News
Nauta Secures €60M First Close for Sixth Fund, Targets European Tech Frontier
FundingOctober 16, 2026, 3:37 pm
Nauta, a prominent European venture capital firm, closed its sixth fund's initial round at €60 million. The fund aims for a final €150-€200 million, pushing total assets under management to €750 million. It targets B2B software and deep tech startups, from pre-seed to Series A. The British Business Bank anchors the investment, its fourth consecutive commitment to Nauta. This new vehicle extends Nauta's 20-year history of backing European innovation. The firm emphasizes capital-efficient growth across major vertical markets. Nauta Labs drives pre-seed deep tech investments, focusing on quantum computing, AI infrastructure, and digital health. Operating from London and Barcelona, Nauta has supported over 100 companies, achieving billions in exit value. This fund strengthens its critical role in shaping Europe's tech future.
Nauta, a leading venture capital firm, has announced the successful first close of its sixth fund. The firm secured €60 million in initial commitments. This milestone underscores Nauta's continued influence in the European technology landscape. It positions the firm for significant further expansion.
The sixth fund targets a total size between €150 million and €200 million. This goal aims for completion in late 2027. Upon reaching its target, Nauta's total assets under management will near €750 million. This growth reflects strong investor confidence. It also highlights Nauta's consistent performance over two decades.
Nauta's investment strategy remains clear. It backs early-stage European technology companies. The focus is on B2B software and deep tech ventures. Investments span from pre-seed to Series A rounds. This broad approach captures innovation at its earliest stages.
The British Business Bank serves as a key anchor investor. This marks its fourth consecutive investment in a Nauta fund. This long-standing relationship demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering UK and European innovation. The British Business Bank, a development bank for the UK economy, plays a vital role. It attracts international capital and expertise.
Other investors include SETT, Merifin Capital, and Institut Català de Finances. Institutions and family offices across the UK, Continental Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East also participated. Approximately three-quarters of investors in this first close are returning Limited Partners. This loyalty speaks to Nauta's strong track record and robust investor relations.
Nauta's journey began over two decades ago. The firm launched its first institutional venture fund in 2006. Since then, it has navigated numerous technology shifts. These include mobile, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. This adaptability defines Nauta's enduring presence.
The firm has backed over 200 founders. These founders built more than 100 companies. Nauta's portfolio has generated nearly €3 billion in exit value. This comes from over 25 successful divestments. Notable exits include Brandwatch, Holded, and Connectbase. These successes showcase Nauta's keen eye for disruptive potential.
Nauta's primary strategy targets capital-efficient B2B software companies. These companies aim to transform large vertical markets. Key sectors include travel, financial services, retail, and human resources. The firm seeks innovations that deliver significant enterprise value.
Beyond traditional software, Nauta champions deep tech. Its Nauta Labs initiative operates within the same fund. It specifically invests in pre-seed deep tech businesses. This focus includes high-performance computing, AI infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Industrial automation, digital health infrastructure, and frontier energy technologies also fall within its scope. This forward-looking approach addresses the next wave of technological disruption.
The firm's portfolio features standout deep tech companies. Universal Quantum is one such example. It develops a million-qubit quantum computer. This company recently secured a $100 million Series A round. This financing was a landmark for UK quantum computing.
Other portfolio companies span various sectors. Lodgify provides leading short-term rental management software. Unravel offers an AI-powered travel discovery and booking platform. Acai Travel builds AI agents for travel customer support. NetBird, a Berlin-based open-source cybersecurity company, also highlights Nauta's diverse investments. Nauta initially backed NetBird at the pre-seed stage. It recently closed a $10 million Series A. These examples demonstrate Nauta's ability to identify and scale innovative solutions.
Nauta operates with a dual presence. It maintains offices in London and Barcelona. These locations provide strategic access to key European tech hubs. The firm's dedicated team of ten professionals in each office drives its investment efforts. This localized approach allows for deep market insight.
