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Contrarian Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lithuania. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in climate technology, aiming to partner with founders who are developing innovative solutions to address climate change. Since its inception, Contrarian Ventures has established itself as a key player in the climate tech sector, with a fund size of €100 million and a portfolio comprising 20 companies.
The firm operates from two locations: its main office in Vilnius, Lithuania, and a secondary office in London, UK. Contrarian Ventures has garnered significant attention and support from institutional investors, including a €25 million commitment from the European Investment Fund through the InvestEU program. This backing underscores the firm's credibility and commitment to driving impactful change in the climate sector.
Over the years, Contrarian Ventures has achieved notable milestones, including participation in the Lazard T100 European Venture Growth Index 2024, highlighting its portfolio companies PVcase and BeZero Carbon. The firm continues to expand its influence in the climate tech space, actively engaging with startups and fostering partnerships that align with its mission.
Contrarian Ventures primarily invests in climate technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, with a geographic focus on Europe and Israel. The firm typically commits between €1 million and €4 million to each investment, emphasizing support for founders who are developing scalable technologies to tackle complex climate challenges. Their investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including climate, energy, and mobility.
The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong vision and commitment to sustainability. Contrarian Ventures prioritizes innovative solutions that can significantly impact climate change, aligning with its thesis of supporting early-stage companies that address pressing environmental issues. The firm’s founder-first approach ensures that the needs and aspirations of entrepreneurs are central to the investment process, fostering long-term partnerships that drive growth and success.
Contrarian Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 20 companies, primarily focused on climate technology. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies represent Contrarian Ventures' commitment to investing in scalable solutions that address climate challenges. The firm’s portfolio reflects a strategic focus on sectors that are critical to the decarbonization of transportation, energy, and industrial processes.
Rokas Peciulaitis - Founder & Managing Partner. Rokas has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous investments in the climate tech sector.
Tomas Kemtys - General Partner. Tomas brings a wealth of knowledge in early-stage investments and has a strong background in technology and sustainability.
Patrikas Feiferas - Principal. Patrikas focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities in climate technology.
Robina von Stein - Principal. Robina has expertise in scaling startups and works closely with portfolio companies to drive growth.
Vlad Stoicescu - Investment Analyst. Vlad supports the investment team in due diligence and market analysis.
Alessandro Bertino - Principal. Alessandro specializes in energy and mobility investments, contributing to the firm's strategic focus.
Iohan Dessard - Finance & Operations Manager. Iohan oversees financial operations and ensures efficient management of the firm's resources.
Agne Gudonaviciute - Chief of Staff. Agne plays a key role in managing operations and supporting the team.
Vasare Kamarauskaite - ESG & Impact Analyst. Vasare focuses on evaluating the environmental and social impact of portfolio companies.
Benjaminas Venslovas - Data Scientist. Benjaminas analyzes data to support investment decisions and portfolio management.
Kobi Weinberg - Venture Partner. Kobi brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Michael Huerta - Venture Partner. Michael has a strong background in technology investments and supports the firm's strategic initiatives.
Christopher Brown - Venture Partner. Christopher specializes in scaling startups and has a deep understanding of the climate tech sector.
Steven Meersman - Venture Partner. Steven focuses on investment strategy and portfolio management.
Eryk Frontczak - Venture Partner. Eryk brings expertise in early-stage investments and works closely with founders.
Marc Wesselink - Venture Partner. Marc has a strong background in technology and sustainability, contributing to the firm's mission.
To pitch to Contrarian Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at cventures.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, technology, team, and market opportunity. The firm typically reviews pitches promptly, but founders should expect a response time of a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
Contrarian Ventures hosts several initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in the climate tech sector. One of the key programs is the Energy Tech Summit, an annual event that gathers climate founders and investors to discuss trends and opportunities in the industry.
Another notable initiative is Growth Meets Capital, scheduled for April 15, 2026, in Bilbao, Spain. This platform connects growth-stage startups with investors, facilitating valuable networking opportunities.
Additionally, the firm runs the Energy Tech Challengers, an annual competition for innovative startups in the energy sector, with applications due by January 19, 2026. This program aims to identify and support groundbreaking solutions in energy technology.
In recent months, Contrarian Ventures has been actively deploying capital within the climate tech sector. The firm has facilitated 12 new funding rounds totaling €152 million for its portfolio companies, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address climate challenges. Notable portfolio companies such as PVcase and BeZero Carbon have been highlighted in the Lazard T100 European Venture Growth Index 2024, showcasing their significant impact in the industry.
Additionally, Contrarian Ventures is preparing for its upcoming event, the Energy Tech Summit, which has grown to attract thousands of attendees since its inception in 2020. This annual event serves as a platform for climate founders and investors to connect and share insights on the latest developments in climate technology.
What are Contrarian Ventures' investment criteria?
Contrarian Ventures invests in early-stage climate technology startups, primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm focuses on companies located in Europe and Israel, with a typical investment range of €1 million to €4 million.
How can founders apply or pitch to Contrarian Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Contrarian Ventures through their website at cventures.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information about the team and technology in the pitch deck.
What makes Contrarian Ventures different from other VCs?
Contrarian Ventures emphasizes a founder-first approach, prioritizing the needs and visions of entrepreneurs. The firm is specifically focused on climate technology, making it one of the few specialized European VCs in this sector.
What is the geographic scope of Contrarian Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in Europe and Israel, focusing on companies that are developing innovative solutions to climate challenges.
What is the firm's post-investment involvement like?
Contrarian Ventures provides strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and support in scaling operations for its portfolio companies. The firm is committed to fostering long-term partnerships with founders.
What is the size of Contrarian Ventures' fund?
Contrarian Ventures has a fund size of €100 million, which allows them to make significant investments in early-stage climate technology companies.
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