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Sunfish Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in Poland. The firm focuses on investing in deep tech startups, particularly in the space and defense sectors. Sunfish Partners aims to address the talent-funding mismatch in Eastern Europe by supporting technically proficient founders who are developing innovative solutions to enhance Europe's autonomy.
Since its inception, Sunfish Partners has established itself as a key player in the European venture capital landscape, particularly in the deep tech domain. The firm has a portfolio of seven companies and emphasizes investments in hardware and software innovations that contribute to the space and defense industries. Sunfish Partners operates from its offices in Warsaw and Berlin, allowing it to tap into a diverse pool of talent and innovation.
The firm has received recognition for its efforts, including being named Polish VC of the Year in 2023. Sunfish Partners continues to evolve, adapting its strategies to meet the changing needs of the market and the startups it supports.
Sunfish Partners primarily invests in pre-seed stage startups, providing funding typically between €150,000 and €300,000. The firm focuses on hardware and software innovations that contribute to the space and defense industries, aligning with its mission to strengthen European autonomy through technological advancements. Their investment strategy emphasizes supporting founders from Eastern Europe, particularly those with strong engineering or data science backgrounds.
The firm seeks startups that are developing solutions in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, and other deep tech areas. Sunfish Partners looks for founders who demonstrate technical proficiency and a clear vision for their products. The firm prefers to engage in deals that allow for follow-on investments, ensuring that they can support their portfolio companies through various stages of growth.
Sunfish Partners has invested in a diverse range of companies within its portfolio, focusing on innovative solutions in deep tech. Notable portfolio companies include:
Among its notable exits, Sunfish Partners has successfully exited from Alphamoon, an automation company. The firm continues to support its current portfolio companies with strategic guidance and resources tailored to the unique challenges of the deep tech sector.
Dr. Marcus Erken: Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Dr. Erken has a background in angel investing and startup incubation, with experience in entrepreneurship research.
Max Moldenhauer: Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Moldenhauer has co-founded multiple companies and previously worked at Project A Ventures, focusing on mobile and investment work.
Paweł Lipkowski: CFO & Operating Partner. Lipkowski leads finance and operations, with prior roles at EY Transaction Advisory and Santander investment banking.
Christian-Cornelius Weiß: Co-Founder & General Partner. Weiß is also the CEO of Data4Life and has a background in co-founding Project A Ventures and Rocket Internet.
Artur Karczykowski: Team Member. Karczykowski contributes to various operational aspects of the firm.
Dr. Holger Schlageter: Team Member. Schlageter brings expertise in deep tech and strategic investments.
To pitch Sunfish Partners, founders should submit their pitch decks through the official website at sunfish-partners.com or via email at info@sunfish.vc. The firm prefers concise and clear presentations that outline the problem being solved, the proposed solution, market opportunity, and the team's qualifications. There is no specific application form required, and the firm operates on a rolling basis for submissions.
Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines are not disclosed. Warm introductions are not necessary, but they can be beneficial in establishing credibility.
On December 19, 2025, Sunfish Partners announced an investment in EU Motors, further expanding its portfolio in the deep tech sector. This investment aligns with the firm's focus on supporting innovative solutions in the space and defense industries.
Additionally, on February 25, 2026, Sunfish Partners published an article titled "The Decisive Point," showcasing their insights and ongoing engagement with the deep tech community.
What are Sunfish Partners' investment criteria?
Sunfish Partners invests in pre-seed stage startups, focusing on hardware and software innovations in the space and defense sectors. They typically provide funding between €150,000 and €300,000.
How can I pitch to Sunfish Partners?
Founders can submit their pitch decks through the official website at sunfish-partners.com or via email at info@sunfish.vc. The firm maintains an open pitch policy.
What makes Sunfish Partners different from other VCs?
Sunfish Partners emphasizes supporting founders from Eastern Europe and focuses on deep tech sectors, particularly space and defense. Their commitment to addressing the talent-funding mismatch in the region sets them apart.
What is the geographic focus of Sunfish Partners?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, but also considers opportunities across Europe.
What kind of post-investment support does Sunfish Partners provide?
Sunfish Partners offers strategic support and access to its extensive network within the space and defense sectors, helping portfolio companies navigate early-stage development and market entry.
What is the typical decision timeline for investments?
The decision timeline is not disclosed, but the firm operates on a rolling application cycle.
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