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Nucleus Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and headquartered in Munich, Germany. The firm focuses on investing in scientific ventures that address global challenges through innovation. Nucleus Capital operates primarily in Europe and the United States, targeting early-stage investments in deep-tech sectors.
As of now, Nucleus Capital manages a portfolio of 10 companies, emphasizing a thesis-driven approach to support startups that leverage scientific advancements. The firm positions itself as a first-check investor, providing initial funding of up to €1,000,000 to help startups navigate their growth and development.
Notable milestones include participation in significant funding rounds, such as the $15.4 million Series A for Planet A Foods. Nucleus Capital's commitment to sustainability and resilience in its investment strategy has established it as a key player in the deep-tech investment space.
Nucleus Capital invests in sectors including programmable biology, food technology, and neo industrials. The firm is particularly interested in solutions that enhance sustainability and resilience within these fields. Their investment strategy is centered on early-stage ventures, primarily at the Pre-Seed and Seed stages, with check sizes reaching up to €1,000,000.
The firm seeks to support innovative companies that are addressing critical challenges in biology, food systems, and industrial resilience. Nucleus Capital's thesis-driven approach emphasizes scientific advancements, aiming to back startups that can leverage technology to create impactful solutions.
Geographically, Nucleus Capital focuses on opportunities in Europe and the United States, aligning with its mission to foster scientific innovation that contributes to planetary health.
Nucleus Capital's portfolio includes notable companies that exemplify its focus on scientific innovation and sustainability:
Maximilian Schwarz: Founding Partner at Nucleus Capital. He has a background in venture capital and a strong focus on deep-tech investments.
Isabella Fandyrch: Founding Partner with expertise in industrial engineering and a passion for technology and impact investing.
Carolina Villa: Team member with experience in venture capital, contributing to Nucleus Capital's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Nucleus Capital, founders should submit their pitch decks through the designated application portal on their website. The firm prefers comprehensive presentations that detail the startup's scientific innovation, market potential, and growth strategy.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks. Nucleus Capital values warm introductions, so leveraging connections within their network can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In March 2026, Nucleus Capital participated in Planet A Foods' $15.4 million Series A funding round, alongside notable investors such as World Fund, Cherry Ventures, Omnes Capital, Mudcake, and Feast Ventures.
The firm has also co-invested in a biology/AI deal with Chalfen Ventures and Entrepreneurs First, further solidifying its position in the deep-tech investment space.
Nucleus Capital has been recognized among the top climate deep tech investors globally, as listed by HackSummit, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
What are Nucleus Capital's investment criteria?
Nucleus Capital primarily invests in early-stage scientific ventures, focusing on sectors such as programmable biology, food technology, and neo industrials. The firm looks for innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and resilience.
How can I apply or pitch to Nucleus Capital?
Founders can submit their pitch decks through the application portal available on their website. The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the scientific innovation and market potential of the startup.
What makes Nucleus Capital different from other VCs?
Nucleus Capital positions itself as a first-check deep-tech VC, emphasizing a thesis-driven investment approach that prioritizes scientific advancements and sustainability. This focus allows them to support startups at the earliest stages of development.
What is the geographic scope of Nucleus Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in Europe and the United States, targeting innovative companies that align with their investment thesis in deep-tech sectors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Nucleus Capital typically invests up to €1,000,000 in early-stage ventures, providing the necessary capital to help startups grow and develop their technologies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Nucleus Capital have?
Nucleus Capital actively supports its portfolio companies through strategic guidance and resources, helping them navigate challenges and scale their operations effectively.
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