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Gateway Ventures is a startup investment organization founded in 2015 and based in Vienna, Austria. Originally known as primeCROWD, it operates as a curated angel syndicate, connecting retail and professional investors with promising startups across various sectors. The organization evaluates approximately 1,000 startups annually, investing in the top 1-2% and facilitating over €23 million in funding through its platform.
As of now, Gateway Ventures has a portfolio of over 45 startups and a growing community of more than 4,000 registered investors. The firm primarily focuses on early-stage and growth financing, particularly in the DACH region, while also maintaining a broader European scope. Notable milestones include a portfolio value increase of 116% over the past seven years, showcasing the effectiveness of their investment strategy.
Gateway Ventures specializes in early-stage and growth financing, primarily targeting startups in sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, food technology, climate tech, and sustainability. The organization invests during the Seed and Growth phases, with a particular emphasis on the DACH region, which includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. However, their investment strategy extends to the broader European market.
The firm seeks startups that demonstrate solid business models, stable revenue, and innovative approaches. They prioritize investments in the top 1-2% of evaluated startups, ensuring a high-quality selection process. Gateway Ventures operates on a deal-by-deal basis, allowing for flexibility in investment amounts, with a minimum investment of €10,000 per deal.
Gateway Ventures has invested in over 45 startups, achieving a portfolio value increase of 2.16x. Notable companies in their portfolio include:
These companies represent a diverse range of sectors, reflecting Gateway Ventures' commitment to investing in high-potential startups that address critical challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and technology.
Markus Kainz: CEO & Founder of Gateway Ventures, Kainz has a background in entrepreneurship and investment, having led numerous successful startup initiatives.
Christian Gerencser: Head of Portfolio, Gerencser specializes in managing and supporting portfolio companies, ensuring they receive the necessary resources for growth.
Matthias Hofreiter: Investment Manager, Hofreiter focuses on identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities within the startup ecosystem.
Julian Pfeifer: Manager of Strategy & Investments, Pfeifer plays a key role in shaping the investment strategy and operational framework of Gateway Ventures.
Adrian Rhomberg: Investment Associate, Rhomberg assists in the due diligence process and supports portfolio management activities.
Lucca Röck: Strategy & Portfolio Management Associate, Röck contributes to the strategic planning and execution of investment initiatives.
To pitch Gateway Ventures, founders should use the digital platform available on their website. The pitch deck should include essential information such as the business model, market analysis, and financial projections. Gateway Ventures does not charge upfront membership or due diligence fees, making it accessible for startups.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks after submission. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Gateway Ventures offers a **Startup Investment Bootcamp**, which is a workshop series aimed at investors seeking practical insights into startup investments. The next session starts on April 22, 2026, and consists of two modules, with a maximum of 30 participants and a fee of €390.
In recent months, Gateway Ventures has actively facilitated startup investments through its digital platform, closing over 38 startup investments. The firm continues to expand its community of registered investors, which now exceeds 4,000 participants.
On April 22, 2026, Gateway Ventures will launch its next Startup Investment Bootcamp, a workshop series designed to provide investors with practical insights into startup investments.
What are Gateway Ventures' investment criteria?
Gateway Ventures focuses on early-stage and growth-stage startups, primarily in the DACH region. They invest in sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, food technology, climate tech, and sustainability. The firm evaluates around 1,000 startups annually, selecting the top 1-2% for investment.
How can startups apply or pitch to Gateway Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Gateway Ventures through their digital platform. Interested founders should prepare a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. The firm prefers a minimum investment of €10,000 per deal.
What makes Gateway Ventures different from traditional venture capital firms?
Gateway Ventures operates as a curated angel syndicate rather than a traditional LP-backed fund. This model allows them to aggregate retail and professional investors to co-invest in pre-screened startups, providing a unique approach to startup funding.
What is the geographic scope of Gateway Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the DACH region, which includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but also has a broader European focus. This allows them to tap into a diverse range of startup opportunities across Europe.
What kind of post-investment support does Gateway Ventures provide?
Gateway Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by connecting them with a network of over 3,500 registered investors. They also offer insights through their Startup Investment Bootcamp and facilitate access to industry events for networking and growth opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Gateway Ventures?
Gateway Ventures typically invests a minimum of €10,000 per deal, but the exact check size can vary depending on the specific investment opportunity and the startup's needs.
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