
Sunfish Partners
Description
Sunfish Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Warsaw, Poland, with a dedicated focus on deep tech startups emerging from the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. Established with a mission to back visionary founders tackling complex challenges through proprietary technology, the firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies. Their investment thesis centers on identifying disruptive innovations across various deep tech sectors, including AI, advanced materials, robotics, and biotechnology, recognizing the significant potential within the CEE's burgeoning tech ecosystem.
The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a commitment to providing substantial initial capital alongside strategic support. Sunfish Partners typically deploys first checks ranging from €200,000 to €1,000,000, demonstrating their capacity to lead or co-lead early funding rounds. Beyond the initial investment, they are prepared to offer significant follow-on capital, with the potential to invest up to €3,000,000 in subsequent rounds, supporting their portfolio companies' growth through Series A and beyond. This approach underscores their long-term commitment to the ventures they back, aiming to nurture them from nascent ideas into market-leading enterprises.
Sunfish Partners launched its first fund in 2018, establishing its presence as a key player in the CEE deep tech landscape. Building on the success and experience gained from their initial fund, the firm announced the launch of Fund II in 2022, targeting a substantial €60,000,000. This new fund significantly enhances their capacity to support a larger number of promising startups and make more impactful investments across the region. The team emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing operational guidance, strategic advice, and access to their extensive network of industry experts, mentors, and potential partners, thereby accelerating the development and market penetration of their portfolio companies. Their strategic location in Warsaw positions them at the heart of the CEE innovation hub, allowing them to closely engage with local talent and emerging technologies.
Investor Profile
Sunfish Partners has backed more than 27 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 18 rounds, about 67% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Pre Seed, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Poland, United Kingdom, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software, Machine Learning.
- Led 3 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $216K – $1.1M.
Stage Focus
- Pre Seed (56%)
- Seed (44%)
Country Focus
- Poland (74%)
- United Kingdom (15%)
- United States (7%)
- Czech Republic (4%)
Industry Focus
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Software
- Machine Learning
- Medical Device
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Medical
- Pharmaceutical
- Biotechnology
- It Infrastructure
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