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1750 Ventures GmbH operates as the corporate venture capital arm of VGH Versicherungen, a prominent German insurance group founded in 1750. Headquartered in Hannover, Germany, the firm focuses on investing in startups and InsurTechs that align with the insurance ecosystem. The firm was established to identify and support strategically relevant digital pioneers, enhancing VGH's operational capabilities.
The team consists of five members, including Managing Directors Andreas Zipf and Mirco Grützmacher, along with Hajo Knoche, an Investment Manager, Thorsten Ramus, and Ebru Koller, who manages social media. This compact team structure allows for agile decision-making and a focused investment strategy.
1750 Ventures collaborates closely with FUTUR X, VGH's corporate innovation unit, to drive innovation across various business areas. This partnership enhances the firm's ability to connect portfolio companies with the resources and expertise of VGH, creating a unique value proposition in the venture capital landscape.
1750 Ventures GmbH invests primarily in startups and InsurTechs within sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Health, and Mobility. The firm seeks innovative ideas and products that align with its strategic interests, particularly those that can enhance the insurance ecosystem.
The investment strategy emphasizes backing digital pioneers that are strategically relevant to VGH's business. This includes not only InsurTech but also adjacent sectors like deep tech and fintech. The firm is open to various stages of investment, focusing on seed rounds and early-stage companies that demonstrate potential for significant growth.
1750 Ventures operates with a classic corporate venture capital structure, where strategic fit with the parent company, VGH Versicherungen, drives deal selection. The collaboration with FUTUR X allows for a dual approach, combining equity investments with corporate innovation initiatives.
1750 Ventures GmbH has made notable investments in the following companies:
These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting innovative startups that align with its strategic focus on the insurance ecosystem and digital transformation.
Andreas Zipf - Managing Director. Andreas has extensive experience in venture capital and has led multiple successful investments in the InsurTech space. His background includes roles at various financial institutions, where he honed his expertise in strategic investment.
Mirco Grützmacher - Managing Director. Mirco brings a wealth of knowledge in digital transformation and has been instrumental in identifying key investment opportunities within the insurance sector.
Hajo Knoche - Start-Up Scout. Hajo specializes in sourcing innovative startups and assessing their fit within the VGH ecosystem. His insights into emerging technologies are valuable for the firm's investment strategy.
Thorsten Ramus - Investment Manager. Thorsten manages the investment process and works closely with portfolio companies to ensure alignment with VGH's strategic goals.
Ebru Koller - Social Media Manager. Ebru oversees the firm's online presence and communication strategies, enhancing engagement with the startup community.
To pitch to 1750 Ventures, founders should use the application portal available at 1750.ventures. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with VGH's strategic interests. It is recommended to provide detailed financial projections and a roadmap for growth.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In 2023, 1750 Ventures GmbH led a €3M seed round investment in DGTAL, an AI-powered InsurTech based in Hamburg, alongside Gossmann & Cie. This investment highlights the firm's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the insurance ecosystem.
Additionally, 1750 Ventures made a seed investment in MintFuture / wirkaufendeinethg.de, a THG quota marketplace, further expanding its portfolio in the InsurTech space.
What are the investment criteria for 1750 Ventures?
1750 Ventures focuses on startups and InsurTechs in sectors such as AI, Cybersecurity, IoT, Digital Health, and Mobility. The firm seeks innovative solutions that are strategically relevant to VGH's insurance ecosystem.
How can I apply or pitch to 1750 Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the application portal available on their website at 1750.ventures. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market analysis, and how the startup aligns with VGH's strategic interests.
What makes 1750 Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
The unique connection to VGH Versicherungen provides 1750 Ventures with insights and resources that are not typically available to other venture capital firms. This relationship allows for strategic support and collaboration with portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of 1750 Ventures?
While based in Hannover, Germany, 1750 Ventures is open to investments in startups across Europe that align with its focus areas.
What is the typical check size for investments?
1750 Ventures primarily invests in seed rounds, with check sizes varying based on the specific opportunity and the startup's needs. The firm is flexible in its approach to funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement can startups expect?
1750 Ventures provides strategic support through its partnership with FUTUR X, facilitating connections within the VGH insurance ecosystem and offering resources to help startups scale their operations.
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