FORWARD.one

FORWARD.one is a Dutch venture capital firm headquartered in Amstelveen, specifically designed to address the unique needs of early-stage, hardware-oriented startups. Unlike generalist funds, FORWARD.one brings a specialized focus to deep tech, industrial technology, robotics, AI, photonics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Their investment thesis centers on companies developing tangible, physical products and solutions, recognizing the distinct challenges and capital requirements inherent in hardware development compared to software. This niche specialization allows them to provide more targeted support and expertise to their portfolio companies.

The firm primarily targets Seed and Series A funding rounds, acting as a crucial early-stage partner for promising European hardware ventures. FORWARD.one distinguishes itself not just through capital, but also through the operational experience of its team. The partners and investment professionals often have backgrounds as entrepreneurs who have successfully built and scaled hardware companies themselves. This hands-on experience translates into valuable strategic guidance, technical insights, and access to a relevant industry network, which is vital for hardware startups navigating complex product development, supply chain management, and market entry.

FORWARD.one typically deploys initial investment tickets ranging from €1 million to €5 million, with a clear commitment to providing follow-on capital as their portfolio companies grow and achieve milestones. This flexible approach ensures that promising ventures have sustained financial backing throughout their critical early growth phases. The firm successfully closed its second fund, FORWARD.one Fund II, at a substantial €100 million. This significant capital base underscores their capacity to support a robust portfolio of hardware innovators across Europe, solidifying their position as a key player in the deep tech investment landscape.