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Maia Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2024, based in Luxembourg, with a strategic focus on the agrifood ecosystem. The firm aims to support early-stage companies that drive innovation and growth in agriculture and food technology. Maia Ventures seeks to connect Italy's rich agricultural heritage with the European startup ecosystem, utilizing local expertise and resources to make impactful investments.
The firm manages a fund named Maia Ventures Fund, which has a total size of EUR 55 million (approximately USD 64 million). This fund is designed to target 20-25 companies throughout its lifecycle, focusing on early-stage investments primarily in the United States. The firm is backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) and other institutional limited partners.
Maia Ventures has a mission to seed change by investing in category-defining agri and foodtech ventures. The firm emphasizes a thesis-driven approach, concentrating on investments that enhance health, efficiency, and resiliency within food systems. Their notable portfolio includes companies that exemplify their commitment to advancing the agrifood technology landscape.
Maia Ventures invests in early-stage companies, particularly within the agrifood sector, with a strong emphasis on a thesis-driven investment strategy. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages of development, primarily focusing on the United States. Their investment strategy is centered around three key pillars: health, efficiency, and resiliency. This includes advancements in corporate and nutritional health, resource optimization, and supply chain robustness.
The firm specifically looks for investments in next-generation agriculture, waste reduction, circular bioeconomy, food system digitalization, and nutrition innovation. Check sizes range from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1.5 million per investment, allowing for significant support to early-stage ventures. Maia Ventures aims to polish existing models rather than reinvent them, focusing on capital-efficient solutions that require refinement rather than market validation.
Maia Ventures has made notable investments in three companies that reflect its commitment to the agrifood technology sector:
These portfolio companies exemplify Maia Ventures' focus on supporting innovations that improve health, efficiency, and sustainability in food systems.
Andrea Galassi: Co-founder of Maia Ventures, Andrea has a background in mobility and green-tech. He co-founded and scaled Wash Out to exit with Telepass SpA. He also served as CFO and shareholder at Miscusi B-Corp restaurant chain, where he raised EUR 25 million across VC rounds and expanded the business from 3 to over 20 locations. His previous roles include VP at L Catterton and Project Leader at BCG in Dubai and London.
David Bassani: Co-founder and former Partner at ZX Ventures, David focused on Agri-FoodTech innovation with over $500 million AUM. His experience includes strategic consulting in Spain and South America, particularly in packaging, food and beverage, financial services, and advertising.
The supporting team comprises founders, investors, industry operators, and scientists, all contributing their expertise to Maia Ventures' mission.
To pitch Maia Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at maia.vc. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with the firm’s investment thesis. While specific application forms are not mentioned, a clear and concise presentation is crucial.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
In October 2024, Maia Ventures launched its fund, Maia Ventures Fund, with a total size of EUR 55 million (approximately USD 64 million). This fund is dedicated to investing in early-stage agrifood startups, particularly those that align with their investment thesis focused on health, efficiency, and resiliency.
Recent investments include notable companies such as Lembas, Biorsaf, and ExoLab Italia, which showcase the firm's commitment to advancing the agrifood technology landscape. The firm continues to seek innovative startups that can benefit from their strategic guidance and industry connections.
What are Maia Ventures' investment criteria?
Maia Ventures focuses on early-stage companies within the agrifood sector, particularly those in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. They look for ventures that enhance health, efficiency, and resiliency in food systems, with a strong emphasis on next-generation agriculture and nutrition innovation.
How can I apply or pitch to Maia Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Maia Ventures through their website at maia.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and highlight how the startup aligns with their investment thesis.
What makes Maia Ventures different from other VC firms?
Maia Ventures distinguishes itself by bridging Italy's agricultural expertise with the European startup ecosystem. Their thesis-driven approach focuses on polishing existing models rather than reinventing them, which allows them to invest in capital-efficient ventures that require refinement.
What is the geographic scope of Maia Ventures' investments?
While Maia Ventures is based in Luxembourg, their primary geographic focus is on the United States, particularly in the agrifood sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Maia Ventures typically invests between EUR 500,000 and EUR 1.5 million per company, allowing them to provide substantial support to early-stage startups.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
Maia Ventures adds value through strategic guidance and access to a network of industry experts and technical advisors, helping portfolio companies refine their business models and enhance market readiness.
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