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La Famiglia is an early-stage venture capital fund founded to support technology entrepreneurs across Europe and the United States. Established in 2017, the firm has evolved significantly, merging with General Catalyst in October 2023. This merger allows La Famiglia to operate as General Catalyst's seed investing arm in continental Europe, while continuing to maintain its brand and operational presence in Berlin and Munich. The firm has raised over €350 million since inception, with a current fund size of $264 million.
La Famiglia focuses on seed and growth-stage investments in technology companies that aim to enable or disrupt large industries. The firm emphasizes building relationships with its portfolio companies, providing them with early market access, impactful partnerships, and deep expertise. The team is known for its founder-friendly approach and strong operator network, particularly in Germany and Europe.
As of now, La Famiglia manages a portfolio of approximately 70 companies, with a notable presence in sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, logistics, climate, SaaS, cybersecurity, commerce, biotech, and defense. The firm’s headquarters are located in Berlin, Germany, with additional operations in Munich.
La Famiglia invests primarily in seed and growth-stage technology companies across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, logistics, climate, SaaS, cybersecurity, commerce, biotech, and defense. The firm targets companies that have the potential to disrupt or enable large industries, particularly in North America and Europe. The investment strategy emphasizes B2B technology, logistics, fintech, sustainability, and increasingly, defense technology.
The merger with General Catalyst has enhanced La Famiglia's capacity for follow-on investments and access to a broader network, allowing for more significant collaboration opportunities. The firm typically engages in seed-stage investments, with a focus on providing early market access and impactful partnerships. Check sizes vary, with seed investments being the primary entry point and growth investments facilitated through a separate co-investment vehicle.
La Famiglia seeks founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively. The firm values strong leadership and innovative approaches to solving industry challenges, which aligns with its thesis of investing in companies that can create significant market impact.
La Famiglia's portfolio includes a diverse range of technology companies, with notable successes and exits. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a mix of current portfolio holdings and notable exits, showcasing La Famiglia's focus on high-impact sectors and innovative technology solutions.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg: Managing Director at General Catalyst, previously a Founding Partner at La Famiglia. She is recognized as one of the most influential European VCs and has a strong background in technology investments.
Judith Dada: General Partner at La Famiglia, co-leading European operations alongside Jeannette post-merger. She brings extensive experience in venture capital and a deep understanding of the European tech landscape.
La Famiglia's team is notably female-led, which is rare among European VC funds of this scale. The firm is known for its strong operator network and founder-friendly approach, making it an attractive partner for technology entrepreneurs.
To pitch La Famiglia, founders should visit their contact page at lafamiglia.vc or email ciao@lafamiglia.vc. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team background. The firm values clarity and detail in presentations.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. While cold pitches are accepted, warm introductions through mutual connections can enhance the chances of a favorable response.
In October 2023, La Famiglia merged with General Catalyst, allowing it to operate as General Catalyst's seed investing arm in continental Europe. This merger enhances La Famiglia's capacity for follow-on investments and access to a broader network.
Prior to the merger, La Famiglia closed its third seed fund, raising €165 million, and its first growth co-investment fund, raising €90 million, totaling over €250 million. The firm continues to actively deploy capital post-merger, co-investing in notable companies such as Helsing, Stripe, Applied Intuition, Maven, and Ramp.
What are La Famiglia's investment criteria?
La Famiglia invests in seed and growth-stage technology companies across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, logistics, climate, SaaS, cybersecurity, commerce, biotech, and defense. The firm looks for companies that can disrupt or enable large industries and demonstrate strong leadership and innovative approaches.
How can I apply or pitch to La Famiglia?
Founders can pitch to La Famiglia by visiting their contact page at lafamiglia.vc or by emailing ciao@lafamiglia.vc. It is recommended to include a clear business plan and details about the team and market opportunity in the pitch.
What makes La Famiglia different from other VC firms?
La Famiglia emphasizes building relationships with its portfolio companies, providing them with early market access, impactful partnerships, and deep expertise. The firm's merger with General Catalyst enhances its capacity for follow-on investments and access to a broader network.
What is the geographic scope of La Famiglia's investments?
La Famiglia primarily invests in technology companies located in North America and Europe, focusing on sectors that have the potential for significant disruption and innovation.
What is the typical check size for investments?
La Famiglia typically engages in seed-stage investments as its primary entry point, with check sizes varying based on the specific opportunity. Growth investments are made through a separate co-investment vehicle.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
La Famiglia provides its portfolio companies with access to a strong network of industrial family offices and corporate operators, offering support in navigating their growth journeys and facilitating impactful partnerships.
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