Martin Varsavsky

Martin Varsavsky is a highly influential and prolific serial entrepreneur and angel investor, renowned for founding seven successful companies across various sectors. Based in Madrid, Spain, Varsavsky has a distinguished track record of identifying and nurturing disruptive technologies from their nascent stages. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding telecom giants Viatel and Jazztel, the internet portal Ya.com, the global Wi-Fi network Fon, the online education platform Overture, and most recently, the biotech firm Gameto. This deep operational experience as a founder significantly shapes his approach to angel investing, making him a particularly valuable mentor and partner for early-stage startups.

As an angel investor, Varsavsky primarily focuses on technology-driven companies with the potential for significant market disruption. His portfolio spans a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, internet services, fintech, and increasingly, biotechnology and health tech. He is known for his founder-friendly approach, often providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, leveraging his extensive network and experience in scaling businesses globally. Varsavsky typically targets seed and early-stage rounds, seeking to back visionary entrepreneurs who are tackling complex problems with innovative solutions.

Among his notable angel investments, Varsavsky was an early backer of The Climate Corporation, a data science company for agriculture that was acquired by Monsanto for an impressive $1.1 billion in 2013, demonstrating his foresight in identifying high-growth opportunities. He has also invested in other successful ventures such as Cabify, Clue, and Wallapop, showcasing his broad interest in consumer tech and mobile applications. With over 40 listed angel investments on platforms like Crunchbase, his personal investment activity is substantial and consistent. His typical first check sizes reflect his commitment to providing meaningful early capital, generally ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the stage and capital requirements of the venture.

Varsavsky's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his own entrepreneurial successes, emphasizing innovation, scalability, and a clear path to market leadership. His continued involvement in new ventures, such as Gameto, underscores his passion for building and investing in companies that aim to make a significant impact on society. He remains an active and sought-after angel investor, particularly for startups looking for a seasoned founder's perspective and a strong network in both European and global tech ecosystems.