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Cusp Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm specializes in software and technology investments, focusing on forming long-term partnerships with its portfolio companies. Cusp Capital has a total fund size of €361 million and has invested in over 100 companies across various sectors. The firm aims to support innovations that shape the future of digital infrastructure in Europe.
Since its inception, Cusp Capital has established a reputation for backing companies that align with specific core theses, particularly in the technology sector. The firm has a strong track record, with notable exits including Zalando, Delivery Hero, and Klarna. Cusp Capital's team is composed of experienced professionals who have previously worked with German family offices, contributing to a combined peak valuation of approximately €80 billion across their portfolio.
With offices in Essen, Berlin, and Munich, Cusp Capital is well-positioned to tap into the European startup ecosystem. The firm has actively deployed capital, averaging 3-4 new investments annually, and has a total investment capacity exceeding €600 million across its career.
Cusp Capital invests in a diverse range of sectors, including SaaS, fintech, healthcare, climate tech, consumer products, biotech, edtech, logistics, marketing, and AI. The firm targets companies at various stages, from Seed to Series C and Growth Equity, with initial investments typically up to €10 million and follow-on investments reaching €35 million. This investment strategy allows Cusp Capital to support startups as they scale and navigate the complexities of growth.
The firm emphasizes four key theses in its investment approach: industry-specific software aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the intersection of digitization and sustainability, the development of digital products for lower-income consumers, and European innovations that will shape future digital infrastructure. Cusp Capital seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively.
Geographically, Cusp Capital focuses on continental Europe, leveraging its local expertise to identify promising startups. The firm values long-term partnerships and provides operational support in areas such as finance, HR, marketing, and ESG initiatives, ensuring that portfolio companies have the resources they need to succeed.
Cusp Capital has built a diverse portfolio of over 100 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable exits from the portfolio include:
In addition to these exits, Cusp Capital continues to support a range of active portfolio companies, including:
This diverse portfolio reflects Cusp Capital's focus on technology-driven companies that are poised for growth and innovation.
Christian Winter - Partner. Christian has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in leading investments in technology startups across Europe.
Jan Sessenhausen - Partner. Jan specializes in operational support for portfolio companies, focusing on finance and marketing strategies.
Helmut Klawitter - Partner. Helmut brings expertise in scaling technology companies and has a strong background in the SaaS sector.
Wilken Engelbracht - Partner. Wilken focuses on investment strategy and has a deep understanding of the European startup ecosystem.
Matthias Mueller - Partner. Matthias joined Cusp Capital in October 2023, previously serving as a Partner at Global Founders Capital, with a strong background in scaling startups.
To pitch to Cusp Capital, founders should visit the firm's website at cuspcapital.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Cusp Capital prefers to receive pitches through their online platform and values warm introductions from mutual connections.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect feedback within a few weeks. Cusp Capital encourages clear and concise communication in pitch materials to facilitate the evaluation process.
In October 2023, Cusp Capital announced the addition of Matthias Mueller as a Partner, enhancing the firm's expertise in scaling technology companies. Matthias previously worked at Rocket Internet and has a strong track record in venture capital.
In 2024, Cusp Capital has already made four investments, including a €10 million lead investment in Payflow, a company specializing in earned wage access. Other recent investments include akeno (EUR4.5M seed) and Meight (EUR3.4M seed), indicating the firm's continued focus on innovative solutions.
As of May 2025, Cusp Capital has made four investments, maintaining an active deployment strategy and reinforcing its commitment to supporting technology-driven startups in Europe.
What are Cusp Capital's investment criteria?
Cusp Capital invests in software and technology companies across various sectors, including SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and more. The firm typically focuses on companies at the Seed to Series C stages, with initial investments up to €10 million and follow-on investments up to €35 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Cusp Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Cusp Capital website at cuspcapital.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan, market analysis, and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Cusp Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Cusp Capital emphasizes long-term partnerships with its portfolio companies, providing not only capital but also operational support in areas such as finance, HR, marketing, and ESG initiatives. This approach helps startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.
What is Cusp Capital's geographic scope?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in continental Europe, leveraging its local expertise to identify promising startups and support their growth.
What is Cusp Capital's post-investment involvement like?
Cusp Capital actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering mentorship and resources to help them succeed. The firm provides support in various operational areas, ensuring that companies have the necessary tools to navigate their growth journey.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Cusp Capital?
Cusp Capital's current fund size is €361 million, with typical initial investments ranging from €10 million to €35 million for follow-on rounds. The firm has a total investment capacity exceeding €600 million across its career.
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