b2venture Closes €150M Fund V, Powers European Tech Future
February 1, 2026, 9:37 pm
b2venture secures €150 million for its new Fund V. This record fund targets early-stage European technology, emphasizing scalable, defensible innovations. The firm leverages a distinct community-driven model, integrating 350+ angel investors for deep domain expertise. This approach fuels the next wave of tech champions. b2venture boasts a strong track record, including numerous unicorns and successful exits, reinforcing its position as a key player in European venture capital, poised to back critical advancements in AI, robotics, and deep technology across the continent.
Europe's venture capital landscape sees significant new funding. b2venture, a prominent Swiss firm, has successfully closed its latest investment vehicle. Fund V reached its hard cap, securing €150 million. This marks the firm's largest early-stage fund to date. It underscores robust investor confidence in b2venture’s unique investment strategy and its vision for European innovation.
The new fund is poised to fuel the next generation of technology leaders. Fund V will deploy capital into approximately 35 early-stage startups across Europe. The investment strategy remains industry-agnostic. However, it prioritizes scalable and defensible technologies. This includes a strong focus on deep technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, automation, and critical infrastructure companies. These sectors are foundational to Europe’s future economic growth and technological independence.
Initial investments from Fund V are already underway. The firm has backed companies like Nautica Technologies, Hive Robotics, Augmented Industries, and Assemblean. These early moves signal b2venture’s commitment to cutting-edge areas. They represent tangible steps toward shaping the continent's technological trajectory.
Fund V attracted a diverse and committed group of limited partners. Both long-standing and new investors contributed. This includes family offices, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Several partners have supported b2venture across multiple fund generations. This continuity highlights a deep trust in the firm's approach and consistent performance. New institutional investors joined the fold. These include asset manager Flexstone and Swiss pension fund Stiftung Abendrot. Portfolio entrepreneurs and operators also committed capital. Thomas Hagemann of SevenSenders and long-term Super Angel Joachim Schoss are notable examples. This blend of financial and strategic backing fortifies Fund V’s resources.
b2venture's investment philosophy centers on long-term collaboration. Founders are not just recipients of capital. They are partners in a broader ecosystem. The firm operates an intergenerational model. Successful founders, after exiting their companies, often transition into investors. They contribute their experience, networks, and capital to subsequent generations of entrepreneurs. This cycle creates a powerful, self-reinforcing network. It ensures a continuous flow of knowledge and mentorship. This continuity across five fund generations proves the durability of this community-based strategy.
A core differentiator for b2venture is its extensive angel network. The firm integrates over 350 experienced angel investors into its operations. These angels are more than just capital providers. They bring deep domain expertise. They are founders, operators, and industry leaders themselves. Their insights are invaluable. They contribute to every stage of partnership with invested startups. From sourcing deals to supporting portfolio companies, their involvement is profound. This model provides more than just funding; it offers strategic guidance and operational experience. Firm partners frequently emphasize that venture capital is fundamentally a people-driven business. This human-centric approach drives b2venture's success in identifying and nurturing category-defining companies.
b2venture boasts a remarkable track record spanning over two decades. The firm has played a significant role in shaping Europe’s technology landscape. It has supported numerous high-profile companies. These include DeepL, 1KOMMA5°, Raisin, SumUp, Nelly, and Urban Sports Club. These investments highlight a history of backing transformative businesses.
The firm’s performance metrics are equally impressive. b2venture has backed at least one unicorn in each fund generation. This consistently demonstrates its ability to identify high-growth potential. It has also celebrated 11 IPOs. More than 30 trade sales further underscore its exit capabilities. In 2025 alone, b2venture recorded one IPO with Navan. It also completed several successful portfolio exits. These included Araris Biotech, Beekeeper, and Neptune. Neptune's acquisition by OpenAI was a particularly notable achievement. This track record positions b2venture as a shrewd and successful investor.
Recent team developments reflect b2venture’s dynamic evolution. In 2024, Mathias Ockenfels was appointed as a Partner. This strengthens the firm’s leadership. Concurrently, long-standing Partner Jochen Gutbrod transitioned into the firm’s Super Angels network. This move exemplifies the intergenerational model in action. It allows seasoned leaders to continue contributing their wisdom and network in a new capacity.
b2venture has navigated multiple market cycles. From the early internet era to the current expansion of AI, it has maintained consistency. The firm's focus remains on long-term relationships, continuity, and disciplined investing. Fund V represents a continuation of this proven approach. It reaffirms a commitment to sustained partnerships built on trust and a forward-looking perspective. This strategic discipline ensures resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy.
