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VentureFriends is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2016 and headquartered in Europe. The firm emerged from a background of founder and angel investing, initially starting in Athens. Since its inception, VentureFriends has evolved into a pan-European VC, now managing over €300 million in assets across four funds, with the latest fund launched in 2025. The firm is dedicated to supporting founders who aspire to create category-defining companies, primarily focusing on the Pre-Seed and Seed stages of investment.
VentureFriends has established a strong presence across various European countries, the United Kingdom, and regions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The firm has successfully backed over 80 companies and 200 founders across more than 20 countries. This extensive portfolio reflects its commitment to identifying and nurturing innovative startups that have the potential to lead their respective markets.
VentureFriends primarily invests in the Pre-Seed and Seed stages, with initial check sizes ranging from €500,000 to €3 million. The firm targets a diverse array of sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, B2C, cybersecurity, proptech, climatetech, and AI. Its geographic focus encompasses Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This broad investment strategy allows VentureFriends to engage with a variety of innovative startups across multiple industries.
The firm emphasizes a conviction-based investment approach, prioritizing founders who are building category-defining companies. VentureFriends seeks to partner with startups that demonstrate the potential to become international market leaders, even if they are pre-product or pre-revenue. This hands-on but founder-friendly support model includes assistance with hiring, fundraising, go-to-market strategies, and decision-making, leveraging a network of experienced operators and founders.
VentureFriends has built a diverse portfolio of over 80 companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects VentureFriends' strategic focus on technology-driven companies that are positioned to disrupt their respective markets.
Apostolos Apostolakis - Founding Partner. Apostolos co-founded e-shop and later e-food and Doctoranytime before establishing VentureFriends. His extensive experience in the startup ecosystem positions him as a key player in guiding early-stage companies.
George Dimopoulos - Founding Partner. George has a background in angel investing and was involved in early investments such as Beat, which was acquired by Daimler. His expertise in identifying promising startups is invaluable to the firm.
Fivos Tsoukatos - Principal. Fivos is recognized for his close involvement with portfolio companies, particularly in supporting Barte. His operational insights contribute significantly to the firm's investment strategy.
Alistair Owen - Principal. Alistair brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and startup operations, enhancing the firm's ability to support its portfolio.
Pavlos Pavlakis - Principal. Pavlos is part of the investment team, focusing on identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities.
George Karabelas - Principal. George has been referenced by portfolio founders for his support and guidance, showcasing his role in the firm's investment approach.
Lily Joo - Venture Partner. Lily's expertise in venture capital and her network of industry contacts provide additional resources for portfolio companies.
Vicky Alexiou - VP Finance. Vicky oversees financial operations within the firm, ensuring sound financial management and reporting.
To pitch to VentureFriends, founders should visit the contact page at VentureFriends Contact. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should also be prepared to discuss their vision for the company and how they plan to achieve their goals.
VentureFriends appreciates pitches that are clear and concise, highlighting the unique value proposition of the startup. While the firm does not specify a response time, it is advisable to follow up if there is no communication within a reasonable timeframe. Warm introductions can enhance the chances of getting noticed, so leveraging connections within the network may be beneficial.
In 2025, VentureFriends launched its fourth fund, further expanding its commitment to supporting early-stage companies across Europe and MENA. This fund aims to continue the firm's strategy of backing ambitious founders in various sectors.
Throughout 2026, VentureFriends has been actively involved in supporting its portfolio companies, with notable investments in firms like Valeria and Capalo AI. These investments reflect the firm's focus on technology-driven startups that are positioned for growth.
VentureFriends has also been recognized for its hands-on approach to supporting founders, with testimonials from portfolio companies highlighting the firm's involvement in strategic decision-making and operational support.
What are VentureFriends' investment criteria?
VentureFriends primarily invests in early-stage companies at the Pre-Seed and Seed stages. The firm looks for startups that have the potential to become category leaders, even if they are pre-product or pre-revenue. They focus on sectors such as fintech, B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, proptech, climatetech, and AI.
How can I pitch to VentureFriends?
Founders interested in pitching to VentureFriends can submit their applications through the contact page on their website at VentureFriends Contact. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes VentureFriends different from other VCs?
VentureFriends distinguishes itself by providing hands-on, founder-friendly support. The firm assists portfolio companies with hiring, fundraising, go-to-market strategies, and decision-making, leveraging a strong network of experienced operators and founders.
What is the geographic scope of VentureFriends' investments?
The firm primarily invests in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This broad geographic focus allows them to engage with a diverse range of startups.
What is the typical check size for investments?
VentureFriends typically invests between €500,000 and €3 million in its initial funding rounds. This range allows them to support startups at various stages of their development.
How involved is VentureFriends post-investment?
VentureFriends takes an active role in supporting its portfolio companies post-investment. The firm provides resources for hiring, fundraising, and strategic decision-making, ensuring that founders have the support they need to succeed.
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