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Founderful

Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich

Description

Founderful is a prominent venture capital firm based in Zürich, Switzerland, recognized as a leading pre-seed fund in the country. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional founders at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey, primarily focusing on Swiss-based startups. Founderful distinguishes itself by providing not just capital but also hands-on support, leveraging its extensive network and deep expertise to help nascent companies scale.

Founderful's investment thesis centers on high-potential startups across various innovative sectors. Their primary focus areas include deep tech, B2B SaaS, fintech, health tech, and frontier tech, reflecting a strategic interest in disruptive technologies and business models. The firm's initial investment range for pre-seed rounds typically spans from CHF 100,000 to CHF 500,000. This early-stage commitment is complemented by the potential for significant follow-on investments, which can extend up to CHF 2 million as portfolio companies achieve key milestones and demonstrate growth.

Since its inception, Founderful has rapidly established a significant footprint in the Swiss startup ecosystem. The firm successfully raised its first fund, Founderful I, which closed at CHF 50 million, underscoring investor confidence in their strategy and team. This capital has enabled Founderful to build a robust portfolio, having invested in over 30 companies to date. Their commitment extends beyond financial backing, as they actively engage with founders, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a valuable network of mentors, advisors, and potential partners, thereby fostering a conducive environment for innovation and growth.

Investor Profile

Founderful has backed more than 76 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 39 rounds, about 51% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Pre Seed, Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), SaaS.
  • Led 4 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $112K – $560K.

Stage Focus

  • Pre Seed (47%)
  • Seed (41%)
  • Series A (9%)
  • Series B (1%)
  • Series Unknown (1%)

Country Focus

  • Switzerland (93%)
  • Germany (3%)
  • United Kingdom (1%)
  • Canada (1%)
  • United States (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Saas
  • Health Care
  • Information Technology
  • Chemical
  • Robotics
  • Manufacturing
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Biotechnology
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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 Founderful frequently co-invest with?

La Famiglia
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 3
Venture Kick
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Schlieren
Co-Investments: 6
SICTIC
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 6
Zürcher Kantonal Bank
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 9
EquityPitcher Ventures
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 3
Angel Invest
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 5
Verve Ventures
Europe, Zug, Switzerland, Zug
Co-Investments: 3
Swisscom Ventures
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 4
Acequia Capital (AceCap)
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 4
A
Europe, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Founderful often collaborate with?

KH
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Shared Deals: 1
FP
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Shared Deals: 2
DN
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
AE
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JK
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
NS
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
LB
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Shared Deals: 2
CW
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Shared Deals: 2
DH
Europe, Gullbringusysla, Iceland, Reykjavík
Shared Deals: 1
DK
Europe, Hessen, Germany, Bergheim
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Founderful?

Chipmind

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Chipmind creates fully customized collaborative AI agents that can do real-world semiconductor design and verification activities.

Pre SeedOct 21, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
Arqh

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Arqh is a decision intelligence engine that converts your business objectives into real-time operational decisions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)LogisticsReal Time
Pre SeedSep 30, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,800,000
Sartiq

Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland

Sartiq has created patented generative AI technology specifically for the fashion industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Fashion
Pre SeedSep 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,642,370
Corintis

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

Corintis develops, produces, and tests microfluidic cooling for data center chips.

ElectronicsIndustrial EngineeringProduct ResearchSemiconductor
Series ASep 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $24,000,000
Adaptyv Biosystems

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

Adaptyv Biosystems developing a protein engineering platform using cell-free synthetic biology and nanofluidics.

BiotechnologyInformation TechnologyLife Science
SeedSep 19, 2025
Amount Raised: $8,000,000
Unbound Potential

Thalwil, Zurich, Switzerland

Unbound Potential develops and provides large-scale energy storage systems for various applications.

BatteryEnergyEnergy StorageRenewable Energy
Pre SeedSep 19, 2025
Amount Raised: $7,517,163
DePoly

Sion, Valais, Switzerland

DePoly is a PET-to-raw-material recycling company that converts dirty, post-consumer plastic items into valuable raw materials.

ChemicalRecyclingWaste Management
SeedApr 29, 2025
Amount Raised: $23,000,000
SAEKI

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

SAEKI is an additive manufacturing company that specializes in the production of large parts with complex geometries.

Industrial ManufacturingManufacturingRobotics
SeedFeb 5, 2025
Amount Raised: $6,700,000
Oxyle

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

OxyleI is a developer of a novel technology to degrade hazardous micropollutants from wastewater, such as pesticides, chemicals etc.

Environmental ConsultingWaste Management
SeedJan 30, 2025
Amount Raised: $16,000,000
Nala Earth

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Nala Earth provides data and tools that enable businesses to better understand and connect with the natural world.

WaterWeb Development
SeedJan 29, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,967,148