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Solon Venture Capital, founded by Bernardo Hernández, is a micro-venture capital firm based in Spain. Established to support innovative startups, the firm focuses on technology and digital platforms. Hernández, who has a notable background in technology and entrepreneurship, aims to back founders who are developing solutions across various sectors. The firm operates from its headquarters in the Madrid area and has a presence in San Francisco through its investment vehicle, StepOne Ventures.
Currently, Solon Venture Capital manages a portfolio of five companies, with a strong emphasis on early-stage investments. The firm has a history of backing successful ventures, including notable exits such as Verse, Idealista, and Tuenti. Solon Venture Capital's approach combines financial support with strategic guidance, leveraging Hernández's extensive experience in the tech industry.
As of now, the firm has not publicly disclosed its fund size or the specifics of its limited partner base. However, its investment strategy spans from pre-seed to Series B stages, focusing on sectors like fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer technology.
Solon Venture Capital primarily invests in technology and digital platforms, with a keen interest in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer technology. The firm engages with startups at various stages, from pre-seed to Series B, providing both financial backing and strategic guidance. This investment strategy allows Solon to support companies as they scale and navigate the complexities of the tech landscape.
The firm seeks to back founders with global ambitions who are building innovative solutions from Spain. Solon Venture Capital's thesis emphasizes the importance of technology-driven businesses that can address significant market needs. The organization is particularly focused on startups that leverage digital platforms to create value in their respective sectors.
Investment checks typically range across early-stage funding rounds, although specific check sizes have not been disclosed. Solon Venture Capital also operates multiple investment vehicles, including Solón Inversiones for seed funding in Spain and StepOne Ventures for facilitating U.S. market entry.
Solon Venture Capital's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its investment focus:
In addition to these current investments, Solon Venture Capital has a history of backing successful exits, including Idealista, which was partially sold to Apax Partners for €226 million in 2015, and Tuenti, which was acquired by Telefónica for €70 million in 2010. These exits highlight the firm's ability to identify and support high-potential startups in the technology sector.
Bernardo Hernández - Founder and General Partner
Bernardo Hernández has a distinguished background in technology and entrepreneurship. He holds an economics degree from ICADE Business School, graduating in 1993. Hernández has previously worked as an analyst and portfolio manager at Fidelity, BBVA, and Putnam Investments. He also served as the marketing and product chief at Google in Spain and Europe, where he gained significant industry experience.
Known as one of Spain's most prominent angel investors, Hernández has led multiple successful investments, including early bets on companies like Glovo and Stripe. His philosophy centers on backing founders who are solving global problems from a Spanish base, making him a notable figure in the European venture capital scene.
Submit your pitch through their website contact form for consideration.
In recent activity, Solon Venture Capital has continued to expand its portfolio, with notable investments in companies such as Glovo, Fever, Citibox, Wallapop, Stripe, Verse, Paack, and Closca. The firm has been active primarily in the Spanish and European consumer tech and logistics sectors.
Significant exits from the portfolio include Verse, which was sold to Block, Inc. in 2020, and Idealista, where an 8% stake was sold when Apax Partners acquired 82.5% for €226 million in 2015. Additionally, Tuenti benefited from Telefónica's acquisition of 90% for €70 million in 2010.
What are Solon Venture Capital's investment criteria?
Solon Venture Capital invests in early-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer technology. The firm looks for founders with global ambitions who are developing innovative solutions from Spain.
How can startups apply or pitch to Solon Venture Capital?
Startups interested in pitching to Solon Venture Capital should prepare a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. While specific application forms have not been disclosed, reaching out through their website is recommended.
What makes Solon Venture Capital different from other investors?
Solon Venture Capital distinguishes itself through its focus on technology and digital platforms, as well as its commitment to supporting founders with global ambitions. Bernardo Hernández's extensive experience in the tech industry, including his time at Google, adds significant value to the firms they invest in.
What is the geographic scope of Solon Venture Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in Europe, particularly in Spain. However, it also has a presence in the U.S. market through its StepOne Ventures vehicle, which facilitates entry for European startups into the American market.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Solon Venture Capital?
While specific check sizes have not been publicly disclosed, Solon Venture Capital invests across various stages, from pre-seed to Series B, indicating a flexible approach to funding amounts based on the needs of the startups.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Solon Venture Capital have?
Solon Venture Capital provides strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies, leveraging Bernardo Hernández's expertise to help founders scale their businesses and navigate challenges in the tech landscape.
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