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Unirisco is a venture capital firm founded in 2001 and based in Galicia, Spain. It holds the distinction of being the first venture capital company linked to projects originating from universities. The firm was established to accelerate the transfer of knowledge from Galician universities and research centers into commercial spin-off companies. Over its 25-year history, Unirisco has supported more than 40 innovative companies with cumulative investments exceeding 6 million EUR.
The firm is registered with the CNMV (Spanish securities regulator) as a Sociedad de Capital Riesgo (SCR), which is a regulated venture capital company. Its shareholders include the three Galician universities: A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Vigo, along with major Spanish corporates such as Inditex, Abanca, and Banco Santander. Unirisco's headquarters are located in Galicia, and it has played a pivotal role in fostering the local startup ecosystem.
Unirisco primarily invests in companies at the pre-seed and seed stages, focusing on fostering the creation of businesses that emerge from university, technology, and R&D ecosystems. The firm aims to create a positive impact in Galicia and its surroundings, emphasizing sectors such as biotechnology, health technologies, agro-food, new materials, ICT, Industry 4.0, and the circular economy. Unirisco seeks to support early-stage science and technology-based startups that offer disruptive products and technologies.
The investment strategy includes temporary capital investments and other financial instruments, with a strong emphasis on profitability, responsible investment, and social impact. Unirisco is recognized as a professional investor by the Innvierte Program of CDTI, which further solidifies its commitment to supporting innovative ventures.
Unirisco has collaborated with over 30 business projects since its inception, showcasing a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Overall, Unirisco has invested in over 40 companies, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing innovative startups that emerge from academic and research institutions.
Inmaculada Rodríguez Cuervo: General Director with extensive experience in venture capital and a background in supporting university-linked startups.
Pablo Mosquera Martínez: Director of Investments, responsible for identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities within the firm's focus sectors.
Pablo Lombardero Fernández: Investment Analyst, specializing in analyzing market trends and supporting the investment decision-making process.
Startups interested in pitching to Unirisco should submit their proposals through the firm's website. A well-structured pitch deck should include an overview of the business, market analysis, financial projections, and details about the founding team. Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks.
In 2024, Unirisco celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history as Spain's first university venture capital firm. Recent activities include investments in Batea Oncology and Inverbis Analytics, showcasing the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative startups.
Unirisco co-organized the 'Invertir en Ciencia' event, which honored Centum and Biocat as benchmarks of European innovation. The firm continues to play an active role in the Galician startup ecosystem, participating in various industry events and initiatives.
What are Unirisco's investment criteria?
Unirisco invests in early-stage companies, particularly those emerging from university and research ecosystems. The firm emphasizes profitability, responsible investment, and social impact in its selection process.
How can startups apply or pitch to Unirisco?
Startups interested in pitching to Unirisco should prepare a detailed business plan that outlines their technology, market potential, and team qualifications. Direct contact through their website is recommended for initial inquiries.
What makes Unirisco different from other venture capital firms?
Unirisco is the first university-linked venture capital firm in Spain, focusing specifically on transforming academic research into viable business projects. Its strong ties to Galician universities provide unique access to innovative ideas and technologies.
What is the geographic scope of Unirisco's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on Galicia, Spain, and Portugal, aiming to create a positive impact in the local region while also considering broader opportunities within these countries.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Unirisco typically invests in the pre-seed and seed stages, which generally involves smaller initial investments aimed at supporting early development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Unirisco have?
Unirisco provides strategic support and mentorship to its portfolio companies, leveraging its network and expertise to help them grow and succeed in their respective markets.
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