Europe. The firm has a history of supporting innovative companies from their initial stages through to maturity, leveraging a network of executives with extensive experience in building technology ventures.

Headline is a venture capital firm that operates in seven cities globally, focusing on technology-related companies. Established in 1998 and originally known as e.ventures, Headline invests across various stages, from early to growth phases, with funds based in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Brazil. The firm is particularly active in identifying local trends and promising founders, enabling it to lead investment rounds effectively. Its San Francisco-based Growth Fund targets investments from Series B and beyond, collaborating with Early Stage Teams to enhance portfolio success. Notable companies in Headline's portfolio include Sonos, The RealReal, and Bumble, reflecting the firm's commitment to fostering innovation across diverse markets.

Sunstone Capital, now known as Heartcore Capital, is a venture capital firm established in 2007 that focuses on early-stage investments in consumer technology startups. The firm specializes in seed, series A, and growth investments, targeting both B2C and B2B2C companies. Its investment areas include direct-to-consumer brands, food, digital health, travel, finance, marketplaces, and consumer subscriptions. Heartcore Capital operates from offices in Copenhagen, Berlin, and Paris, actively investing across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, and occasionally in the United States. With over $500 million raised across four fund generations, the firm has supported more than 70 founding teams, emphasizing a collaborative approach that nurtures both business growth and personal development for entrepreneurs.

Fly Ventures Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in seed and pre-Series A funding. Founded in 2016, the firm focuses on the technology sector, emphasizing software companies that utilize machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance business processes. Fly Ventures aims to empower large corporations to digitize and automate operations through innovative technologies, including advanced enterprise and deep tech solutions. The firm primarily invests in Europe, typically committing between €0.5 million and €1.3 million per investment, and often prefers to take a majority stake in its portfolio companies. With a team comprising engineers, product designers, and investors, Fly Ventures is well-positioned to support founders in building high-quality, globally ambitious businesses.

DvH Ventures is one of the leading early-stage investors in Germany and participates in technology-oriented startups, the disruptive products and the develop - from FinTech, InsurTech and Big Data to art and culture, from education and training to mobile advertising. As an independent venture capital company of the publisher Dieter von Holtzbrinck, DvH Ventures invests in capital, management support and access to the readers of the publishers of DvH Medien (Verlagsgruppe Handelsblatt, Tagesspiegel Group and Die ZEIT Verlagsgruppe). In November 2015, DvH Ventures and Nord / LB launched a venture capital fund for FinTech and InsurTech Investments.

Senovo is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Munich and Berlin that partners with exceptional founders building global B2B SaaS category-leaders from Europe. As European first-mover, the fund invests since 2013 into a new generation of B2B software startups which enable the digitalization of medium and large enterprises. Their focus is primarily on supporting teams working in the areas of process optimization, industry 4.0 and data-enabled solutions. Senovo joins the journey after a company has first revenues in a late Seed or Series A round. Their team of SaaS specialists seek meaningful eye-level relationships and regularly publish their learnings and thought leadership at www.medium.com/senovovc.