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Simon Capital is a family-backed venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Düsseldorf, Germany. Originally known as Bitburger Ventures, the firm rebranded in 2018 to reflect its commitment to supporting mission-driven founders. The TH Simon family, known for their entrepreneurial heritage linked to the Bitburger brewery, drives the firm’s investment philosophy. Simon Capital focuses on sustainable businesses that address societal and climate challenges, leveraging their extensive network to support portfolio companies.
Currently, Simon Capital manages a portfolio of five companies, emphasizing sectors such as consumer goods, healthcare, climate technology, food-agtech, and SaaS. The firm primarily invests in Seed and Series A stages, providing not only capital but also access to valuable networks and industrial expertise. Their approach is characterized by continuous engagement with portfolio companies, ensuring they receive the guidance necessary to thrive in competitive markets.
Simon Capital invests in sectors related to consumption, wellbeing, and productivity, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their investment strategy targets businesses that develop innovative technologies and products aimed at creating a sustainable future. The firm focuses on three main pillars: consumption, which includes biotech and sustainable consumer brands; wellbeing, encompassing digital health and climate tech; and productivity, which covers HR tech and SaaS solutions.
Investment stages range from Seed to Series A, with ticket sizes typically between €0.5 million and €10 million. Simon Capital seeks minority stakes of 5% to 25% in their portfolio companies. The firm primarily operates within Germany and the broader DACH region, but also considers opportunities across Europe. Their thesis emphasizes addressing societal and climate challenges through efficient, healthy, and sustainable technology and product solutions, making them a suitable partner for mission-driven founders.
Simon Capital's portfolio includes five notable companies that exemplify their focus on sustainability and innovation:
Additionally, Simon Capital has achieved notable exits, including the acquisition of Just Spices by Kraft Heinz, showcasing their ability to identify and support successful ventures in the consumer goods sector.
Martin Murray: Founder and CEO of Waterdrop, Martin brings extensive experience in the beverage industry and a strong entrepreneurial background.
Ben Unterkofler: Co-Founder of Share, Ben has a deep understanding of social impact brands and consumer goods.
Katelijne Bekers: Co-Founder of MicroHarvest, Katelijne specializes in sustainable protein production and biotechnology.
Sven Lackinger: Co-Founder of Sastrify, Sven has expertise in SaaS solutions and procurement processes.
Frederick Jost: Co-Founder of Holy, Frederick focuses on the energy drink and nutrition sectors, bringing valuable insights into consumer health trends.
To pitch Simon Capital, founders should visit their website at simoncapital.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses societal or climate challenges. Simon Capital prefers warm introductions but also accepts direct applications through their website.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. It is advisable to follow up if there is no response after this period.
In recent months, Simon Capital has continued to expand its portfolio, focusing on sustainable startups that align with their investment thesis. Notable activities include the successful exit of Just Spices, which was acquired by Kraft Heinz, marking a significant milestone for the firm.
Additionally, Simon Capital has participated in funding rounds for emerging companies in the food-agtech and climate sectors, reinforcing their commitment to supporting mission-driven founders. The firm remains active in seeking new investment opportunities that align with their focus on sustainability and innovation.
What are Simon Capital's investment criteria?
Simon Capital focuses on mission-driven founders developing sustainable technologies and products. They invest primarily in the consumer, healthcare, climate, food-agtech, and SaaS sectors, targeting companies at the Seed and Series A stages.
How can I apply or pitch to Simon Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Simon Capital website at simoncapital.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and how the startup addresses societal or climate challenges.
What makes Simon Capital different from other VC firms?
Simon Capital leverages the entrepreneurial heritage of the TH Simon family and their extensive network within the German Mittelstand. This allows them to provide not just capital, but also valuable introductions and ongoing support to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Simon Capital's investments?
Simon Capital primarily invests in Germany and the DACH region, but they also consider opportunities across Europe, focusing on startups that align with their sustainability goals.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Simon Capital typically invests between €0.5 million and €10 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the stage and potential of the business.
How involved is Simon Capital post-investment?
Simon Capital maintains continuous engagement with their portfolio companies, providing operational support, strategic guidance, and introductions to potential clients and co-investors to help them grow.
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