
HV Capital
Description
HV Capital, formerly known as Holtzbrinck Ventures, stands as one of Europe's most established and financially robust venture capital firms, with a history spanning over two decades since its inception in 2000. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, the firm has consistently focused on identifying and nurturing promising internet and technology companies across the continent. Their investment philosophy centers on providing long-term support to founders, helping them scale their ventures from early stages through to significant growth.
The firm's investment strategy is notably broad, encompassing a wide range of stages from Seed to Series D rounds. HV Capital primarily targets companies within the internet and technology sectors, demonstrating a strong track record across various sub-segments including e-commerce, SaaS, fintech, and mobility. Geographically, their reach extends beyond their German roots to include key European markets such as the UK, France, and the Nordics. This expansive approach is underpinned by substantial capital; HV Capital manages funds exceeding €2.8 billion, making it a significant player in the European venture ecosystem.
HV Capital's commitment to the European startup scene is further evidenced by its latest fund, Fund IX, which closed at a substantial €710 million. This fund continues the firm's tradition of investing across the growth spectrum, with initial investment sizes ranging from €500,000 for early-stage opportunities up to €50 million for later-stage growth rounds. Over its operational history, HV Capital has invested in more than 225 companies, contributing to the success stories of prominent European tech giants such as Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixBus, and SumUp, underscoring their impact on the digital economy.
Investor Profile
HV Capital has backed more than 472 startups, with 29 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 146 rounds, about 31% of its total and boasts 90 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series A, Seed, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Germany, United States, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on E-Commerce, Software, Internet.
- Led 16 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $540K – $54M.
Stage Focus
- Series A (28%)
- Seed (24%)
- Series B (16%)
- Series Unknown (14%)
- Series C (10%)
- Series D (3%)
- Series E (2%)
- Pre Seed (1%)
- Private Equity (1%)
- Post Ipo Equity (1%)
Country Focus
- Germany (75%)
- United States (6%)
- United Kingdom (6%)
- Brazil (2%)
- The Netherlands (2%)
- Switzerland (1%)
- Spain (1%)
- Canada (1%)
- Singapore (1%)
- Russian Federation (1%)
Industry Focus
- E-commerce
- Software
- Internet
- Information Technology
- Financial Services
- Fintech
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Saas
- Health Care
- Marketplace
Frequently Asked Questions
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