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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 specializes in early-stage investments in technology-driven healthcare companies, primarily within the DACH region and extended Europe. Catalpa Ventures aims to tackle significant challenges in the healthcare sector, including demographic shifts, labor shortages, and rising costs, through innovative digital solutions.
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 anticipated in Q1 2027. Catalpa Ventures plans to make 15-20 investments over four years, focusing on pre-seed to Series A stages, 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 firm’s founding team possesses over 50 years of combined experience in healthcare and technology, having completed more than 11 exits and 35 angel investments. Their strong academic and medical backgrounds enhance their ability to identify and support promising healthtech startups.
Catalpa Ventures invests in early-stage technology-driven companies within the healthcare sector, specifically targeting digital health innovations. The firm emphasizes the importance of addressing three macro drivers: the demographic inversion due to aging populations, the shortage of healthcare professionals projected to reach 4.1 million vacant positions in the EU by 2030, and the escalating costs of healthcare, which are growing three times faster than GDP.
The firm seeks to invest in startups that develop digital tools, disease prevention technologies, and workflow solutions for clinics, laboratories, and healthcare providers. Catalpa Ventures typically leads or co-leads early-stage funding rounds, focusing on clinical validation, regulatory positioning, and early market entry. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to support companies that can deliver economically impactful and socially sustainable progress in the healthcare sector.
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 has disclosed only these two portfolio companies. Catalpa Ventures aims to expand its portfolio significantly over the next few years, targeting a total of 15-20 investments.
Dr. rer. pol. Thomas Goergen - Founding & Managing Partner; he has a background in business development and investment management.
Prof. Dr. med. Silke R. Sperling - Founding & Managing Partner; she specializes in investment management and has a medical background.
Dr.-Ing. Christian Goergen - Founding & Managing Partner; he focuses on investment management and has expertise in engineering.
Willibrord Ehses - Managing Partner; he oversees operations and risk management.
Adrian Goergen - Principal; he is involved in investment management.
Advisory Board members include Dr. Sophie Chung, a digital health entrepreneur with a McKinsey background; Stefanie Kemp, an expert in healthcare transformation from Sana Kliniken; Philippe Sollie, who specializes in biotech and pharma go-to-market strategies; and Jean-Paul Scheuren, who focuses on blockchain and infrastructure and is the president of the Biohealth Cluster Luxembourg.
To pitch Catalpa Ventures, founders should visit their website at catalpa.vc for detailed instructions. The firm prefers pitches that include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, and financial projections. A well-structured deck that highlights the team’s expertise and the startup's unique value proposition is essential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate the review process.
In December 2025, Catalpa Ventures announced the first close of its inaugural fund, Catalpa Health Fund I, achieving EUR 10 million towards its target of EUR 30 million. The firm is actively seeking additional investments and plans to finalize the fund by Q1 2027.
Recent media coverage includes features in EU-Startups, Vestbee, and Paperjam Luxembourg, highlighting the firm’s focus on healthtech investments and its strategic approach to addressing healthcare challenges in Europe.
What are Catalpa Ventures' investment criteria?
Catalpa Ventures focuses on early-stage technology-driven companies in the healthcare sector. They prioritize startups that address significant challenges such as demographic shifts, labor shortages, and rising healthcare costs through innovative digital solutions.
How can I apply or pitch to Catalpa Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Catalpa Ventures can visit their website at catalpa.vc for more information on the application process.
What makes Catalpa Ventures different from other investors?
Catalpa Ventures combines a strong academic and medical background with extensive investment experience. Their focus on the healthcare sector and commitment to addressing systemic challenges through innovation sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Catalpa Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in the DACH region and extended Europe, with a particular emphasis on Germany and Luxembourg.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
Catalpa Ventures' inaugural fund, Catalpa Health Fund I, has a target size of EUR 30 million, with individual ticket sizes ranging from EUR 300,000 to EUR 1.5 million.
What is Catalpa Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational guidance, and follow-on investments for high-performing startups.
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