Capricorn Partners

Capricorn Partners is a prominent European venture capital and equity fund manager based in Leuven, Belgium, with a significant track record in investing in innovative technology companies. Established in 1993, the firm has cultivated a deep expertise across various high-growth sectors, positioning itself as a key financial partner for ambitious startups and scale-ups. Their investment philosophy centers on supporting companies that leverage cutting-edge technology to address market needs and drive sustainable growth.

The firm's investment strategy is broad yet specialized, targeting European technology companies from early-stage to growth-stage. Capricorn Partners manages a diverse portfolio of funds, each with a specific thematic focus, including digital technologies, health-tech, sustainable chemistry, cleantech, and information and communication technology (ICT). For initial investments, Capricorn Partners typically deploys cheques ranging from EUR 0.5 million to EUR 5 million, which translates to approximately $540,000 to $5.4 million based on recent exchange rates. This flexible approach allows them to engage with companies at various points in their development, from seed rounds to more mature growth financing.

With over EUR 1.5 billion (approximately $1.62 billion) in total capital under management, Capricorn Partners stands as a substantial player in the European venture capital landscape. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to its extensive network. Recent activities include the launch of new specialized funds in 2023, such as the Capricorn Health-Tech Fund II with a target size of EUR 125 million and the Capricorn Sustainable Chemistry Fund II aiming for EUR 100 million. These new funds underscore Capricorn Partners' continued commitment to fostering innovation within critical technological domains and expanding its investment capacity.