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Felsen Ventures is a European defence-tech fund founded to accelerate dual-use innovation across Europe. Established in Berlin and Copenhagen, the firm focuses on addressing critical defence gaps by integrating capital, accelerator support, and operational expertise. This operator-led venture platform aims to facilitate the deployment of breakthrough technologies at scale, ensuring strategic and industrial resilience in the defence sector.
The organization emphasizes domestic manufacturing and interoperability across mission domains, aligning its investments with EU and NATO security priorities. Felsen Ventures operates with a multi-generation fund model that combines venture capital with an integrated accelerator program, providing early-stage startups with the necessary resources to innovate and scale.
As a relatively new player in the venture capital landscape, Felsen Ventures is positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for defence technologies, particularly in light of heightened European defence spending since 2022. The firm is committed to closing critical supply chain gaps and enhancing the resilience of the defence sector through its investments.
Felsen Ventures invests in mission-critical technologies that address supply chain gaps in Europe, particularly in sectors such as autonomous and tactical systems, drones, counter-drone technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber and electronic warfare, energy resilience, military mobility, mission software, and advanced munitions. The firm targets investments at the pre-seed, seed, seed+, and Series A stages, emphasizing the importance of domestic manufacturing and interoperability across mission domains.
The fund's investment strategy is centered around dual-use technologies that can serve both civilian and military applications. Felsen Ventures seeks to support startups that demonstrate innovative solutions to pressing challenges in the defence sector. Their integrated accelerator program provides dedicated funding and milestone-driven support, facilitating innovation directly into procurement and dual-use markets.
Felsen Ventures prioritizes partnerships with founders who possess deep domain expertise and a clear vision for their technologies. The firm values operational experience and aims to combine capital with hands-on expertise from industry leaders to drive successful outcomes in the defence-tech space.
Peter Bardenfleth-Hansen - Managing Partner. Peter is a Danish national and former CEO of Zaptec, a Norwegian EV charging company. He played a key role in Tesla's expansion in the Nordics, Japan, and the Middle East, reporting directly to Elon Musk. Peter has also led a UK defence-tech firm focused on battery and e-motor systems.
Joerg Sommer - Managing Partner. Joerg brings extensive experience in the defence sector and has been instrumental in shaping Felsen Ventures' investment strategy. His background includes working with various technology firms and contributing to advancements in defence technologies.
To pitch to Felsen Ventures, startups should utilize the contact form available on their website at felsen.ventures. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the technology, market opportunity, and team qualifications.
Felsen Ventures prefers pitches that clearly demonstrate the dual-use potential of the technology, as well as its relevance to current defence challenges. Founders should be prepared for a thorough evaluation process, which may include discussions about operational strategies and market entry plans.
Response times can vary, but startups should expect to receive feedback within a few weeks of submission. Warm introductions are beneficial but not strictly necessary.
Felsen Ventures operates an integrated accelerator program designed to support early-stage startups in the defence sector. This program offers dedicated funding and milestone-driven support, facilitating innovation directly into procurement and dual-use markets.
Startups participating in the accelerator gain access to resources that help them navigate the complexities of the defence market, including mentorship from industry leaders and operational guidance.
What are Felsen Ventures' investment criteria?
Felsen Ventures focuses on mission-critical technologies that address supply chain gaps in Europe, particularly in defence-related sectors such as autonomous systems, AI, and cybersecurity. They invest at the pre-seed to Series A stages.
How can startups apply or pitch to Felsen Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Felsen Ventures through their website at felsen.ventures. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the technology, market potential, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Felsen Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Felsen Ventures combines capital with operational expertise, focusing specifically on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military applications. Their integrated accelerator program provides milestone-driven support to early-stage startups.
What is the geographic scope of Felsen Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in Europe, targeting startups that address critical defence gaps within the region.
What is the fund size and check size range for investments?
While the specific fund size has not been disclosed, Felsen Ventures invests in early-stage companies, typically providing funding at the pre-seed to Series A stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Felsen Ventures have?
Felsen Ventures takes an operator-led approach, providing hands-on support and expertise to portfolio companies, which may include board involvement and operational guidance.
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