Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund is a venture capital firm established to enhance the representation of women as founders and investors in the startup ecosystem. Founded in 2019, the fund is based in Europe and focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm has a total fund size of $28 million and has made 34 investments to date. Auxxo is recognized as Germany's first VC fund dedicated to female founders, emphasizing a community-driven approach that fosters personal growth and a supportive network for women entrepreneurs.
The firm operates with a clear mission to create a more inclusive venture capital landscape. Auxxo's commitment to diversity is reflected in its investment strategy, which prioritizes female-(co-)founded startups across various sectors, including climate, AI, and biotech. The fund's notable milestones include securing a significant anchor investment from the European Investment Fund (EIF) and achieving a portfolio that showcases the potential of women-led businesses.
Auxxo's team consists of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. The fund's operations are supported by a strong base of limited partners, including family offices and business angels, with over 50% being female LPs. This unique positioning not only enhances the fund's credibility but also aligns with its mission of promoting gender diversity in venture capital.
Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund invests primarily in female-(co-)founded startups at the pre-seed and seed stages across Europe. The fund's investment strategy is centered around sectors such as climate, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Auxxo aims to empower women in the venture capital ecosystem by promoting diversity and equitable participation within the industry. The firm seeks to support early-stage companies that demonstrate innovative solutions and strong growth potential.
The check sizes for investments typically range from EUR 350,000 to EUR 800,000, with the fund acquiring 3-8% equity stakes in the startups. Auxxo's investment thesis emphasizes the importance of having at least one female founder holding a minimum of 20% of the founder shares, ensuring that the companies they support align with their mission of fostering female leadership in entrepreneurship.
In addition to financial support, Auxxo provides a robust network and resources tailored for female founders. The firm emphasizes community-driven growth, offering mentorship and connections that enhance the success of its portfolio companies. This approach not only benefits the startups but also contributes to a more inclusive venture capital environment.
Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund has built a diverse portfolio of 34 companies, focusing on female-(co-)founded startups across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Among these, the fund has achieved a notable exit with Peer Solutions, an AI-based learning platform. This exit highlights Auxxo's ability to identify and support high-potential startups in the early stages of their development.
Bettine Schmitz: General Partner and co-founder of Auxxo, Bettine has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. She has been instrumental in shaping the fund's mission to support female founders.
Dr. Gesa Miczaika: General Partner and co-founder, Gesa brings a strong background in technology and innovation. Her expertise lies in identifying high-potential startups and fostering their growth.
Melanie Higgs: CFO and Operating Partner, Melanie oversees the fund's financial operations and strategic planning. Her experience in finance and management supports the fund's sustainability.
Dr. Sophie Pollok: Venture Partner, Sophie contributes her knowledge in venture capital and startup development, focusing on enhancing the fund's portfolio performance.
Alena Redeker: Investor, Alena plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, particularly in the climate and biotech sectors.
Fabiola Hochkirchen: Initiating Partner, Fabiola is involved in the fund's strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts, promoting the fund's mission of diversity in venture capital.
To pitch to Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, founders should visit their contact page at auxxo.de. The firm prefers direct outreach and encourages startups to submit their pitch decks through this channel. Founders should include key information such as the problem being solved, the target market, and the team’s background in their pitch deck.
Auxxo typically responds to inquiries within a few weeks, depending on the volume of applications. A warm introduction is beneficial but not mandatory. Founders are encouraged to clearly articulate their vision and how their startup aligns with Auxxo's mission of promoting female leadership in entrepreneurship.
In July 2025, Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund announced the first close of its Fund II, securing EUR 26 million. This fund aims to support 30 startups with initial investments ranging from EUR 350,000 to EUR 800,000.
Recent investments from Fund II include Emidat, a climate intelligence startup based in Germany, Resolutiion, an AI-powered commercial conflict prevention and resolution platform from the UK, and Stanhope AI, a deeptech company also from the UK.
Auxxo's Fund I, which closed in 2021 with EUR 19 million, has made 34 investments and achieved one notable exit with Peer Solutions, an AI-based learning platform.
What are Auxxo's investment criteria?
Auxxo invests in female-(co-)founded startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, focusing on sectors such as climate, AI, and biotech. The fund requires at least one female founder to hold a minimum of 20% of the founder shares.
How can startups apply or pitch to Auxxo?
Startups interested in pitching to Auxxo can visit their contact page at auxxo.de for application inquiries. The firm encourages direct outreach from potential founders.
What makes Auxxo different from other VC firms?
Auxxo is dedicated to promoting gender diversity in venture capital by exclusively investing in female-(co-)founded startups. The fund emphasizes a community-driven approach, providing mentorship and resources tailored for women entrepreneurs.
What is the geographic scope of Auxxo's investments?
Auxxo primarily invests in startups located in Europe, with a focus on Germany and the UK, but is open to broader European opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Auxxo typically invests between EUR 350,000 and EUR 800,000 in their portfolio companies, acquiring 3-8% equity stakes.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Auxxo have?
Auxxo provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources aimed at enhancing their growth and success.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.