Earlybird Venture Capital
European venture firm investing across digital tech, health tech, and deep tech from seed to growth.
Earlybird is one of Europe's genuine OG funds that's earned its stripes the hard way - they've been around since 1997 and have the exits to prove it. Their track record speaks volumes: early backer of UiPath (Europe's largest IPO ever), N26, and Aleph Alpha. What founders need to know is that this isn't just another check-writer - they genuinely get involved post-investment and have built serious operational expertise over 28 years. The recent restructuring shows they're not afraid to evolve and focus where they can add the most value. However, they're getting bigger and more institutionalized, which means longer decision cycles and more process than scrappy early-stage funds. They're also heavily Germanic in their approach - methodical, thorough, but sometimes slower to move than Silicon Valley-style funds.
- —Best for: Established B2B/enterprise startups ready for Series A with serious growth ambitions
- —Watch out for: Longer decision processes and Germanic thoroughness that can slow deal timelines
- —Known for: Deep operational support, strong network effects, and actually delivering on exit promises
Through two separate strategies, Earlybird focuses on tech-enabled businesses across software applications & infrastructure, and deep tech, while Earlybird Health focuses on improving patient outcomes. They power Europe's tech innovators with financial resources, strategic support, and access to a vast international network.
Key investment areas include Enterprise Software, SpaceTech, EnergyTech, ClimateTech, and FinTech. They primarily invest in Series A rounds in Germany-based startups. Earlybird recently restructured to focus on two distinct entities: Earlybird and Earlybird Health.
Hendrik co-founded Earlybird in 1997 and brings over 27 years of investment, operational, and entrepreneurial experience. His current domain focus is on the DeepTech vertical and serves on boards of Marvel Fusion, Isar Aerospace, and other portfolio companies. Before establishing Earlybird, Hendrik was a Partner with McKinsey where he led small and mid-sized company initiatives.
Andre focuses on enterprise software with particular interest in developer, data and productivity tools, alongside AI-centric products and robotics. He joined Earlybird in 2018 and quickly grew to Principal and Eagle Eye Lead. He has led several investments and sits on boards of Aleph Alpha, Energy Robotics, and played vital role in investments in Getsafe and DeepCode.
Beginning his career with Earlybird in late 2017, Paul concentrates on product-led B2B SaaS companies, on both infrastructure and application sides, with ongoing support for portfolio companies HiveMQ, Simscale, Remberg, and edyoucated. He's credited for connecting with Aiven founders at Slush in Helsinki in their pre-Series A stage.
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