Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Ctrl+Alt+Invest is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded by a group of successful ex-founders with deep technical backgrounds. Established to support early-stage technology ventures, the firm emphasizes sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), software as a service (SaaS), and cloud computing. The firm operates with a clear mission to back innovative startups that are building the next wave of digital resilience and intelligence.
The organization currently manages investments ranging from €0.5 million to €2.5 million, focusing on early-stage companies that require operational support in scaling their businesses. Ctrl+Alt+Invest has made notable strides in the European venture capital scene, particularly in the cybersecurity domain, where it has established a reputation for providing hands-on assistance to its portfolio companies.
Ctrl+Alt+Invest has a small but dedicated team of seasoned entrepreneurs who leverage their extensive experience in scaling businesses to help startups navigate the complexities of growth. The firm is strategically located in Amsterdam, a hub for technology and innovation in Europe, which enhances its ability to connect with promising startups across the continent.
Ctrl+Alt+Invest focuses on early-stage technology ventures, particularly in the sectors of cybersecurity, AI, and SaaS. The firm invests between €0.5 million and €2.5 million, targeting startups that are in their pre-seed, seed, and seed+ stages. The investment strategy emphasizes hands-on operational support, with the team providing expertise in scaling, finance, legal, sales, and marketing to help portfolio companies achieve their growth objectives.
The firm seeks to partner with technical founders who are addressing high-impact security challenges. Ctrl+Alt+Invest's investment thesis highlights a commitment to backing companies that are building solutions for digital resilience and intelligence, particularly in the realms of cybersecurity and quantum technologies. The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering guidance on go-to-market strategies, regulatory navigation, and fundraising efforts.
Geographically, Ctrl+Alt+Invest concentrates its efforts in Europe, with a particular focus on the Netherlands. This regional emphasis allows the firm to tap into a vibrant startup ecosystem and support local entrepreneurs in their journey to scale their businesses.
Ctrl+Alt+Invest has made significant investments in three notable companies within the cybersecurity sector:
These investments reflect Ctrl+Alt+Invest's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in cybersecurity, showcasing its focus on companies that address critical security challenges in the digital landscape.
Jalal Bouhdada (Managing Partner) — Jalal is an industrial cybersecurity entrepreneur and investor. He founded Applied Risk, which was acquired by DNV in 2021. Jalal has held advisory roles with organizations such as EE-ISAC, ENISA, ISA, and the World Economic Forum, bringing a wealth of experience in cybersecurity.
Lennard Zwart (Managing Partner) — Lennard has a background in structured finance, having worked at Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank. He founded CloudVPS, which he sold in 2015, and has since invested through his family office in cybersecurity and fintech. His expertise lies in strategy, marketing, funding, and finance.
Maarten Timmerman (Managing Partner) — Maarten co-founded Modat in 2024 and has a background in banking and renewable energy. He joined Cybersprint in 2017 and played a key role in its exit to Darktrace in 2022. Maarten focuses on finance, funding, legal, and HR aspects for portfolio companies.
Pieter Jansen (Managing Partner) — Pieter is a cybersecurity entrepreneur and the former founder/CEO of Cybersprint, which was acquired by Darktrace. He specializes in security, strategy, and scaling, leveraging his experience to support portfolio companies in navigating growth challenges.
To pitch Ctrl+Alt+Invest, founders should send an email to info@ctrlaltinvest.ai. It is important to include a well-structured pitch deck that outlines the startup's business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers concise and clear presentations that highlight the unique aspects of the technology and its potential impact.
Ctrl+Alt+Invest typically reviews pitches within a few weeks, and founders can expect feedback on their submissions. While warm introductions can be beneficial, they are not strictly necessary for consideration. The firm values direct communication and encourages founders to reach out with their ideas.
In September 2025, Ctrl+Alt+Invest announced a €750,000 investment in Key2XS, a cybersecurity company that integrates physical key systems with identity and access management platforms.
In March 2025, the firm invested €800,000 in Attic Security, a cybersecurity platform aimed at providing automated protection for SMEs.
In September 2024, Ctrl+Alt+Invest secured a €1.2 million investment in Modat, a startup focused on building an internet index search engine for cyber specialists.
What are Ctrl+Alt+Invest's investment criteria?
Ctrl+Alt+Invest primarily invests in early-stage technology ventures, particularly in cybersecurity, AI, and SaaS. The firm looks for startups that are in their pre-seed, seed, or seed+ stages and require investment amounts ranging from €0.5 million to €2.5 million.
How can I pitch to Ctrl+Alt+Invest?
Founders can reach out to Ctrl+Alt+Invest via email at info@ctrlaltinvest.ai. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Ctrl+Alt+Invest different from other VCs?
Ctrl+Alt+Invest differentiates itself through its hands-on operational support. The firm provides expertise in scaling, finance, legal, sales, and marketing, which helps portfolio companies navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
What geographic areas does Ctrl+Alt+Invest focus on?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in Europe, with a strong emphasis on the Netherlands. This regional focus allows Ctrl+Alt+Invest to engage closely with local startups and the tech ecosystem.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Ctrl+Alt+Invest typically invests between €0.5 million and €2.5 million in its portfolio companies, depending on the specific needs and growth stage of the startup.
What kind of post-investment support does Ctrl+Alt+Invest provide?
After making an investment, Ctrl+Alt+Invest actively supports its portfolio companies by offering guidance in scaling operations, navigating regulatory challenges, and developing effective go-to-market strategies.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.