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butterfly & elephant is the corporate venture capital arm of GS1 Germany, established in 2024 to support startups in their growth journey. Based in Germany, the firm aims to create an environment conducive to the development of innovative ideas by leveraging GS1 standards and a vast network of industry partners. This strategic focus allows butterfly & elephant to align its investments with the adoption of GS1 standards, which are critical for product identification and data exchange.
The firm operates with a focus on seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting sectors such as consumer goods, retail, e-commerce, and healthcare. butterfly & elephant emphasizes entrepreneurial freedom, enabling startups to develop their products and growth strategies independently while providing access to GS1 standards, mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities. The firm is backed by GS1 Germany's extensive network of over 97,000 member companies in Germany and more than 2 million worldwide, enhancing its portfolio companies' market entry and credibility.
butterfly & elephant invests in seed and early-stage companies, primarily within the consumer goods, retail, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors. The firm emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial freedom, allowing startups to develop their product and growth strategies independently. Investments typically range up to €300,000 per company, focusing on those that adopt or advance GS1 standards in product identification, data capture, and data exchange.
The organization seeks startups that combine technological innovation with standardization, particularly in areas where GS1 standards apply. This strategic partnership approach not only provides capital but also grants portfolio companies access to GS1's extensive network, facilitating market entry and fostering corporate introductions. butterfly & elephant's investment strategy is designed to support sustainable growth and innovation within its portfolio.
butterfly & elephant has made several notable investments in startups that align with its strategic focus. Key portfolio companies include:
These investments highlight butterfly & elephant's commitment to supporting technological innovation and the adoption of GS1 standards across various sectors.
Thomas Alt: Investment Committee Member with experience in corporate finance and venture capital, focusing on strategic investments.
Jacob Fatih: Investment Committee Member with a background in technology and innovation, specializing in early-stage investments.
Dr. Meinrad Lugan: Investment Committee Member with expertise in healthcare and consumer goods sectors, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Ralf Pütmann: Investment Committee Member with a strong background in logistics and supply chain management, enhancing the firm's investment strategy.
Kay Schiebur: Investment Committee Member with experience in corporate strategy and business development, focusing on growth opportunities.
Benjamin Birker: Managing Director effective October 1, 2024, with a proven track record in venture capital and corporate investments.
Startups interested in pitching to butterfly & elephant should use the preferred channel of their website or email. It is essential to include a comprehensive business plan that outlines the startup's alignment with GS1 standards and its growth strategy. Founders should expect a response time of approximately two to four weeks after submission.
In recent activity, butterfly & elephant made a notable investment in amsight, a startup specializing in data-based quality management for industrial 3D printing, as part of a Pre-Seed II financing round. This investment underscores the firm's commitment to strengthening technological innovation within its portfolio.
Additionally, butterfly & elephant participated in a funding round for Cyreen, an AI retail media startup focused on digital measurement for brick-and-mortar stores. This investment reflects the firm's strategic focus on enhancing retail performance through technology.
What are butterfly & elephant's investment criteria?
butterfly & elephant focuses on seed and early-stage companies in the consumer goods, retail, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors. They seek startups that adopt or advance GS1 standards in product identification, data capture, and data exchange.
How can startups apply or pitch to butterfly & elephant?
Startups can pitch to butterfly & elephant through their website at butterphant.de or via email at butterphant@gs1.de. They should include a detailed business plan and how their startup aligns with GS1 standards.
What makes butterfly & elephant different from other investors?
butterfly & elephant is a corporate venture capital firm backed by GS1 Germany, providing not only capital but also access to a vast network of over 97,000 member companies in Germany and more than 2 million worldwide. This network enhances credibility and facilitates market entry for portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of butterfly & elephant's investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Europe, with a strong focus on Germany.
What is the typical check size for investments?
butterfly & elephant typically invests up to €300,000 per startup in seed and early-stage rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can startups expect?
Startups can expect significant support beyond capital, including mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities that leverage GS1 standards and connections within the industry.
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