Backbone Ventures
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This is a fund with actual conviction and a thesis they live by - not just diversity theater. Their "migrants have more bite" philosophy isn't PC posturing; it's based on real pattern recognition. Portfolio wins like Faircado (Slush Top 100) and securing quality co-investors show they can pick and attract follow-on capital. The team has solid operator backgrounds, especially in Swiss/German markets where local networks matter. However, they're 3 percentage points less likely to achieve exits than peers - could be early-stage timing or deal selection. Their typical 350-500K CHF tickets are meaningful for pre-seed but not game-changing money.
- —Best for: Underrepresented founders seeking conviction-driven partners with strong DACH networks
- —Watch out for: Below-average exit rates and relatively small check sizes for scaling
- —Known for: Authentic diversity thesis, solid operator backgrounds, quality deal flow
The fund deliberately targets those founders who have always outperformed their competition despite being structurally underprivileged based on their gender, origin or socioeconomic background. They focus on founders that had that hustler-DNA and closed their EUR 20m pre-seed fund, focusing on under-represented founders in Germany & Switzerland.
Pre-seed to Series A stage, primarily in Enterprise Applications (18 investments), High Tech (4 investments), SaaS, FinTech, and DeepTech. Pre-Seed tickets typically range from 350,000 to 500,000 Franken.
Named the 5502 Fund after his father's Chilean hometown postal code. Believes "migrants have often more bite than bio-Swiss". Gave insights into their investment philosophy including surprising deal-breakers.
Extremely passionate about great business models that have an environmental or social impact, with particular focus on the future of food. Loves to travel to Bali, Lisbon or Burning Man.
Believes migrants often have more bite than bio-Swiss and plans more Swiss early investments. Former entrepreneur and operator who adds value through sales and leadership experience, training for Ironman Mexico.
Serial entrepreneur and investor with retail expansion track record, formerly at Digitec Galaxus and VIU, co-founded bestsmile which won Swiss Economic Award in 2020 and was sold to Migros.
ETH graduate in mechanical and robotics engineering, co-founded Switzerland's largest student-run startup association, co-founded fashion-tech startup Selfnation, serves as advisor for startups in Europe and US.
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