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.
Defiant is a venture capital organization founded in January 2025 to support early-stage B2B software and fintech companies. The firm operates from its offices in London, United Kingdom, and Lisbon, Portugal. Defiant emerged from stealth with a $30 million fund, aiming to raise up to $70 million for its initial fund. The firm is dedicated to providing value to founders through a product-centric strategy that challenges traditional venture fund models.
Currently, Defiant manages a fund focused on late seed and Series A investments, primarily targeting companies within Europe but also considering global opportunities. The firm emphasizes investing in businesses that demonstrate emerging or established signs of product-market fit and a repeatable growth engine. Defiant's approach is characterized by a thematic, data-driven methodology that aligns with the needs of modern B2B startups.
Defiant has built a reputation for its unique internal product and data stack, which includes tools like Blueprint and Benchmarks. These resources help founders understand investor perceptions and compare operational metrics against their peers. This commitment to supporting portfolio companies extends beyond capital, as Defiant aims to be a strategic partner in their growth journey.
Defiant invests in late seed and Series A B2B software and fintech businesses, primarily within Europe but also globally. The firm typically leads, co-leads, or follows investments ranging from $2 million to $10 million. Their investment criteria include having a live product in the market, generating revenue, and demonstrating early signs of product-market fit and a repeatable growth engine.
The firm’s investment strategy emphasizes a product-centric approach, targeting businesses that are not only operational but also exhibit evidence of growth potential. Defiant is particularly interested in technical products with complexity, moats, and barriers to entry. This focus aligns with their thesis that venture capital should be built with the same product and data discipline as the companies they back.
Defiant's geographic focus is primarily on Europe, but they are open to opportunities in the broader global market. Their investment strategy is designed to identify and support companies that are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends in the B2B software and fintech sectors.
Defiant's portfolio includes notable investments in B2B software and fintech companies. Key portfolio companies include:
Defiant's portfolio reflects its commitment to backing companies that are not only innovative but also demonstrate strong market potential in the B2B software and fintech sectors.
Joseph Pizzolato - Managing Partner. Pizzolato has over 10 years of experience in venture capital, having previously worked at Rothschild, Vitruvian Partners, and Felix Capital. He has supported more than 20 startups from seed through IPO across Europe, the US, and Asia.
Cam Rail - Partner. Rail is a product builder and former quant trader who has founded and scaled SaaS businesses. He has a background in financial analysis and has led a SaaS company to exit.
Gary Jaitowal - Venture Partner. Jaitowal's specific role details are limited, but he is listed as a venture partner at Defiant.
Marcus Granström - SVP Product. Granström provides product expertise to portfolio companies.
Leo Balan - Director of Product. Balan is involved in product strategy and development for portfolio companies.
Cristina Lasagni - Head of Sales. Lasagni offers go-to-market and sales support to portfolio companies.
Ryan O’Holleran - Machine Learning Engineer. O’Holleran provides technical expertise relevant to AI and machine learning.
Mike Scott - Head of Design. Scott focuses on design aspects of product development.
Avi Ashkenazi - VP Design. Ashkenazi supports design initiatives within the firm.
Steve Pearce - General Partner. Pearce is involved in high-level investment decisions and strategy.
Jai Juneja - General Partner. Juneja contributes to investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Defiant, founders should visit their website at defiant.vc. It is recommended to include a comprehensive overview of the startup, including product details, market traction, and growth potential. Defiant prefers pitches that clearly outline the business model and customer acquisition strategies.
While there is no specific application form mentioned, a well-structured pitch deck is essential. Founders should expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines are not disclosed. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
On March 18, 2026, Defiant participated in a $15 million Series A funding round for Rivia, a clinical-trial data engine and AI platform. This investment highlights Defiant's commitment to supporting innovative B2B software solutions.
Defiant officially launched in January 2025 with a $30 million fund, aiming to raise up to $70 million for its initial fund. This strategic move positions the firm to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the B2B software and fintech sectors.
What are Defiant's investment criteria?
Defiant invests in late seed and Series A B2B software and fintech companies that have a live product in the market, are generating revenue, and show signs of product-market fit and a repeatable growth engine.
How can I pitch to Defiant?
Founders can pitch to Defiant through their website at defiant.vc. It is advisable to include details about your product, market traction, and growth potential in your pitch.
What makes Defiant different from other VC firms?
Defiant employs a product-centric, data-driven approach to venture capital, utilizing internal tools like Blueprint and Benchmarks to provide insights and support to portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size Defiant invests?
Defiant typically invests between $2 million and $10 million in each company, depending on the stage and potential of the business.
What geographic areas does Defiant focus on?
Defiant primarily focuses on investments in Europe but is also open to opportunities in the broader global market.
What kind of support does Defiant provide to its portfolio companies?
Defiant offers strategic support through its product and data stack, helping founders understand investor perceptions and benchmark their operational metrics against peers.
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.