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NP-Hard Ventures is a European pre-seed venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in ambitious founders who are addressing complex challenges through innovative technology. NP-Hard Ventures emphasizes a strong technical focus, seeking to support entrepreneurs building the foundational technologies of the future. The firm has a current team of experienced operators and investors, dedicated to fostering technological sovereignty and resilience in Europe.
As of 2023, NP-Hard Ventures has raised a total of €12 million for its first fund, with plans for a second fund announced in October 2025, targeting €25 million. The firm primarily invests in early-stage companies at the pre-seed stage, with a check size ranging from $100,000 to $550,000. NP-Hard Ventures is committed to backing product-obsessed founders who are developing hard technical systems, particularly in sectors such as robotics, AI, and deep tech.
NP-Hard Ventures invests primarily in early-stage companies at the pre-seed stage, targeting founders who are developing hard technical systems. The firm is particularly interested in sectors including robotics, AI, deep tech, and computational infrastructure. NP-Hard Ventures seeks products that demonstrate significant technical depth and defensibility, emphasizing the importance of foundational technology in their investment strategy.
The firm operates with a geographic focus on Europe, while also selectively investing in the U.S. NP-Hard Ventures prefers to make investments that are high conviction and founder-led, often avoiding consumer apps and speculative verticals. The firm looks for founders who can articulate the technical defensibility of their products and demonstrate a commitment to building durable technology solutions.
NP-Hard Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of companies that reflect its focus on foundational technology and complex challenges. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio showcases NP-Hard's commitment to investing in companies that are at the forefront of technological advancement and innovation.
Anke Huiskes (Co-founder / Managing Partner) — Anke Huiskes has a background in building and selling venture-scale companies. She has angel-invested in over 50 startups and co-founded angels.vc to increase female representation on cap tables.
Micha Hernandez van Leuffen (Co-founder / Investor) — Micha previously served as the founder and CEO of Wercker. He is recognized for his leadership role at NP-Hard and has a strong focus on supporting technical founders.
Paul Veugen (Co-founder / Partner) — Paul is an active member of the NP-Hard leadership team, contributing to public events and portfolio commentary. His experience in the technology sector enhances the firm's investment strategy.
Trudy Westby (Team / Community and Operations) — Trudy plays a key role in community engagement and operations at NP-Hard, facilitating founder interactions and support initiatives.
To pitch NP-Hard Ventures, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at nphard.vc. It is essential to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the technical aspects of the product, the founding team's background, and the market opportunity. NP-Hard Ventures values high conviction investments, so founders should be prepared to discuss their vision and the defensibility of their technology.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, especially from trusted sources within the technology sector.
In October 2025, NP-Hard Ventures announced the launch of its second fund, targeting €25 million, with 60 percent already closed. This follows the successful closure of its first fund at €12 million in 2023.
Recent portfolio activity includes investments in companies such as Epum and trail, both focusing on innovative technology solutions. Additionally, NP-Hard Ventures has been actively supporting its portfolio companies, including Reson8, which is developing advanced speech-recognition models.
What are NP-Hard Ventures' investment criteria?
NP-Hard Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments in sectors such as robotics, AI, deep tech, and computational infrastructure. The firm seeks founders who are developing hard technical systems with significant depth and defensibility.
How can I pitch NP-Hard Ventures?
Founders can pitch NP-Hard Ventures through their website at nphard.vc. It is recommended to include detailed information about the technical aspects of the product and the team’s background in the pitch deck.
What makes NP-Hard Ventures different from other VCs?
NP-Hard Ventures emphasizes a founder-led approach and invests with high conviction. The team consists of repeat founders and experienced investors who provide operational expertise and mentorship to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of NP-Hard Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in Europe but is also open to selective investments in the U.S. This geographic focus allows NP-Hard to support European founders while tapping into the broader market.
What is the typical check size for investments?
NP-Hard Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $550,000 in its portfolio companies, aligning with its focus on early-stage funding.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
NP-Hard Ventures provides deep operational expertise and a strong network in the technology sector, helping founders navigate the complexities of building foundational technology products.
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