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Exceptional Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, founded in 2022 by Matt Cooper and Paolo Pio. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies that aim to enhance human longevity, health, and happiness. Since its inception, Exceptional Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 45 companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative startups that align with its vision of a healthier future.
Currently, Exceptional Ventures manages a fund size of $15 million and has fully deployed its first fund, EV Fund 1, which targets early-stage startups in HealthTech, FoodTech, and Financial Wellbeing. The firm is set to launch EV Fund 2 in 2025, indicating ongoing momentum and a strategic focus on HealthTech. The firm operates primarily across North America and Europe, with a particular emphasis on the UK.
Exceptional Ventures invests primarily in the sectors of HealthTech, FoodTech, and Financial Wellbeing. The firm targets early-stage companies at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, focusing on innovations that enhance human longevity and quality of life. Their investment strategy emphasizes scientifically proven innovations in wellness, risk assessment, early detection, and smarter treatment and care delivery.
Exceptional Ventures seeks to partner with founders who are passionate about improving health outcomes and who demonstrate a clear vision for their startups. The firm values companies that align with its thesis of extending the 'Joyspan', which aims to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Their geographic focus includes the UK, Europe, and the US, with opportunistic investments in other regions.
Exceptional Ventures has a diverse portfolio of over 45 companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects Exceptional Ventures' strategic focus on enhancing health and wellness through innovative solutions.
Matt Cooper: Co-Founder & Executive Chairman. Matt has extensive experience in the wellness and healthtech sectors, having previously led several successful startups. He is known for his active media presence and thought leadership in the venture capital space.
Paolo Pio: Co-Founder & General Partner. Paolo brings decades of experience in wellness, risk assessment, and care delivery. His expertise is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Anna Fortuny-Gomez, PhD: Head of Platform, Science, & Reputation. Anna holds a PhD and has a strong background in health sciences, contributing to the firm's focus on scientifically validated innovations.
Joan Miquel Marcos Salleras: Visiting Analyst. Joan provides analytical support and insights into emerging trends within the sectors of interest.
Frederica Dick-Read: Executive Assistant. Frederica plays a key role in managing operations and supporting the team.
Alex Söderman: CFO & Compliance. Alex oversees financial operations and compliance, ensuring the firm adheres to regulatory standards.
To pitch to Exceptional Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website. It is essential to include a concise overview of the startup, the problem it addresses, and the proposed solution. Founders should also detail their market strategy and any traction they have achieved to date.
Exceptional Ventures appreciates pitches that are clear and data-driven, so including relevant metrics and milestones can be beneficial. While they do not specify a response time, founders can expect to hear back within a reasonable timeframe after submission.
In 2023, Exceptional Ventures announced the successful deployment of its first fund, EV Fund 1, which has fully invested £12 million across 41 portfolio companies. The firm has been actively building its portfolio, with notable investments including GlycanAge, Bio&Me, and Amatera.
Looking ahead, Exceptional Ventures plans to launch EV Fund 2 in 2025, targeting 50-60 companies with a sharper focus on HealthTech. This upcoming fund reflects the firm's commitment to expanding its impact in the health and wellness sectors.
What are Exceptional Ventures' investment criteria?
Exceptional Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies within the HealthTech, FoodTech, and Financial Wellbeing sectors. They focus on startups that enhance human longevity and quality of life, particularly those with scientifically validated solutions.
How can I apply or pitch to Exceptional Ventures?
Founders can reach out to Exceptional Ventures through their contact page. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with their investment thesis.
What makes Exceptional Ventures different from other VC firms?
Exceptional Ventures emphasizes not only capital investment but also strategic support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for its portfolio companies. Their focus on scientifically proven innovations sets them apart in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic scope of Exceptional Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the UK, Europe, and North America, with a willingness to explore opportunities in other regions as they arise.
What is the fund size and check size range?
Exceptional Ventures has a fund size of $15 million for its first fund, EV Fund 1. The check sizes typically align with early-stage investments, focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
Exceptional Ventures provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through mentorship, access to industry insights, and networking opportunities, aiming to enhance their growth potential.
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