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Masawa is a Berlin-based venture capital organization founded in 2020, dedicated to advancing human flourishing, particularly in the realm of mental health and wellness. The founding team comprises individuals with personal experiences related to mental illness, which informs their compassionate approach to investment. Masawa aims to create a supportive environment where people can thrive and help one another.
The firm focuses on nurturing and directing capital to startups that address real needs grounded in scientific evidence. As of now, Masawa manages a portfolio of three companies and emphasizes a human-centered investment strategy. Their commitment to mental health innovation is reflected in their unique 'Nurture Capital' model, which combines financial support with a focus on founder wellbeing and organizational health.
Masawa invests in seed-stage startups across Europe, specifically targeting the mental health and wellness sectors. Their investment strategy, termed 'Nurture Capital,' emphasizes minimizing risk, enhancing founder wellbeing, and optimizing both financial and social returns. The firm seeks to support purpose-driven founders who are addressing real needs grounded in scientific evidence.
The investment thesis includes three primary themes: solutions for mental illness treatment, products that improve mental wellness, and addressing social determinants of mental health such as sleep, nutrition, and loneliness. Masawa's approach aims to reduce human-capital risk by fostering healthier leadership and stronger organizational culture alongside commercial growth.
Masawa's portfolio includes three notable companies:
These companies exemplify Masawa's commitment to investing in startups that align with their mission of advancing mental health and wellness.
Sabine Fléchet: Founding Partner. Sabine co-leads Masawa and has been involved in portfolio work, including the investment in Five Lives.
Joshua Haynes: Founding Partner. Joshua co-leads the fund and is frequently cited in discussions about Masawa's Nurture Capital approach.
Huria Ogbamichael: Venture Partner, Internal Impact. Huria focuses on internal impact and organizational health dimensions within portfolio companies.
Dr. Youssof Oskrochi: Venture Partner, Science. Dr. Oskrochi supports the scientific rigor relevant to mental health and wellness investing.
Elisha London: Venture Partner, External Impact. Elisha concentrates on external impact and outcomes related to Masawa's investments.
To pitch Masawa, founders should submit their proposals through the official website at masawa.fund. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the startup's mission, market opportunity, and alignment with Masawa's focus on mental health.
While specific response times are not provided, founders are encouraged to seek warm introductions where possible to enhance their chances of engagement.
In March 2025, Masawa was recognized as a lead investor in a venture round for Five Lives, a platform focused on brain health and dementia prevention. This investment highlights Masawa's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the mental health sector.
Additionally, Masawa continues to publish its biweekly newsletter, the **Masawa Minute**, which discusses the intersection of mental wellness and investing, further engaging with the community and sharing insights related to their focus area.
What are Masawa's investment criteria?
Masawa focuses on seed-stage startups in Europe that are dedicated to mental health and wellness. They prioritize companies that address real needs grounded in scientific evidence and have a clear social impact.
How can I apply or pitch to Masawa?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Masawa website at masawa.fund. It is recommended to include details about the problem being addressed, the solution offered, and how the startup aligns with Masawa's focus on mental health.
What makes Masawa different from other VC firms?
Masawa employs a unique 'Nurture Capital' model that emphasizes founder wellbeing and organizational health as essential components of venture success. This approach aims to minimize risk and enhance the overall impact of investments.
What is Masawa's geographic scope?
Masawa invests exclusively in seed-stage startups located in Europe, focusing on those that are innovating in the mental health and wellness sectors.
What kind of support does Masawa provide to portfolio companies?
Masawa offers not only capital but also human-centered support aimed at reducing failure risk, improving team resilience, and aligning financial returns with measurable mental health impact.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Masawa focuses on seed-stage investments, which typically range from early funding amounts suitable for startups in their initial phases.
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