The closure of Fund V is a significant moment for European tech. It injects substantial capital into the ecosystem. It also reinforces a model that prioritizes expertise and community alongside finance. b2venture is well-positioned to support the continent's next wave of innovation. It will continue fostering startups that drive economic growth and technological advancement. The firm's dedication to domain knowledge over mere capital defines its enduring impact. Its future investments promise to further solidify Europe's position on the global technology stage.
Europe's venture capital landscape sees significant new funding. b2venture, a prominent Swiss firm, has successfully closed its latest investment vehicle. Fund V reached its hard cap, securing €150 million. This marks the firm's largest early-stage fund to date. It underscores robust investor confidence in b2venture’s unique investment strategy and its vision for European innovation.
The new fund is poised to fuel the next generation of technology leaders. Fund V will deploy capital into approximately 35 early-stage startups across Europe. The investment strategy remains industry-agnostic. However, it prioritizes scalable and defensible technologies. This includes a strong focus on deep technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, automation, and critical infrastructure companies. These sectors are foundational to Europe’s future economic growth and technological independence.
Initial investments from Fund V are already underway. The firm has backed companies like Nautica Technologies, Hive Robotics, Augmented Industries, and Assemblean. These early moves signal b2venture’s commitment to cutting-edge areas. They represent tangible steps toward shaping the continent's technological trajectory.
Fund V attracted a diverse and committed group of limited partners. Both long-standing and new investors contributed. This includes family offices, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Several partners have supported b2venture across multiple fund generations. This continuity highlights a deep trust in the firm's approach and consistent performance. New institutional investors joined the fold. These include asset manager Flexstone and Swiss pension fund Stiftung Abendrot. Portfolio entrepreneurs and operators also committed capital. Thomas Hagemann of SevenSenders and long-term Super Angel Joachim Schoss are notable examples. This blend of financial and strategic backing fortifies Fund V’s resources.
b2venture's investment philosophy centers on long-term collaboration. Founders are not just recipients of capital. They are partners in a broader ecosystem. The firm operates an intergenerational model. Successful founders, after exiting their companies, often transition into investors. They contribute their experience, networks, and capital to subsequent generations of entrepreneurs. This cycle creates a powerful, self-reinforcing network. It ensures a continuous flow of knowledge and mentorship. This continuity across five fund generations proves the durability of this community-based strategy.
A core differentiator for b2venture is its extensive angel network. The firm integrates over 350 experienced angel investors into its operations. These angels are more than just capital providers. They bring deep domain expertise. They are founders, operators, and industry leaders themselves. Their insights are invaluable. They contribute to every stage of partnership with invested startups. From sourcing deals to supporting portfolio companies, their involvement is profound. This model provides more than just funding; it offers strategic guidance and operational experience. Firm partners frequently emphasize that venture capital is fundamentally a people-driven business. This human-centric approach drives b2venture's success in identifying and nurturing category-defining companies.
b2venture boasts a remarkable track record spanning over two decades. The firm has played a significant role in shaping Europe’s technology landscape. It has supported numerous high-profile companies. These include DeepL, 1KOMMA5°, Raisin, SumUp, Nelly, and Urban Sports Club. These investments highlight a history of backing transformative businesses.
The firm’s performance metrics are equally impressive. b2venture has backed at least one unicorn in each fund generation. This consistently demonstrates its ability to identify high-growth potential. It has also celebrated 11 IPOs. More than 30 trade sales further underscore its exit capabilities. In 2025 alone, b2venture recorded one IPO with Navan. It also completed several successful portfolio exits. These included Araris Biotech, Beekeeper, and Neptune. Neptune's acquisition by OpenAI was a particularly notable achievement. This track record positions b2venture as a shrewd and successful investor.
Recent team developments reflect b2venture’s dynamic evolution. In 2024, Mathias Ockenfels was appointed as a Partner. This strengthens the firm’s leadership. Concurrently, long-standing Partner Jochen Gutbrod transitioned into the firm’s Super Angels network. This move exemplifies the intergenerational model in action. It allows seasoned leaders to continue contributing their wisdom and network in a new capacity.
b2venture has navigated multiple market cycles. From the early internet era to the current expansion of AI, it has maintained consistency. The firm's focus remains on long-term relationships, continuity, and disciplined investing. Fund V represents a continuation of this proven approach. It reaffirms a commitment to sustained partnerships built on trust and a forward-looking perspective. This strategic discipline ensures resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy.
The closure of Fund V is a significant moment for European tech. It injects substantial capital into the ecosystem. It also reinforces a model that prioritizes expertise and community alongside finance. b2venture is well-positioned to support the continent's next wave of innovation. It will continue fostering startups that drive economic growth and technological advancement. The firm's dedication to domain knowledge over mere capital defines its enduring impact. Its future investments promise to further solidify Europe's position on the global technology stage.