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Lakestar is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 by Klaus Hommels and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm has established itself as a prominent player in the European venture capital scene, managing over €2 billion in assets under management (AUM) across multiple fund vintages. Lakestar has evolved from a focus on early-stage investments to a multi-stage global investor, with offices in Berlin, London, Zurich, New York, and Hong Kong.
Initially, Lakestar concentrated on early-stage technology companies, but as of October 2025, the firm announced a significant strategic shift. It will cease raising new generalist venture capital funds and instead focus on larger, concentrated investments primarily in its existing portfolio. This pivot reflects a broader trend in the market, emphasizing the importance of maximizing returns from existing investments rather than pursuing new deals.
Notable milestones in Lakestar's history include early investments in companies like Skype, Facebook, and Spotify, which have significantly contributed to its reputation. The firm has also been involved in raising a $265 million continuation fund and a $300 million European defense technology fund, indicating its commitment to adapting to market changes and focusing on sectors critical to European sovereignty.
Lakestar invests across various sectors, including AI, healthcare, fintech, deep tech, and digitalization. The firm targets companies that leverage substantial engineering or scientific breakthroughs, enhance patient empowerment in healthcare, and drive innovation in the financial sector through open finance and AI advancements. Lakestar's investment strategy spans all stages of company development, from seed to growth equity.
In its recent strategic shift, Lakestar has emphasized concentrated investments in existing portfolio companies rather than seeking new generalist opportunities. This approach allows the firm to provide deeper support and insights to its portfolio companies, helping them reach their full potential. The firm is particularly interested in companies that align with its focus on technology that shapes modern life globally.
Geographically, Lakestar operates on a global scale, with a strong emphasis on Europe. The firm is known for its willingness to invest in companies that demonstrate significant growth potential and innovation, particularly in sectors that are becoming increasingly relevant in today's economy.
Lakestar's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that reflect its investment strategy and focus areas. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, Lakestar has been involved in notable exits, including early investments in Skype, Facebook, Airbnb, Klarna, Zoom, and Coinbase. These successful exits have solidified Lakestar's reputation as a leading venture capital firm in Europe.
Klaus Hommels: Founder & Chairman. Klaus is one of Europe's most prominent tech investors, known for his early investments in companies like Facebook, Skype, and Spotify. He has a Swiss-German background and has played a pivotal role in shaping Lakestar's investment strategy.
Stephen Nundy: General Partner. Stephen has been mentioned in various coverage related to Lakestar and brings extensive experience in venture capital and technology investments.
Simon King: Partner, based in London. Simon has a strong background in technology investments and has been instrumental in identifying promising startups for Lakestar.
Oliver Heimes: Partner, based in Zurich. Oliver specializes in deep tech and has a keen interest in companies that leverage scientific breakthroughs.
Akis Bratsos: Partner, based in London. Akis has a diverse investment background and focuses on fintech and digitalization.
Georgia Watson: Partner, based in London. Georgia brings expertise in operational support and strategic insights for portfolio companies.
Nina Odefey: Senior Associate, based in Berlin. Nina supports the investment team in evaluating new opportunities and managing existing portfolio companies.
To pitch Lakestar, founders should visit the firm's website at lakestar.com for more information on the application process. While specific email addresses for pitches are not provided, the website serves as the primary channel for submissions.
Founders should include a clear and concise deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. Emphasizing how the startup aligns with Lakestar's focus areas, such as AI, healthcare, and fintech, will be beneficial.
Response times may vary, and founders are encouraged to be patient after submitting their pitch. Given Lakestar's recent strategic shift, a warm introduction or connection may significantly improve the chances of receiving a response.
In September 2025, Lakestar closed a $265 million continuation fund, one of the largest continuation vehicles in European venture capital. This fund is designed to extend hold periods on existing portfolio winners, reflecting the firm's strategic shift towards concentrated investments.
In June 2025, Lakestar announced plans to raise a $300 million European defense technology fund, aligning with trends in European sovereignty and security investments.
Throughout 2025, Lakestar led several significant investments, including a $13 million Series A in Yapily, a GBP 29 million Series B in Eigen Technologies, and a GBP 15.49 million Series B in Impala. These investments highlight Lakestar's continued focus on technology-driven companies.
As of early 2026, Lakestar has prioritized portfolio companies such as Revolut, Helsing, Isar Aerospace, and Neko Health, indicating a strategic focus on supporting existing winners.
What are Lakestar's investment criteria?
Lakestar invests in technology-driven companies across various sectors, including AI, healthcare, fintech, and deep tech. The firm focuses on companies that demonstrate significant growth potential and innovation, particularly those that leverage engineering or scientific breakthroughs.
How can I pitch Lakestar?
Founders interested in pitching Lakestar should visit their website at lakestar.com for more information on the application process. Specific email addresses for pitches are not provided.
What makes Lakestar different from other VCs?
Lakestar has shifted its strategy to focus on larger, concentrated investments in existing portfolio companies rather than raising new generalist funds. This allows the firm to provide deeper support and insights to its portfolio companies.
What is Lakestar's geographic focus?
Lakestar operates globally, with a strong emphasis on Europe. The firm is particularly interested in technology companies that have the potential to shape modern life on a global scale.
What is the size of Lakestar's funds?
Lakestar's latest fund generation closed at $600 million, and the firm has a total AUM of approximately $2.2 billion across multiple funds.
What is Lakestar's post-investment involvement like?
Lakestar provides significant value to its portfolio companies through strategic insights, operational support, and access to a vast network of industry connections. The firm emphasizes helping its portfolio companies reach their full potential.
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