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Capricorn Partners is an independent venture capital manager based in Leuven, Belgium, established in early 1993. Originally founded as Capricorn Venture Partners NV, the firm underwent a rebranding in August 2019 to become Capricorn Partners. The firm is licensed by the FSMA (Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority) and focuses on technology-driven companies across digital, health, and clean technology sectors. Capricorn Partners emphasizes investments that contribute positively to society and the environment.
Currently, Capricorn Partners manages multiple funds, including the Capricorn Cleantech Fund, Capricorn Digital Fund, and Capricorn Health Fund, among others. The firm has a significant presence in the venture capital landscape, particularly in the Benelux region, and is known for its commitment to strong ESG principles across all its funds. The firm’s portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, showcasing its focus on innovative technology-driven businesses.
Capricorn Partners primarily invests in growth companies within the sectors of digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. The firm targets innovative companies in Europe, particularly in the Benelux region, employing an investment strategy that encompasses both quoted and unquoted growth companies. Capricorn Partners aims for industries expected to yield above-average growth, focusing on technology that provides a competitive advantage.
The firm looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively. Capricorn Partners prefers to invest in companies that align with its strong ESG principles, ensuring that investments not only achieve financial returns but also contribute positively to societal and environmental outcomes. The typical check size varies based on the specific fund and company stage, but the firm is known for its active involvement in the growth of its portfolio companies.
Capricorn Partners has built a notable portfolio of companies across various sectors. Key portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects Capricorn Partners' commitment to investing in technology-driven companies that have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Jos B. Peeters: Founding Partner, co-founder of Capricorn Partners, with extensive experience in venture capital and a background in technology investments.
Sabine Vermassen: Managing Partner, responsible for overseeing investment strategies and portfolio management, with a strong focus on health technologies.
Steven Levecke: Managing Partner, involved in strategic decision-making and investment evaluations, with expertise in digital technologies.
Katrin Geyskens: CEO, leading the firm’s operations and strategic direction, with a background in finance and investment management.
Rob van der Meij: Partner, focusing on investment opportunities in clean technologies and sustainability.
Ludwig Goris: Partner, involved in sourcing and managing investments across various sectors.
Dick Sietses: Investment Partner, specializing in health investments, with a strong track record in the healthcare sector.
Marc Lambrechts: Investment Director, responsible for evaluating and managing portfolio companies.
Daniela Arruda Costa: Investment Associate, supporting investment analysis and due diligence processes.
Wouter Van de Putte: Investment Director, focusing on digital technologies and growth-stage investments.
Simon Wouters: Investment Manager, involved in deal sourcing and portfolio management.
Steven Lambert: Investment Partner, specializing in digital investments.
Antoine D'Hollander: Investment Director, focusing on growth equity investments.
Jan Avonts: Investment Director, involved in strategic investment decisions.
Noé Wachsmuth: Visiting Analyst, providing research support and analysis.
Filip Pintelon: Investment Partner, specializing in health investments.
Damien van der Bijl: Investment Director, focusing on clean technologies.
Kim De Keyser: Valuation Expert, providing insights on company valuations.
Fabian Koning: Investor Relations Advisor, managing relationships with investors and stakeholders.
Jelle Van de Putte: Fund Administrator, overseeing fund operations and administration.
Ine Jordens: Legal Director, managing legal affairs and compliance.
To pitch to Capricorn Partners, founders should use the online submission portal available at capricorn.be/en/submit-your-pitch. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. Capricorn Partners values detailed presentations that clearly outline the startup's growth potential and alignment with their investment focus.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a reasonable timeframe. Warm introductions are preferred, but not mandatory, as the firm is open to reviewing pitches submitted through their online portal.
In recent months, Capricorn Partners has been active in the venture capital space. They co-led an €11 million funding round for Oska Health, an AI-hybrid care platform, demonstrating their commitment to innovative health technologies. Additionally, they supported Xyall, a medtech innovator, in closing a €7.6 million financing round.
Capricorn Partners also made a new investment in Aestuarium through their Industrial Biotech Fund, further expanding their portfolio in the biotech sector. The firm regularly publishes updates on their financial performance and investment activities, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape.
What are Capricorn Partners' investment criteria?
Capricorn Partners primarily invests in growth companies within digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. The firm seeks innovative companies in Europe, particularly in the Benelux region, that leverage technology for competitive advantage.
How can I pitch to Capricorn Partners?
Founders can submit their pitch through the online portal at capricorn.be/en/submit-your-pitch. The firm encourages detailed presentations that outline the business model, market opportunity, and team capabilities.
What makes Capricorn Partners different from other VCs?
Capricorn Partners emphasizes strong ESG principles across all its investments, ensuring that their portfolio companies contribute positively to society and the environment while achieving financial returns.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The check size varies based on the specific fund and the stage of the company, but Capricorn Partners is known for making significant investments in growth-stage companies.
What is the geographic focus of Capricorn Partners?
The firm primarily focuses on the Benelux region and broader European markets, targeting companies that are positioned for above-average growth.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Capricorn Partners provides strategic guidance, access to a broad network of industry contacts, and expertise in scaling technology-driven businesses, enhancing the growth potential of its portfolio companies.
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