VentureFriends

venturefriends.vc

VentureFriends is an early-stage investor focused on Pre-Seed and Seed stage startups across Europe and MENA. They invest in scalable B2C and B2B businesses addressing large markets, with particular expertise in Marketplaces, SaaS, FinTech, and PropTech.

Check Size

$500K - $2.5M

Stages

Pre Seed, Seed

Focus Areas

Marketplace, Fintech, Proptech

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Investment Thesis

VentureFriends operates as a founder-first investor firm built by entrepreneurs and angel investors turned venture capitalists. They view themselves as an extension of their portfolio companies’ internal teams, providing hands-on support throughout the startup journey. The firm believes in being present during both good and tough times, with founders as true partners rather than transactional relationships. Their approach is grounded in the lived experience of having been founders themselves, understanding the challenges and opportunities inherent in building companies.

What Sets Them Apart

Founder-first investors with personal entrepreneurial and operating experience - partners have founded and exited multiple companies (e-food, doctoranytime, Beat/Freenow)
Act as extension of internal teams, not typical investors - described by founders as going 'way beyond' traditional investor roles
Strong marketplace expertise embedded in fund DNA alongside SaaS capabilities
Willing to prioritize company success over fund returns - as stated by Belvo CEO: 'willing to make the best decisions for the company even if they are not the optimal decision for the fund'
Hands-on support from day one with significant follow-on investment ratio (1:2), demonstrating deep commitment
Multi-office presence across London, Barcelona, Warsaw, and Athens providing geographic coverage and local expertise
Founded during Greek financial crisis with mission to support ambitious tech entrepreneurs during challenging times