Demium

Demium, headquartered in Valencia, Spain, operates as a distinctive 'talent investor' with a unique approach to venture building. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that invest in existing startups, Demium focuses on identifying entrepreneurial talent, helping individuals form co-founding teams, and then developing and validating business ideas from scratch. This pre-team, pre-idea model is central to their strategy, aiming to mitigate early-stage risks by fostering strong founding teams and market-validated concepts before significant capital deployment.

Their comprehensive incubation program guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of team formation, idea generation, and initial market validation. Once a viable team and business concept are established, Demium provides the initial pre-seed or seed funding. This hands-on approach includes mentorship, access to a network of industry experts, and resources designed to accelerate the development of the nascent companies. They are actively involved in the foundational stages, ensuring a robust framework for growth.

Demium operates through its investment arm, Demium Capital, which notably launched Demium Capital I, a €50 million fund, in 2021 to back the startups emerging from its programs. While rooted in Spain, Demium has expanded its footprint across Europe, with presences in cities like Lisbon, Warsaw, and Kyiv, and also into Latin America, including Mexico City. This geographical diversification allows them to tap into diverse talent pools and market opportunities, reinforcing their international scope.

Since its inception, Demium has been instrumental in the creation and funding of over 300 companies, demonstrating a significant impact on the early-stage startup ecosystem. Their initial investments, typically provided as the first cheque, are designed to give nascent ventures the necessary runway to achieve key milestones and attract further funding. They also participate in follow-on rounds for their most promising portfolio companies, supporting their growth beyond the initial seed stage.