Founders

Founders is a distinctive Copenhagen-based venture capital firm recognized for its highly hands-on, "company builder" approach to early-stage investing. Unlike traditional VCs that primarily provide capital, Founders often co-founds or deeply collaborates with entrepreneurs to build B2B SaaS, FinTech, and HealthTech companies from the ground up, starting at "day zero." This unique model emphasizes de-risking nascent ventures by providing extensive operational support, strategic guidance, and leveraging their internal expertise and network, making them a compelling partner for founders seeking more than just capital.

The firm demonstrates a strong commitment to its investment thesis, focusing on a select number of high-potential ventures. Founders successfully closed its third fund, Founders Fund III, in 2021, securing €100 million, which translates to approximately $108 million. This substantial capital pool enables them to provide significant initial funding and follow-on investments to support their portfolio companies through critical early growth phases. Their investment strategy is highly selective, with an aim to launch or co-found 1-2 new companies annually, reflecting a disciplined approach to venture creation rather than a high-volume investment strategy.

Founders typically deploys initial cheques ranging from €500,000 to €2.5 million, equivalent to approximately $540,000 to $2.7 million, targeting pre-seed to seed-stage companies. This indicates their focus on the earliest stages of company development, where their hands-on support can have the most profound impact. Their portfolio showcases a range of innovative companies, predominantly originating from the Nordic region, with ambitions for global scale. Founders positions itself as a strategic partner, deeply embedded in the entrepreneurial journey, providing the foundational elements necessary for breakthrough success in their specialized sectors.