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Lakestar is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 2012 by Klaus Hommels, headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm has established itself as a key player in the European venture capital scene, managing over €2 billion in assets under management (AUM) across multiple fund vintages. Initially focused on early-stage investments, Lakestar has evolved into a multi-stage investor with a global reach, including offices in London, Zurich, New York, and Hong Kong.
In October 2025, Lakestar announced a significant strategic shift, ceasing the raising of new generalist venture capital funds. The firm will now concentrate on maximizing returns from its existing portfolio, deploying its own capital for larger, more concentrated investments. This pivot reflects a broader trend in the venture capital industry, emphasizing the importance of portfolio concentration and sector specialization.
Notable milestones in Lakestar's history include early investments in companies like Skype, Facebook, and Spotify, which have contributed to its reputation as a leading investor in technology-driven sectors. The firm is now focused on supporting its portfolio companies, particularly those in fintech, healthcare, and deep tech, as they navigate their growth journeys.
Lakestar invests across a range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, fintech, and deep tech. The firm is particularly interested in companies that leverage significant engineering or scientific breakthroughs, enhance patient empowerment in healthcare, and drive innovation in the financial sector through advancements in open finance and AI.
The investment strategy spans all stages of company development, from seed to growth equity, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $600 million. Lakestar's recent shift towards concentrated investments indicates a focus on supporting existing portfolio companies rather than pursuing new generalist investments. This approach allows the firm to provide deeper operational support and strategic insights to its portfolio companies.
Geographically, Lakestar maintains a global investment perspective, with a strong emphasis on European markets. The firm seeks to partner with technology entrepreneurs who have the potential to significantly impact modern life on a global scale, aligning with its thesis of investing in transformative technology.
Lakestar's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its investment strategy:
In addition to these current investments, Lakestar has a history of successful exits, including early investments in Skype, Facebook, Airbnb, Klarna, Zoom, and Coinbase. These exits have solidified Lakestar's reputation as a leading venture capital firm in Europe.
Klaus Hommels: Founder & Chairman. Klaus is a prominent tech investor in Europe, known for his early investments in companies like Facebook, Skype, and Spotify. He has a Swiss-German background and has been instrumental in shaping Lakestar's investment strategy.
Stephen Nundy: General Partner. Stephen has extensive experience in venture capital and has been involved in various successful investments across multiple sectors.
Simon King: Partner, based in London. Simon brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has played a key role in Lakestar's growth.
Oliver Heimes: Partner, based in Zurich. Oliver focuses on deep tech and healthcare investments, leveraging his background in engineering and finance.
Akis Bratsos: Partner, based in London. Akis specializes in fintech and digitalization, contributing to Lakestar's strategic focus on these sectors.
Georgia Watson: Partner, based in London. Georgia has a strong background in venture capital and is involved in sourcing and managing investments.
Nina Odefey: Senior Associate, based in Berlin. Nina supports the investment team with research and analysis, focusing on emerging technology trends.
To pitch Lakestar, founders should visit the firm's website at lakestar.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Lakestar prefers pitches that highlight technological innovation and potential for significant impact.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the firm's focus on concentrated investments. Warm introductions through mutual connections can enhance the likelihood of a favorable response.
In September 2025, Lakestar closed a $265 million continuation fund, one of the largest continuation vehicles in European venture capital, aimed at extending hold periods on existing portfolio winners.
In June 2025, the firm announced plans to raise a $300 million European defence technology fund, aligning with trends in European sovereignty and security investments.
Lakestar led a $13 million Series A investment in Yapily, a company focused on open banking solutions, and participated in a GBP 29 million Series B round for Eigen Technologies.
In 2025, Lakestar made 17 investments, demonstrating its active engagement in the venture capital space despite its strategic shift.
What are Lakestar's investment criteria?
Lakestar focuses on technology-driven companies across sectors such as AI, healthcare, fintech, and deep tech. The firm invests at all stages, from seed to growth equity, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $600 million.
How can I pitch to Lakestar?
Founders can pitch to Lakestar through their website at lakestar.com. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Lakestar different from other VCs?
Lakestar has shifted its strategy to focus on concentrated investments in existing portfolio companies rather than raising new generalist funds. This allows for deeper engagement and support for its portfolio, particularly in late-stage investments.
What is Lakestar's geographic focus?
The firm has a global investment perspective but places a strong emphasis on European markets, aligning with its strategy to support technology that impacts modern life on a global scale.
What is the size of Lakestar's funds?
Lakestar's most recent fund closed at $600 million, and the firm also manages a $265 million continuation fund aimed at supporting late-stage portfolio companies.
What type of post-investment involvement does Lakestar have?
Lakestar provides significant operational support and strategic insights to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate growth challenges and maximize their potential.
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