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Heilemann Ventures is an investment organization founded by brothers Fabian and Ferry Heilemann in Berlin, Germany. Established to provide seed and early-stage funding for European entrepreneurs in the digital industry, the firm became well-known for its connections within the European startup and investor landscape. The organization effectively ceased independent operations in 2016 when it merged with Earlybird Venture Capital to co-launch the Earlybird Digital West Fund, which raised €150 million. Following this merger, the founders transitioned to AENU, a climate impact fund, which closed its first fund at €170 million in September 2024.
At its peak, Heilemann Ventures had a portfolio of 20 companies, focusing primarily on the SaaS and B2B sectors. The firm was recognized for its strategic support and extensive network, which helped portfolio companies grow and succeed. The Heilemann brothers, both serial entrepreneurs, previously co-founded DailyDeal, which was acquired by Google in 2011. Their experience in building and scaling companies has informed their investment approach.
Heilemann Ventures concentrated on seed and early-stage investments in the European digital sector, particularly in SaaS and B2B startups. The firm sought teams with strong track records and disruptive business models, emphasizing the importance of innovation in their investment strategy. The organization targeted various industries, including digital health, AI, fintech, consumer, commerce, edtech, proptech, climate, and govtech. This broad focus allowed Heilemann Ventures to engage with a diverse range of startups, all while maintaining a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with the potential to disrupt their respective markets.
Investment checks typically ranged from $5 million to $10 million, aligning with the firm's strategy to back promising startups during their critical early stages. Heilemann Ventures was known for its active involvement in the European startup ecosystem, leveraging its connections to provide strategic support to portfolio companies. This approach not only facilitated funding but also helped entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses in a competitive landscape.
Heilemann Ventures maintained a diversified portfolio of digital companies, primarily backed during their seed and early-stage financing rounds. Notable investments included:
In total, Heilemann Ventures invested in 20 companies, with 7 notable exits, including the acquisition of DailyDeal by Google. The firm’s focus on SaaS and B2B models positioned it well within the European digital landscape, allowing it to support a range of innovative startups.
Dr. Fabian Heilemann - Partner. He co-founded DailyDeal and has served as a General Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital. Heilemann is recognized for his expertise in digital entrepreneurship and has been featured in various industry publications.
Ferry Heilemann - Partner. Also a co-founder of DailyDeal, Ferry has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has played a significant role in shaping the investment strategy at Heilemann Ventures.
Alexander Ruppert - Investment Manager. Ruppert has a background in finance and venture capital, focusing on identifying promising investment opportunities within the digital sector.
Clemens Weidenbach - Venture Partner. Weidenbach brings experience in scaling startups and has a strong network in the European tech scene.
Lydia Benkö - Venture Partner. Benkö specializes in supporting early-stage companies and has a keen interest in innovative business models.
Manuel Hinz - Venture Partner. Hinz has a background in technology and entrepreneurship, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Patrice Deckert - Venture Partner. Deckert focuses on strategic growth and operational support for startups in the portfolio.
To pitch Heilemann Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website at heilemann-ventures.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and while warm introductions are preferred, direct submissions through the website are also accepted.
Heilemann Ventures has not engaged in new deal activity since its merger with Earlybird Venture Capital in 2016. The firm transitioned its focus to AENU, which launched in 2022, emphasizing climate impact investing. AENU closed its first fund at €170 million in September 2024, marking a significant milestone for the founders.
Prior to ceasing independent operations, Heilemann Ventures was known for its active investment strategy, typically engaging in 2-6 deals per year at the seed and early stages. The firm successfully backed a range of digital startups, achieving 7 notable exits from its portfolio of 20 investments.
What are Heilemann Ventures' investment criteria?
Heilemann Ventures focuses on seed and early-stage investments in the digital sector, particularly in SaaS and B2B startups. The firm seeks teams with strong track records and disruptive business models.
How can I apply or pitch to Heilemann Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Heilemann Ventures website at heilemann-ventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Heilemann Ventures different from other investors?
Heilemann Ventures is distinguished by its strong connections within the European startup ecosystem and its focus on providing strategic support to portfolio companies. The founders' backgrounds as successful entrepreneurs enhance their ability to mentor and guide startups.
What is the geographic scope of Heilemann Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Europe, focusing on the digital sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Heilemann Ventures typically invests between $5 million and $10 million in seed and early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Heilemann Ventures have?
The firm provides strategic support and leverages its extensive network to assist portfolio companies in scaling their operations and achieving growth.
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