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SET Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2007 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The firm has established itself as one of Europe's longest-running dedicated energy technology VCs, with over 18 years of experience in the sector. SET Ventures operates additional offices in Hamburg, Germany, London, and Madrid, allowing it to maintain a strong presence across key European markets.
The firm manages a fund size of €200 million and has invested in a diverse portfolio of 34 companies. SET Ventures focuses on innovative companies that contribute to the digital energy economy, particularly those that enhance the efficiency and resilience of energy systems. Notable milestones include the acquisition of portfolio company Sonnen by Shell, showcasing the firm's ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
SET Ventures invests primarily in digital energy technologies that promote a hyperlocal, automated, and resilient energy system. Their investment strategy encompasses several sectors, including distributed energy systems, digital utilities, AI and enabling technologies, the built environment, industrial energy management, and mobility and transport. The firm typically leads or co-leads investment rounds, with check sizes ranging from €2 to 5 million (approximately $1 million to $6 million).
SET Ventures seeks to partner with companies that have a strong digital DNA and are focused on driving innovation in the energy sector. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of digital technology in achieving a carbon-free energy system. The firm is particularly interested in startups that can demonstrate scalability and a clear path to market, aligning with their goal of accelerating the transition to a net-zero energy system.
SET Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 34 companies, primarily focused on the digital energy economy. Notable investments include:
These companies represent a cross-section of the sectors SET Ventures targets, including energy, AI, mobility, healthcare, and industrial technologies.
Anton Arts: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and a focus on energy technology investments.
Wouter Jonk: Managing Partner who has led numerous successful investments in the energy sector.
Julia Padberg: Principal with a background in technology and investment analysis, specializing in digital energy solutions.
Till Stenzel: Partner with expertise in scaling startups within the energy technology landscape.
René Savelsberg: Managing Partner with a strong track record in venture capital and energy investments.
Desiree Pettersson: Impact Operations Associate focused on enhancing the social and environmental impact of portfolio companies.
Austin Wood: Investment Manager with a keen interest in digital technologies and their application in the energy sector.
Jonathan Lersch: Associate who supports investment analysis and portfolio management.
To pitch to SET Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website or reach out via email at haydenyoung@setventures.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and technology differentiation. Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines may vary based on the volume of inquiries.
Recently, SET Ventures has been active in the digital energy sector, leading a €10 million Series A round for Metergrid, marking the largest growth financing for tenant electricity in Germany. Additionally, they reported on Optics11 securing €25 million from the European Investment Bank, further highlighting their engagement in the market.
SET Ventures continues to publish insights on trends in the energy sector, contributing to the discourse on electrification and sustainable energy technologies. Their commitment to supporting innovative companies is evident through their ongoing investments and strategic partnerships.
What are SET Ventures' investment criteria?
SET Ventures focuses on digital energy technologies that enhance the efficiency and resilience of energy systems. They typically invest in early-stage companies, particularly at the Seed, Series A, and Series B stages, with check sizes ranging from €2 to 5 million.
How can founders pitch to SET Ventures?
Founders can pitch to SET Ventures through their contact page on the firm's website. They encourage direct inquiries and provide a dedicated email address for pitches: haydenyoung@setventures.com.
What makes SET Ventures different from other VCs?
SET Ventures is one of Europe's longest-running dedicated energy tech VCs, with a strong focus on the digital energy sector. Their extensive network in the energy industry allows them to provide strategic guidance and facilitate partnerships that enhance growth for their portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of SET Ventures' investments?
SET Ventures primarily invests in companies located in Europe, with a particular focus on Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. Their investments are concentrated in the digital energy economy.
What is SET Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
SET Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, leveraging its network, and facilitating partnerships that can enhance market reach and growth potential.
What is the size of SET Ventures' fund?
SET Ventures manages a fund size of €200 million, which is utilized to invest in a diverse range of companies within the digital energy sector.
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