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Curiosity Venture Capital, founded in 2021, operates as a community-powered venture capital firm based in the Benelux region. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in B2B software companies, particularly those leveraging AI and machine learning technologies. Curiosity VC is led by experienced partners Herman Kienhuis and Maurice Beckand Verwee, who collectively possess over 20 years of industry experience. Since its inception, the firm has invested in over 60 companies, demonstrating a commitment to supporting diverse teams in building innovative software solutions.
As of now, Curiosity VC manages a fund size of $26 million and has a portfolio comprising 62 companies. The firm primarily targets the Nordic, Baltic, and Benelux regions, emphasizing international ambition and alignment with European values. Notable milestones include a strong portfolio with several companies achieving significant exits, showcasing the firm's effectiveness in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups.
Curiosity VC specializes in early-stage investments in B2B software companies that have launched their first product and are gaining traction. The firm focuses on companies that apply machine learning and AI technologies across four socio-economic themes: Sustainable Living, Trusted Society, Future of Work, and Future of Commerce. These themes encompass sectors such as proptech, energy, climate tech, legal tech, privacy, cybersecurity, enterprise SaaS, HR tech, fintech, and marketing.
The firm typically invests in the pre-seed, seed, seed+, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Curiosity VC emphasizes the importance of international ambition and alignment with European values in its investment strategy. This focus on socio-economic themes allows the firm to support startups that not only aim for financial success but also contribute positively to society.
Curiosity VC's portfolio includes a diverse range of software companies, some of which have achieved notable exits. Key portfolio companies include:
Additionally, the firm has invested in companies like Cloudify, SecurityMatters, and ZecOps, further expanding its portfolio across various sectors. The firm’s active investment strategy has led to a total of 62 investments, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups in the B2B software space.
Herman Kienhuis: Founder & Managing Partner. He has a strong operator-investor background and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Maurice Beckand Verwee: Founder & Managing Partner. He brings extensive experience in the venture capital space and focuses on supporting diverse teams.
Lisa Brouwer: Principal. Lisa has a background in investment analysis and plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating potential investments.
Elliot Schouten: Investment Manager. Elliot is responsible for managing relationships with portfolio companies and assisting in their growth strategies.
Fleur AI: Analyst. Fleur supports the investment team with market research and analysis to identify promising startups.
To pitch Curiosity VC, founders should use the preferred channel of their website or email hello@curiosityvc.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. Curiosity VC values clarity and detail in presentations, as this helps assess the potential fit with their investment criteria.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
Curiosity VC has been active in the investment space, with a total of 62 investments made since its founding in 2021. Recent activity includes the investment in Lynk at the pre-seed stage in December 2025 and a €556K investment in BeCause during February 2024. The firm continues to deploy capital across the Benelux, Nordics, and Baltics regions, showcasing its commitment to supporting early-stage B2B software companies.
Notable portfolio companies include NEO Finance, which went public on Nasdaq Baltics, and Litebit, a cryptocurrency exchange acquired by Bitvavo. The firm’s community-driven model has attracted a diverse range of startups, further solidifying its reputation in the venture capital landscape.
What are Curiosity VC's investment criteria?
Curiosity VC invests in early-stage B2B software companies that have launched their first product and are gaining traction. The firm focuses on companies leveraging AI and machine learning across socio-economic themes such as Sustainable Living, Trusted Society, Future of Work, and Future of Commerce.
How can I apply or pitch to Curiosity VC?
Founders can pitch to Curiosity VC through their website at curiosityvc.com or by emailing hello@curiosityvc.com. It is recommended to include a detailed deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Curiosity VC different from other venture capital firms?
Curiosity VC operates a community-driven model where expert advisors and portfolio founders become co-owners of the fund. This unique structure enhances deal sourcing and provides robust support for portfolio companies through a network effect.
What is the geographic scope of Curiosity VC's investments?
The firm primarily invests in the Nordic, Baltic, and Benelux regions, focusing on companies that align with European values and have international ambitions.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Curiosity VC?
Curiosity VC manages a fund size of $26 million, with typical check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million for each investment.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Curiosity VC have?
Curiosity VC actively supports its portfolio companies through its community-driven model, providing access to expert advisors and resources that can help in scaling the business and navigating challenges.
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