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Explorer Investments

Europe, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisboa

Description

Explorer Investments stands as Portugal's preeminent private equity firm, boasting a substantial portfolio and a significant impact on the national economy. Established in 2004, the firm has grown to manage over €1.5 billion in assets, making it a pivotal player in the Iberian investment landscape. Its strategic focus encompasses a diverse range of sectors, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capital deployment and value creation.

The firm's investment strategy is multifaceted, spanning private equity, tourism, real estate, and infrastructure. Within its core private equity operations, Explorer Investments typically targets companies with robust growth potential, often seeking to acquire significant minority or majority stakes. This approach allows them to actively participate in the strategic development and operational enhancement of their portfolio companies, driving long-term value. Their commitment extends to fostering innovation and market leadership across various industries.

Explorer Investments is known for its substantial capital commitments, with typical first-cheque equity investments for its private equity funds ranging from €5 million to €30 million. This translates to approximately $5.4 million to $32.4 million, depending on the prevailing exchange rates. The firm's extensive experience and deep market knowledge enable it to identify and capitalize on opportunities that contribute to the growth of the Portuguese economy, solidifying its reputation as a leading and influential investor in the region.

Investor Profile

Explorer Investments has backed more than 53 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 48 rounds, about 91% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Portugal, Spain, Brazil.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Retail, Health Care.
  • Led 3 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $5.4M – $32.4M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (77%)
  • Seed (11%)
  • Series Unknown (6%)
  • Series A (4%)
  • Undisclosed (2%)

Country Focus

  • Portugal (85%)
  • Spain (4%)
  • Brazil (4%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)
  • Australia (2%)
  • France (2%)
  • Israel (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Health Care
  • Restaurants
  • Textiles
  • Hotel
  • Food And Beverage
  • Building Material
  • Software
  • Energy
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Explorer Investments frequently co-invest with?

D
Europe, Galicia, Spain, Vigo
Co-Investments: 1
Exceptional Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
NewAlpha Asset Management VC
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 1
SX
Europe, Schaan, Liechtenstein, Schaan
Co-Investments: 1
Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia
North America, Kentucky, United States, Louisville
Co-Investments: 1
Autodesk Foundation
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
SV
Europe, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon
Co-Investments: 2
Lince Capital
Europe, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon
Co-Investments: 3
LV
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does Explorer Investments often collaborate with?

EM
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
David Pardo
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1
DC
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Explorer Investments?

Speedbird Aero

Franca, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Speedbird Aero is the first company in Latin America to develop / operate unmanned aerial systems (sUAS/Drones) to deliver products.

Air TransportationAutonomous VehiclesDeliveryDrone ManagementDrones
Series UnknownMay 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
eSelf AI

Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel

eSelf AI redefines face-to-face interactions with human-like video conversations.

SeedDec 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $4,500,000
ETHIACK

Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

ETHIACK provides a symbiotic platform for offensive security, helping organizations prevent cybercrime and rewarding ethical hackers.

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyPenetration TestingSoftware
SeedDec 10, 2024
Amount Raised: $4,212,522
Jove Insurance

London, England, United Kingdom

Jove is an insurtech company to provide flexible bundled insurance for contractors and freelancers

Auto InsuranceHealth CareInsurance
SeedNov 29, 2024
Amount Raised: $4,456,197
Sensei

Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal

Sensei offers a scalable, seamless store-wide solution that empowers the stores of the future to be check-out and cash free.

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)Computer VisionRetailRetail Technology
Series AOct 22, 2024
Amount Raised: $15,990,722
UpHill

Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal

UpHill is a digital health startup that creates software to guide clinical decisions.

Health CareMedical DevicemHealth
Series AMar 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,611,376
BHOUT

Leiria, Leiria, Portugal

BHOUT develops a gamified boxing bag integrated with AI and sensors on the bag, coupled with computer vision technology.

FitnessSportsWellness
SeedNov 9, 2023
Amount Raised: $10,667,099
Okra Solar

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Okra Solar is a technology solution that enables solar generating communities to share and utilize more energy.

EnergyInternet of ThingsSolar
SeedMay 2, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,100,000
4Teams

Caldas De Vizela, Braga, Portugal

4TEAMS is a company whose main activity is the manufacture of textile products in the field of sports merchandising.

Manufacturing
Private EquityJan 1, 2017
SMARKIO

Porto, Lisboa, Portugal

SMARKIO operates a digital marketing platform that helps marketers to generate leads and increase the performance of campaigns.

Business Information SystemsBusiness IntelligenceInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyMarketing
SeedApr 27, 2016
Amount Raised: $1,699,106