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Digital Leaders Ventures (DLV) is a European venture capital fund based in Luxembourg, founded in September 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies that are disrupting traditional industries on a global scale. DLV emphasizes supporting entrepreneurs who aim for global reach from the outset, prioritizing scalable business models with high growth potential and significant demand.
DLV operates a global network managed by a separate entity, Digital Leaders, which hosts leadership events and organizes customized learning journeys and tech tours for corporate groups and government delegations to major technology hubs worldwide. This approach enhances the value proposition for portfolio companies by connecting them with industry leaders and potential partners.
As of now, DLV has made a significant impact in the venture capital space, focusing on sectors such as AI, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, mobility, climate, and smart cities. The firm has a strong commitment to investing in companies that have completed accelerator or incubator programs or have previously secured seed investments.
Digital Leaders Ventures invests in technology sectors that are transforming traditional industries, including Communication, Education, Healthcare, Finance (including Bitcoin and Blockchain), Mobility, and Smart Cities. The fund targets companies that are post-seed and post-accelerator, specifically those that have completed accelerator or incubator programs or have previously secured seed investments.
Investment criteria include a focus on companies with a working product and early revenues, proven growth in users, clients, and/or revenues, and a global reach with operations in multiple international markets. DLV seeks experienced and passionate founders with deep industry knowledge, emphasizing the importance of a strong management team capable of leveraging DLV's global network.
DLV's investment strategy is centered around the belief that entrepreneurs should aim for global impact from day one. The firm looks for scalable business models that can adapt to various markets and demands, ensuring that their portfolio companies are well-positioned for growth.
Digital Leaders Ventures has a diverse portfolio of eight companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in transformative technology. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect DLV's focus on sectors such as AI, fintech, and healthcare, demonstrating the firm's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that disrupt traditional industries.
Monty C. M. Metzger: Partner; he is a thought leader on the digital future and the founder of CScout, which he exited in 2008. He has served as CEO at Ahead of Time and is the chairman of DigitalLeaders.co.
Thomas S. Enge: Partner; a serial entrepreneur, he was the founder and former CFO of simyo, which was acquired by KPN. He also founded and served as CFO of amaysim, which went public in 2015 on the ASX.
John Manella: Special Advisor – North America; he has a background in portfolio management, family offices, hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital.
Luis Fernando Garca Ulibarri: Venture Partner – Mexico; he is a professor at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and the founder of TeraSigma Aviation, which he exited in 2015.
Claude Crauser: Manager; he plays a key role in managing DLV's operations and portfolio.
Souvanna Chen: Executive Assistant; she supports the team in various administrative capacities.
To pitch Digital Leaders Ventures, founders should visit their website at dlv.vc or email contact@cabonnecountry.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications in the pitch deck. DLV prefers pitches that clearly outline the startup's growth potential and scalability.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to receive feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
Digital Leaders Ventures runs the Ignition Fund, which focuses on early-stage venture capital investments in fast-growth tech companies. This fund emphasizes scalable business models and strong management teams capable of leveraging DLV's global network.
Additionally, DLV organizes the FIA Smart Cities Startup Contest, a global startup competition in partnership with FIA (Formula E), Michelin, ENEL, and Julius Baer. This contest aims to identify and support innovative startups in the smart cities sector, with editions held in major cities like Berlin and Montreal.
Digital Leaders Ventures has made notable investments and exits in recent years. Among its portfolio, Revue was acquired by Twitter in 2021, marking a significant exit for the firm. Paykey was also acquired by Q2 Holdings, further showcasing DLV's successful investment strategy.
As of 2023, DLV continues to maintain an active presence in the venture capital space, with ongoing investments and participation in various tech events globally. The firm has been involved in co-investments alongside notable partners such as Balderton Capital and Greylock Partners, enhancing its visibility and influence in the industry.
What are Digital Leaders Ventures' investment criteria?
DLV invests in technology companies that are post-seed and post-accelerator, specifically those with a working product and early revenues. They look for proven growth in users, clients, and/or revenues, and companies that operate in multiple international markets.
How can I pitch to Digital Leaders Ventures?
Founders can pitch DLV by visiting their website at dlv.vc or by emailing contact@cabonnecountry.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market potential, and team background in the pitch.
What makes Digital Leaders Ventures different from other VCs?
DLV emphasizes a global reach from day one, focusing on scalable business models and providing access to a global network of industry leaders through events and learning journeys.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, DLV targets Seed+, Series A, and Series B stages, indicating a range that typically aligns with early to growth-stage funding.
What sectors does Digital Leaders Ventures focus on?
DLV focuses on sectors such as AI, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, mobility, climate, and smart cities, investing in companies that are disrupting traditional industries.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
DLV adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its global network, providing access to leadership events, customized learning journeys, and tech tours that connect entrepreneurs with industry leaders and potential partners.
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