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Secondstage Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded by Remco van Blitterswijk and Jeroen Thijs, the firm specializes in supporting early-stage scaleups, particularly in technology sectors. The founders bring extensive experience in scaling tech ventures, which informs the firm’s approach to investment and support.
The organization focuses on helping startups navigate the challenges of growth, often referred to as the 'valley of death.' Secondstage Ventures aims to assist high-potential ventures in reaching significant milestones, such as Series A funding or strategic exits. The firm operates primarily in Europe, with a strong emphasis on the Netherlands.
Currently, Secondstage Ventures is actively investing in early-stage companies, with a focus on sectors like SaaS, AI, and B2B platforms. The firm combines its financial backing with hands-on operational support, ensuring that portfolio companies have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Secondstage Ventures invests primarily in early-stage scaleups that are technology-driven. The firm targets sectors such as SaaS, data, AI, and B2B platforms, reflecting a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in these areas. Their investment strategy includes a combination of funding and hands-on support, which is crucial for helping startups navigate their growth challenges.
The firm evaluates potential investments based on a 'Three T Evaluation' framework: Technology, Traction, and Team. This methodology emphasizes the importance of having best-in-class technology, intrinsic traction that is not solely marketing-driven, and a highly talented founding team. Secondstage Ventures typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, although specific fund sizes and check sizes are not disclosed.
Geographically, the firm focuses on Europe, particularly the Netherlands, aligning its investment strategy with the region's growing tech ecosystem. This localized approach allows Secondstage Ventures to provide tailored support to its portfolio companies, enhancing their chances of success in competitive markets.
Secondstage Ventures has made notable investments in several early-stage companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting technology-driven ventures. One prominent portfolio company is Cuurios, which specializes in digital workflow optimization for asset-rich businesses. Cuurios has secured a global contract with TotalEnergies, demonstrating the effectiveness of Secondstage Ventures' support and funding approach.
Another significant investment includes Omnimap, a low-code integrated business tech platform based in Amsterdam. Secondstage Ventures invested €3M in Omnimap, highlighting the firm's willingness to provide substantial financial backing to promising startups. These investments reflect the firm's focus on technology and its dedication to helping scaleups achieve their growth objectives.
Remco van Blitterswijk - Co-founder. Remco has a background in scaling tech companies across various sectors, including aerospace, data science, energy, software, and SaaS. His experience equips him with the insights needed to guide early-stage ventures effectively.
Jeroen Thijs - Co-founder. Jeroen shares a similar entrepreneurial background, focusing on tech scaling. His expertise complements Remco's, providing a strong foundation for Secondstage Ventures' investment strategy.
To pitch Secondstage Ventures, startups should use the contact form available on their website at secondstage.ventures. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, product details, market analysis, and information about the founding team.
Startups are encouraged to provide evidence of traction and growth potential, as these factors are critical in the evaluation process. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders can anticipate a thorough review of their submissions.
As of October 2023, Secondstage Ventures has made significant investments in early-stage companies, including a €3M investment in Omnimap, a low-code integrated business tech platform based in Amsterdam. This investment highlights the firm's commitment to supporting technology-driven scaleups.
Additionally, Cuurios, a notable portfolio company, has secured a global contract with TotalEnergies, showcasing the effectiveness of Secondstage Ventures' support and funding approach. These developments reflect the firm's active role in the European tech investment landscape.
What are the investment criteria for Secondstage Ventures?
Secondstage Ventures employs a 'Three T Evaluation' framework, focusing on Technology, Traction, and Team. They seek startups with best-in-class technology, intrinsic traction, and experienced founders.
How can startups apply or pitch to Secondstage Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Secondstage Ventures through their website at secondstage.ventures. They recommend including a clear business case, product details, and information about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Secondstage Ventures different from other investors?
The firm combines funding with hands-on support, leveraging the entrepreneurial expertise of its founders to assist portfolio companies in navigating growth challenges. This active involvement sets them apart from many traditional venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of Secondstage Ventures?
Secondstage Ventures primarily focuses on investments in Europe, with a specific emphasis on the Netherlands. This localized approach allows them to provide tailored support to their portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Secondstage Ventures has made significant investments, such as the €3M funding for Omnimap, indicating a willingness to provide meaningful financial support to early-stage ventures.
What kind of post-investment involvement can startups expect?
Secondstage Ventures offers active, hands-on support to its portfolio companies, helping them scale operations and navigate growth challenges. This includes access to a network of dedicated partners who can assist in various aspects of business development.
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