
ICF Capital
Description
ICF Capital operates as the venture capital and private equity arm of the Institut Català de Finances (ICF), a public financial institution owned by the Government of Catalonia. Established with the primary mission of fostering the economic development of Catalonia, ICF provides various financing solutions, with ICF Capital specifically focusing on equity investments. This strategic arm plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and consolidation of Catalan companies across different stages, from nascent startups to established businesses seeking expansion capital.
ICF Capital's investment strategy is comprehensive, spanning from seed-stage technology ventures to mature companies requiring private equity for growth or consolidation. They manage distinct funds tailored to these varying needs. For instance, the ICF Venture Tech II fund targets early-stage, innovative technology companies, providing crucial capital during their formative years. Conversely, the ICF Capital Expansió fund is dedicated to supporting the expansion and consolidation of more established businesses, often facilitating their market leadership or internationalization efforts. This broad mandate allows ICF Capital to act as a long-term partner for businesses throughout their lifecycle within the Catalan ecosystem.
As a public entity, ICF Capital's investments are driven by a mandate to generate economic impact and job creation within Catalonia, rather than solely maximizing financial returns. Through its various funds, ICF has deployed significant capital into the regional economy. For example, the ICF Venture Tech II fund, launched with an initial commitment of approximately €20 million, aims to bolster the tech startup scene. Similarly, the ICF Capital Expansió fund has been instrumental in providing larger growth capital, with typical investments ranging from €1 million to €5 million, and potentially up to €10 million for significant transactions. This dual approach ensures both early-stage innovation and later-stage growth are adequately financed, contributing to a robust and dynamic business environment in Catalonia.
ICF Capital's commitment extends beyond mere capital provision; they often engage actively with their portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance and leveraging their extensive network to facilitate further growth. Their patient capital approach, characteristic of a public institution, allows companies to focus on long-term development rather than short-term exits. This makes them a distinctive and valuable partner for companies rooted in Catalonia, seeking not just funding but also a supportive and stable investor.
Investor Profile
ICF Capital has backed more than 83 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 14 rounds, about 17% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Debt Financing, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Spain, United States, Mexico.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Biotechnology, E-Commerce.
- Typical check size: $216K – $10.8M.
Stage Focus
- Debt Financing (59%)
- Series Unknown (13%)
- Series A (6%)
- Seed (6%)
- Series B (5%)
- Pre Seed (4%)
- Private Equity (4%)
- Series D (1%)
- Undisclosed (1%)
- Equity Crowdfunding (1%)
Country Focus
- Spain (94%)
- United States (5%)
- Mexico (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Biotechnology
- E-commerce
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Saas
- Health Care
- Fintech
- Financial Services
- Information Technology
- Internet
Frequently Asked Questions
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