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Catalpa Ventures is a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm founded in 2024 by Dr. Thomas Goergen, Prof. Silke R. Sperling, and Dr. Christian Goergen. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies that aim to revolutionize healthcare, particularly within the DACH region and extended Europe. Catalpa Ventures is committed to addressing significant challenges in the healthcare sector through digitalization and innovation.
The firm is currently in the deployment phase of its inaugural fund, Catalpa Health Fund I, which has a target size of EUR 30 million. As of late 2025, the fund achieved a first close of EUR 10 million, with a final close targeted for Q1 2027. Catalpa Ventures plans to make 15-20 investments over four years, with ticket sizes ranging from EUR 300,000 to EUR 1.5 million.
Headquartered in Grevenmacher, Luxembourg, Catalpa Ventures benefits from favorable fund structuring for pan-European investments. The founding team possesses strong academic and medical credentials, with over 50 years of combined experience in healthcare and technology.
Catalpa Ventures invests in early-stage technology-driven companies within the healthcare sector, specifically targeting innovations that address demographic, labor shortage, and cost challenges. The firm emphasizes the importance of digital tools, disease prevention technologies, and workflow solutions for clinics, laboratories, and healthcare providers. Catalpa Ventures leads or co-leads early-stage rounds, focusing on clinical validation, regulatory positioning, and early market entry.
The firm’s investment strategy is driven by three macro factors: the demographic inversion due to aging populations, the shortage of healthcare professionals in the EU projected to reach 4.1 million vacant positions by 2030, and escalating healthcare costs that are growing three times faster than GDP. Catalpa Ventures seeks to support companies that provide economically impactful and socially sustainable solutions in healthcare.
Catalpa Ventures has made initial investments in two notable healthtech companies:
As the firm is still in the early stages of its fund deployment, it plans to expand its portfolio significantly over the next few years, targeting innovative startups that align with its investment thesis.
Dr. rer. pol. Thomas Goergen - Founding & Managing Partner; specializes in business development and investor relations. He has a strong background in investment management.
Prof. Dr. med. Silke R. Sperling - Founding & Managing Partner; focuses on investment management. She brings extensive experience in healthcare innovation.
Dr.-Ing. Christian Goergen - Founding & Managing Partner; also involved in investment management. He has a background in engineering and healthcare.
Willibrord Ehses - Managing Partner; oversees operations and risk management, contributing to the firm's operational efficiency.
Adrian Goergen - Principal; focuses on investment management, supporting the firm's investment strategy.
Advisory Board includes:
To pitch Catalpa Ventures, founders should visit their website at catalpa.vc. The pitch deck should include a clear description of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses specific healthcare challenges. Catalpa Ventures prefers concise and well-structured presentations that highlight the team's expertise and the potential impact of the solution.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
In December 2025, Catalpa Ventures announced the first close of its inaugural fund, Catalpa Health Fund I, achieving EUR 10 million in commitments. The fund has a target size of EUR 30 million and aims for a final close in Q1 2027.
The firm has been featured in several publications, including EU-Startups and Silicon Luxembourg, highlighting its focus on early-stage healthtech investments and the expertise of its founding team.
What are Catalpa Ventures' investment criteria?
Catalpa Ventures focuses on early-stage technology-driven companies in the healthcare sector. They look for innovations that address significant challenges such as demographic shifts, labor shortages, and rising healthcare costs.
How can I pitch to Catalpa Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitches through the official website at catalpa.vc. It is advisable to include a clear outline of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses healthcare challenges.
What makes Catalpa Ventures different from other investors?
The firm combines deep expertise in healthcare and technology with a strong academic background among its founding partners. This unique blend allows them to provide valuable insights and support to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of Catalpa Ventures?
Catalpa Ventures primarily invests in the DACH region and extended Europe, with a particular emphasis on startups based in Germany, Luxembourg, and surrounding countries.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The firm typically invests between EUR 300,000 and EUR 1.5 million in each startup, depending on the stage and potential of the company.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Catalpa Ventures provides operational support, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies navigate the challenges of scaling in the healthcare sector.
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