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MD One Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in Europe. It is recognized as Europe's first National Security venture capital team, focusing on supporting applied DeepTech innovation for the UK, Europe, and its allies. The firm invests in product-focused businesses that have strong commercial foundations and the potential to enhance security capabilities for the UK, Europe, and allied nations.
Currently, MD One Ventures manages a portfolio of 10 companies and operates with a check size range of $100K to $1M. The firm is agnostic across various subsectors and technology types, investing in both software and hardware companies. Its investment strategy emphasizes early-stage opportunities, specifically from Pre-Seed to Series A, targeting companies founded in Europe and the UK or those with significant operational presence in these regions.
MD One Ventures has established itself as a key player in the defense technology sector, actively engaging with startups that contribute to national security. The firm is headquartered in the UK and has built a reputation for its focus on applied DeepTech innovations.
MD One Ventures targets early-stage investments in applied DeepTech businesses that enhance national security capabilities. The firm invests across various sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, robotics, defense, healthcare, energy, mobility, and space-tech. Its investment strategy is particularly focused on companies in the Pre-Seed to Series A stages, with a strong preference for those founded in Europe and the UK or those with significant operational presence in these regions.
The firm seeks to support innovations that contribute to national security and is agnostic regarding technology types, investing in both software and hardware-based companies. MD One Ventures aims to provide significant value through follow-on investments and strategic guidance, leveraging its deep expertise in national security and defense technology.
MD One Ventures emphasizes the importance of strong commercial foundations in its portfolio companies, looking for businesses that can effectively integrate into the defense ecosystem and enhance security capabilities for the UK and allied nations.
MD One Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 10 companies, each contributing to various aspects of DeepTech and national security. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects MD One Ventures' commitment to investing in technologies that enhance national security and address critical challenges across multiple sectors.
Will McManners: Founder and Managing Partner. Will has extensive experience in venture capital and national security, having previously worked with leading firms in the sector.
Edward Ebbern: Co-Founder and Partner. Edward brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong background in supporting early-stage companies.
Kelvin Au: Founding Partner. Kelvin has a background in engineering and technology, focusing on innovative solutions in the defense sector.
Victoria Lebegue: Venture Partner. Victoria specializes in market analysis and strategic growth for portfolio companies.
Dr. Cecilia Fortugno, Ph.D.: Senior Technical Advisor. Dr. Fortugno has a strong academic background and expertise in applied DeepTech innovations.
Paul Vingoe: Venture Partner. Paul has experience in operational support and strategic guidance for startups in the defense technology space.
Adrian Rickett: Venture Partner. Adrian focuses on building relationships within the defense ecosystem and enhancing portfolio company visibility.
Startups interested in pitching to MD One Ventures should submit their proposals through the contact form on their website or via email at info@md-one.com. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, team, technology, and market opportunity.
MD One Ventures typically reviews submissions promptly, but founders should expect a response time of several weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
MD One Ventures has launched the Randox for Builders program, which serves as a security and biotech incubator and accelerator for UK and European founders. This program provides funding and access to a network of scientific experts and resources without taking equity from the startups.
The firm also hosts events such as the Incubation and Access Event, focusing on providing access to finance and business support for SMEs and startups in the defense sector.
MD One Ventures has been actively investing in European defense tech, recently publishing the 2025 UK Defence Technology sector report in collaboration with Beauhurst. This report highlights the firm's engagement in the defense technology sector and its commitment to supporting innovations that enhance national security.
In recent months, Nicholas Nelson, a partner at MD One Ventures, has been quoted in major publications such as Sifted and PitchBook, discussing the growth of defense tech investment in Europe and the role of family offices in this sector. These insights signal the firm's active presence and thought leadership in the market.
What are MD One Ventures' investment criteria?
MD One Ventures focuses on early-stage DeepTech businesses that enhance national security capabilities. They primarily invest in companies at the Pre-Seed to Series A stages, particularly those founded in Europe and the UK or with significant operational presence in these regions.
How can startups apply or pitch to MD One Ventures?
Startups can submit their pitches through the contact form on the MD One Ventures website or via email at info@md-one.com. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information about the team and technology.
What makes MD One Ventures different from other VCs?
MD One Ventures is recognized as Europe's first National Security venture capital team, focusing specifically on applied DeepTech innovations that enhance security capabilities. Their expertise in national security and defense technology sets them apart from generalist venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of MD One Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in Europe and the UK, as well as those with significant operational presence in these regions. Their focus aligns with enhancing national security for the UK and allied nations.
What is the typical check size for investments?
MD One Ventures typically invests between $100K and $1M in their portfolio companies, allowing them to support early-stage startups effectively.
What kind of post-investment involvement does MD One Ventures have?
MD One Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, insights into market trends, and facilitating connections within the defense ecosystem. They also offer access to potential government contracts.
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