Fil Rouge Capital (FRC)

Fil Rouge Capital (FRC) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Zagreb, Croatia, playing a significant role in fostering the startup ecosystem across the Adriatic region and Central and Eastern Europe. Established with a substantial fund of €45 million (approximately $48.6 million USD), FRC is dedicated to identifying and nurturing early-stage businesses with high growth potential and global ambitions. Their strategic focus encompasses companies from pre-seed through Series A stages, providing crucial capital and support during the formative years of a startup's journey.

FRC's investment strategy is characterized by a flexible approach to initial check sizes, typically ranging from €50,000 to €2 million (approximately $54,000 to $2.16 million USD) for their first investments. This flexibility allows them to engage with companies at various points in their early development, from nascent ideas requiring initial validation to more mature seed-stage ventures ready for scaling. Beyond the initial capital, FRC is known for its capacity to provide significant follow-on funding, potentially investing up to €3 million in total across multiple rounds, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their portfolio companies' success.

The firm is sector-agnostic but shows a keen interest in technology-driven solutions, including SaaS, FinTech, artificial intelligence, deep tech, and sustainable innovations. FRC seeks out strong founding teams with clear visions and scalable business models capable of addressing large markets. To date, Fil Rouge Capital has built an impressive portfolio of over 50 startups, reflecting their active participation in the regional startup scene and their commitment to driving innovation and economic growth. Their engagement extends beyond mere capital provision, offering strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to a broad network of industry experts and potential partners, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities and market reach of their invested companies.