Rockstart

Rockstart is a prominent early-stage investor and accelerator based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, dedicated to empowering purpose-driven founders. Established with a clear mission to support startups addressing global challenges, Rockstart focuses its investments across three key verticals: Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies. The firm's unique model combines intensive accelerator programs with initial capital, aiming to significantly de-risk and accelerate the growth of nascent ventures. Their commitment extends beyond mere funding, providing extensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network of industry experts and potential partners.

The core of Rockstart's investment strategy revolves around its specialized accelerator programs, which serve as the primary entry point for most portfolio companies. Through these programs, Rockstart typically provides an initial investment ranging from €100,000 to €250,000, often structured as a combination of cash and in-kind services, in exchange for an equity stake. This initial capital is complemented by a structured curriculum designed to refine business models, achieve product-market fit, and prepare startups for subsequent funding rounds. As of early 2023, Rockstart has made significant strides, having invested in over 300 startups across its various programs, demonstrating a robust and active pipeline.

Beyond the initial accelerator phase, Rockstart maintains a strong commitment to its portfolio companies through follow-on investments. This strategy ensures continued support for high-potential ventures as they scale, providing capital for Series A and even later rounds. This long-term approach has yielded impressive results, with over 70% of Rockstart's alumni successfully raising follow-on funding after completing their programs. Collectively, startups that have passed through Rockstart's accelerators have gone on to raise more than €1.2 billion in follow-on capital, underscoring the effectiveness of their model in fostering sustainable growth and attracting further investment. Rockstart's global footprint and deep industry expertise position it as a critical player in the European startup ecosystem and beyond.