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Keen Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with an additional office in London, United Kingdom. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology and defense startups across Europe. Keen Venture Partners was established with the goal of supporting exceptional teams in their growth journeys, focusing on sectors that are poised for significant advancements.
As of now, Keen Venture Partners manages a fund size of $150 million and has invested in over 30 companies. The firm operates with a hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with founders. This commitment to collaboration allows them to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance to their portfolio companies.
Notable milestones include the establishment of their European Defence and Security Fund, which focuses on investing in defense technology startups. The firm has garnered support from high-profile limited partners, including the European Investment Fund (EIF) and ABN AMRO, enhancing its credibility in the venture capital landscape.
Keen Venture Partners focuses on early-stage investments in the technology and defense sectors. Their investment strategy encompasses pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from €1 million to €10 million. The firm targets innovative companies that align with long-term trends in specific technology areas, ensuring they back startups with significant growth potential.
The sectors of interest include artificial intelligence, defense technology, software, and industrial AI. Keen Venture Partners employs a unique process called 'thesis sprints' to identify long-term trends and areas where they can provide substantial value beyond just financial investment. They prioritize founder-market fit and European scalability, which are critical for the success of their portfolio companies.
In addition to capital, Keen Venture Partners offers strategic support to help startups navigate their growth paths effectively. This includes mentorship and operational guidance, which are integral to their investment philosophy.
Keen Venture Partners has built a diverse portfolio of companies across various sectors, primarily focusing on technology and defense. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a mix of innovative solutions in their respective fields, showcasing Keen's commitment to supporting early-stage ventures that are positioned for growth.
Briehan Burke: General Partner with a background in technology investments and a focus on early-stage companies.
Giuseppe Lacerenza: Founding Partner known for his expertise in venture capital and a strong network in the European tech scene.
Alexander Ribbink: Founding Partner and General Partner with a history of successful investments in technology startups.
Ben Verwaayen: General Partner with a background in telecom and technology, contributing strategic insights to the firm.
Robert Verwaayen: General Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and a focus on supporting innovative startups.
Sara McMunn: Operating Partner who provides operational support and guidance to portfolio companies.
Gonçalo Lopes: Finance Manager responsible for managing the financial aspects of the firm and its investments.
Djoni de Vos: Principal with a focus on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Tomek Lepka: Investment Manager who plays a key role in managing the firm's investment portfolio.
Stephanie Davis: Associate involved in supporting the investment team and portfolio management.
Ties Klinkhamer: Junior Associate contributing to research and analysis for potential investments.
Angad Singh: Junior Associate assisting with various aspects of the investment process.
To pitch to Keen Venture Partners, founders should reach out via email at info@keenventurepartners.com. It is recommended to include a concise overview of the business, the problem it addresses, and the market opportunity. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, team, and financial projections will enhance the chances of a positive response.
Founders should expect a response time of approximately 2-4 weeks after submission. Keen Venture Partners prefers warm introductions but is open to direct pitches via email. Clarity and professionalism in communication are essential to making a strong impression.
Keen Venture Partners operates the European Defence and Security Fund, which focuses on investing in defense technology startups. This fund aims to support innovative companies that are developing solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and robotics.
Eligibility for this fund includes startups that are in the early stages of development and are working on technologies that can enhance defense capabilities. Interested companies can apply by reaching out to Keen Venture Partners directly via their contact email.
In December 2024, Keen Venture Partners backed Perciv AI in a €2.5 million seed round, focusing on radar perception technology. This investment highlights Keen's commitment to supporting innovative startups in the AI sector.
In 2025, Keen Venture Partners confirmed the first close of their Defense & Security Fund, raising over €150 million, positioning it as one of Europe's largest dedicated DefenseTech funds. This fund aims to target 25+ companies in the defense technology space, reflecting the growing demand for innovation in this sector.
Recent reports indicate that Keen Venture Partners has invested in over 30 companies across Europe, demonstrating their active engagement in the venture capital landscape.
What are Keen Venture Partners' investment criteria?
Keen Venture Partners invests in early-stage technology and defense companies across Europe, focusing on sectors such as AI, software, and defense technology. They look for startups that demonstrate strong founder-market fit and scalability potential.
How can I apply or pitch to Keen Venture Partners?
Interested founders can reach out via email at info@keenventurepartners.com to pitch their ideas or inquire about investment opportunities.
What makes Keen Venture Partners different from other VCs?
Keen Venture Partners emphasizes building strong relationships with founders, providing not just capital but also strategic support and mentorship throughout the growth journey of their portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Keen Venture Partners?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in Europe, targeting innovative startups that are positioned to scale within the European market.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Keen Venture Partners typically invests between €1 million and €10 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
What is Keen Venture Partners' post-investment involvement like?
The firm takes a hands-on approach, offering operational support, strategic guidance, and mentorship to help portfolio companies navigate their growth paths effectively.
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