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Founded in 2003, Carlson Investments SE is a publicly listed venture capital firm based in Warsaw, Poland. The firm operates on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and several German exchanges, including Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich. Carlson Investments focuses on providing access to venture capital investment opportunities primarily in Europe, North America, and Asia, with a strong emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe.
Carlson Investments operates through its subsidiary, Carlson ASI EVIG Alfa, which is regulated by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority and the German BaFin. This structure allows the firm to manage a diverse portfolio of over 40 projects, targeting equity investments in private technology companies that demonstrate significant product or process innovation.
Notable milestones include a record-breaking financial performance in 2022 and a commitment to supporting startups at the forefront of technological advancement. The firm is co-financed by Poland's National Centre for Research and Development under the BRIdge Alfa programme, enhancing its ability to invest in innovative projects.
Carlson Ventures International specializes in pre-seed and seed investments, primarily targeting technology companies in Central and Eastern Europe. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and artificial intelligence, seeking startups that demonstrate significant product or process innovation. Investments are made directly and through its subsidiary, Carlson ASI EVIG Alfa, which is authorized and regulated by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority and German BaFin.
The firm typically engages in small-ticket investments, with check sizes implied to be around €200,000 per deal based on recent funding activities. Carlson Ventures emphasizes supporting startups that are at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly those in MedTech, FinTech, and deep technology. Their investment strategy is designed to foster growth and innovation in these critical sectors.
Carlson Ventures International boasts a diverse portfolio of over 40 companies, showcasing a range of innovative startups across various sectors. Notable companies in their active portfolio include:
Recent notable exits include Bloom Voyages, Z-RAYS, techVIGO, and HotBlok, showcasing the firm's ability to identify and nurture successful ventures.
Dawid Wesołowski serves as the President of the Management Board at Carlson ASI EVIG Alfa. He has over 10 years of venture capital experience and specializes in MedTech, FinTech, and CleanTech investments.
Łukasz Marczuk is the Vice-President of Carlson ASI EVIG Alfa, bringing 18 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, having led over 30 transactions in his career.
Artur Jędrzejewski holds the position of Key Personnel Officer. He is a 25-year veteran in investment banking and private equity, having founded Carlson Capital Partners and served on multiple supervisory boards.
Zofia Banaszewska is an Investment Manager with 15 years of experience, overseeing more than 40 investment deals throughout her career.
To pitch Carlson Ventures International, founders should use the contact page available on their website. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and technology details. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders should anticipate a thorough review process given the firm's focus on innovation and technology.
Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable response. Founders should aim to connect with the firm through industry events or mutual contacts to increase their chances of engagement.
In February 2023, Carlson ASI EVIG Alfa invested €630,000 across three startups, demonstrating their active engagement in the venture capital space. The firm reported record-breaking financial results for 2022, highlighting its successful investment strategy.
In 2025, Carlson Ventures documented four notable exits, including Bloom Voyages, Z-RAYS, techVIGO, and HotBlok, showcasing the firm's ability to identify and nurture successful ventures.
What are Carlson Ventures International's investment criteria?
Carlson Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed investments in technology companies, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. They seek startups that demonstrate significant product or process innovation in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and AI.
How can I pitch to Carlson Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups through the contact page on the Carlson Ventures website. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and highlight the innovative aspects of the technology.
What makes Carlson Ventures different from other VCs?
Carlson Ventures is publicly listed, providing a level of transparency that is uncommon among early-stage VCs in Central and Eastern Europe. Their focus on co-financing through public funds under the BRIdge Alfa programme also distinguishes their investment approach.
What is the geographic scope of Carlson Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in Europe, North America, and Asia, with a strong emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, recent funding activities suggest that investments are typically around €200,000 per deal.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Carlson Ventures provides strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and assistance in navigating the complexities of scaling technology-driven businesses.
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