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BackBone Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2018, with offices in Zürich, Switzerland, and Frankfurt, Germany. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage founders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, including first and second-generation migrants and women in male-dominated industries. BackBone Ventures emphasizes the resilience and work ethic of these founders as key drivers of success.
As of now, BackBone Ventures manages a fund size of EUR 20 million, specifically through its Backbone Ventures 5502 Fund, which targets pre-seed investments. The firm has built a portfolio of 44 companies, reflecting its commitment to fostering diversity in entrepreneurship. BackBone Ventures operates primarily in Germany and Switzerland but is open to investments across Europe.
Notable milestones include the establishment of a supportive community for underrepresented founders and a focus on mentorship and guidance tailored to their unique challenges. The firm has made significant strides in promoting diversity within the startup ecosystem since its inception.
BackBone Ventures primarily invests in pre-seed startups located in Germany and Switzerland, with a generalist investment strategy that spans various sectors, including healthcare, climate, and commerce. The firm typically leads investment rounds below EUR 1 million, focusing on amounts around EUR 300,000 to EUR 400,000. This investment strategy is designed to empower underrepresented founders with the resources they need to succeed.
The firm specifically targets founders from first and second-generation migrant backgrounds, women in male-dominated industries, and individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. BackBone Ventures believes that these founders possess unique perspectives and resilience that can lead to exceptional outcomes. The firm emphasizes the importance of character traits such as grit and determination in its investment thesis.
BackBone Ventures is committed to supporting its portfolio companies not only through financial investment but also by providing mentorship and guidance tailored to the unique challenges faced by underrepresented founders. This approach helps startups navigate their growth journey effectively.
BackBone Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 44 companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects BackBone Ventures' commitment to investing in innovative solutions across healthcare, climate, and commerce sectors, while also supporting underrepresented founders.
Dr. Jan Claudio Muñoz: Co-founder of BackBone Ventures, Dr. Muñoz has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting diverse founders.
Philippe Bernet: Co-founder with experience in investment management, Bernet is dedicated to fostering innovation among underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Miklos Stanek: Co-founder who brings expertise in technology and startup development, Stanek is committed to empowering early-stage companies.
Louis-Paul Zuppinger: Co-founder with a strong background in finance, Zuppinger focuses on strategic investments in diverse sectors.
Mark Hoffmann: Board Member with extensive experience in corporate governance and investment strategies.
Dr. Heinrich Baumann: Board Member with a background in technology and innovation, Baumann contributes to the firm's strategic direction.
Josef Ming: Board Member with expertise in finance and entrepreneurship, Ming supports the firm's mission to empower diverse founders.
To pitch to BackBone Ventures, founders should visit their website at backbone.vc and send their pitch deck to hello@backbone.vc. It is important to include a clear overview of the startup, the problem it addresses, and the team behind it. The firm typically responds within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
BackBone Ventures operates the **5502 Fund**, which is dedicated to investing in underrepresented founders in Germany and Switzerland. This fund emphasizes pre-seed investments and aims to support founders with resilience and grit. Eligibility for the fund includes being a startup led by underrepresented founders, particularly those from migrant backgrounds or women in male-dominated industries.
To apply for funding through the 5502 Fund, founders can reach out via the firm's website or contact email. The fund seeks to empower diverse entrepreneurs by providing not only capital but also mentorship and community support.
As of March 2026, BackBone Ventures has made five new investments in innovative startups over the past 12 months, continuing its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders. The firm has maintained an active presence in the venture capital space since its founding in 2018, with a total of 44 investments to date.
Recent notable investments include companies in the healthcare and climate sectors, reflecting BackBone Ventures' generalist investment strategy. The firm remains focused on leading pre-seed rounds, typically investing between EUR 300,000 and EUR 400,000.
What are BackBone Ventures' investment criteria?
BackBone Ventures primarily invests in pre-seed startups led by underrepresented founders, particularly first and second-generation migrants and women. The firm focuses on sectors such as healthcare, climate, and commerce, with typical check sizes ranging from EUR 300,000 to EUR 400,000.
How can founders apply or pitch to BackBone Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups by visiting the BackBone Ventures website at backbone.vc and using the contact email hello@backbone.vc. It is recommended to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes BackBone Ventures different from other VC firms?
BackBone Ventures is distinct in its focus on supporting underrepresented founders, particularly those from migrant backgrounds and women in male-dominated industries. The firm emphasizes mentorship and community support, which is tailored to the unique challenges faced by these founders.
What is the geographic scope of BackBone Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Germany and Switzerland but is open to opportunities across Europe. This geographic focus allows BackBone Ventures to leverage local market knowledge while supporting diverse founders.
What is the typical fund size and check size for BackBone Ventures?
BackBone Ventures manages a fund size of EUR 20 million through its Backbone Ventures 5502 Fund. The firm typically leads investment rounds with check sizes ranging from EUR 300,000 to EUR 400,000.
What kind of post-investment involvement does BackBone Ventures have?
BackBone Ventures provides ongoing mentorship and guidance to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate growth challenges and connect with resources within their network. This support is particularly focused on addressing the unique needs of underrepresented founders.
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