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INNOventure is a venture capital fund established by Marcin Bielówka and Marcin Molo in Krakow, Poland. The firm focuses on supporting innovative scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in developing and commercializing their projects. The fund provides seed capital and connects founders with experienced professionals for mentorship, enhancing the attractiveness of projects to customers and future investors.
Currently, INNOventure manages a fund size of PLN 30 million (approximately €7 million), with 80% of its capital sourced from European funds and 20% from private investors. The firm operates under the BRIdge Alfa program, a joint venture with Krakowski Park Technologiczny and SATUS Venture, coordinated by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR). This partnership emphasizes the commercialization of Polish university research, positioning INNOventure as a key player in the Polish venture capital landscape.
INNOventure has a strong track record of supporting early-stage companies, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, IoT, AI, marketing, insurtech, and biotech. The firm has been instrumental in helping numerous startups raise significant capital through investments, grants, and IPOs.
INNOventure invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically targeting the pre-seed and seed stages. The fund's check sizes range from €100,000 to €1.5 million per deal. The sectors of interest include healthcare, IoT, AI, marketing technology (MarTech), insurtech, biotech, and construction technology (ConTech). This diverse sector focus allows INNOventure to tap into various innovative fields, fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies.
The firm operates as a first-contact investor, emphasizing the importance of research and development outcomes in building value. INNOventure seeks to partner with scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who have R&D-based projects, providing them with the necessary resources and mentorship to commercialize their innovations. The fund's investment strategy is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability, ensuring that promising ideas can reach the market effectively.
INNOventure's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its investment strategy:
Additionally, INNOventure has been involved with companies that have successfully exited, including a global platform for translation services, a telemedicine device enabling remote care, and technologies for oncology diagnostics and monitoring. These exits highlight the fund's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Marcin Bielówka: Managing Partner at INNOventure, Marcin is recognized in the Polish VC ecosystem and has spoken at NCBR conferences. His expertise lies in venture capital and supporting innovative startups.
Marcin Molo: Co-manager of the fund, Marcin plays a crucial role in investment portfolio development and has a background in supporting early-stage companies.
Leszek Skowron: Project Development Support, Leszek assists portfolio companies in their development phases, leveraging his experience in project management.
Krzysztof Homziuk: Business Project Manager, Krzysztof focuses on managing business projects within the portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Karol Kaczmarczyk: Investment Acquisition and Portfolio Support, Karol is responsible for sourcing new investment opportunities and supporting existing portfolio companies.
To pitch to INNOventure, founders should visit their website at innoventure.vc for detailed information on the application process. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and the team’s qualifications in the pitch deck. Specific application forms or portals are not mentioned, and response times may vary based on the volume of inquiries.
In recent months, INNOventure has been active in supporting the commercialization of research at Polish universities through its partnership with NCBR. The firm has participated in various conferences, including the NCBR conference where Marcin Bielówka spoke about the importance of venture capital in supporting innovation.
Additionally, INNOventure continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on early-stage investments in sectors such as healthcare and technology. The firm remains committed to bridging the gap between academic research and commercial success.
What are INNOventure's investment criteria?
INNOventure primarily invests in early-stage companies at the pre-seed and seed stages, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, IoT, AI, marketing technology, insurtech, and biotech. The fund looks for R&D-based projects led by innovative scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
How can I apply or pitch to INNOventure?
Founders interested in pitching to INNOventure can visit their website at innoventure.vc for more information on the application process. Specific email addresses for pitches are not provided.
What makes INNOventure different from other venture capital firms?
INNOventure distinguishes itself by focusing on the commercialization of Polish university research through its partnership with NCBiR. The firm provides structured support beyond capital, including mentorship and assistance in customer development, which is crucial for early-stage companies.
What is the geographic scope of INNOventure's investments?
The firm primarily invests in Poland, targeting spin-offs from Polish universities and research institutes. This geographic focus allows INNOventure to leverage local talent and innovation.
What is the typical fund size and check size for INNOventure?
INNOventure manages a fund size of PLN 30 million (approximately €7 million) and typically invests between €100,000 and €1.5 million per deal.
What kind of post-investment involvement does INNOventure have?
INNOventure actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing mentorship and support to help them navigate the commercialization process and prepare for future fundraising rounds.
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