The firm's long-term conviction has been a cornerstone of its success. It prioritizes discipline and adaptability. These principles have enabled it to reach a sixth fund, a rare achievement in the venture capital industry. Nauta believes each technological generation spawns new exceptional companies. The firm remains committed to shaping Europe's innovation era.
The British Business Bank's continued partnership reinforces this mission. It injects crucial capital, expertise, and international connections into the UK venture ecosystem. This support helps innovative businesses grow. It strengthens the UK venture market for the long term.
Fund VI signifies more than capital. It represents a commitment to Europe's technological future. Nauta will continue identifying groundbreaking startups. It will nurture their growth. The firm's focus on B2B software and deep tech remains paramount.
The new fund expands exposure to cutting-edge areas. AI infrastructure, automation, and advanced cybersecurity are key. Quantum computing and other deep tech categories will also see significant investment. Nauta's sustained investment in these areas is critical. It drives economic progress and global competitiveness. The firm stands ready to back the next generation of European tech leaders.
Nauta, a leading venture capital firm, has announced the successful first close of its sixth fund. The firm secured €60 million in initial commitments. This milestone underscores Nauta's continued influence in the European technology landscape. It positions the firm for significant further expansion.
Strategic Vision and Growth
The sixth fund targets a total size between €150 million and €200 million. This goal aims for completion in late 2027. Upon reaching its target, Nauta's total assets under management will near €750 million. This growth reflects strong investor confidence. It also highlights Nauta's consistent performance over two decades.
Nauta's investment strategy remains clear. It backs early-stage European technology companies. The focus is on B2B software and deep tech ventures. Investments span from pre-seed to Series A rounds. This broad approach captures innovation at its earliest stages.
Anchor Investor and Partner Support
The British Business Bank serves as a key anchor investor. This marks its fourth consecutive investment in a Nauta fund. This long-standing relationship demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering UK and European innovation. The British Business Bank, a development bank for the UK economy, plays a vital role. It attracts international capital and expertise.
Other investors include SETT, Merifin Capital, and Institut Català de Finances. Institutions and family offices across the UK, Continental Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East also participated. Approximately three-quarters of investors in this first close are returning Limited Partners. This loyalty speaks to Nauta's strong track record and robust investor relations.
Two Decades of European Tech Leadership
Nauta's journey began over two decades ago. The firm launched its first institutional venture fund in 2006. Since then, it has navigated numerous technology shifts. These include mobile, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. This adaptability defines Nauta's enduring presence.
The firm has backed over 200 founders. These founders built more than 100 companies. Nauta's portfolio has generated nearly €3 billion in exit value. This comes from over 25 successful divestments. Notable exits include Brandwatch, Holded, and Connectbase. These successes showcase Nauta's keen eye for disruptive potential.
Focused Investment Thesis
Nauta's primary strategy targets capital-efficient B2B software companies. These companies aim to transform large vertical markets. Key sectors include travel, financial services, retail, and human resources. The firm seeks innovations that deliver significant enterprise value.
Beyond traditional software, Nauta champions deep tech. Its Nauta Labs initiative operates within the same fund. It specifically invests in pre-seed deep tech businesses. This focus includes high-performance computing, AI infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Industrial automation, digital health infrastructure, and frontier energy technologies also fall within its scope. This forward-looking approach addresses the next wave of technological disruption.
Key Portfolio Success Stories
The firm's portfolio features standout deep tech companies. Universal Quantum is one such example. It develops a million-qubit quantum computer. This company recently secured a $100 million Series A round. This financing was a landmark for UK quantum computing.
Other portfolio companies span various sectors. Lodgify provides leading short-term rental management software. Unravel offers an AI-powered travel discovery and booking platform. Acai Travel builds AI agents for travel customer support. NetBird, a Berlin-based open-source cybersecurity company, also highlights Nauta's diverse investments. Nauta initially backed NetBird at the pre-seed stage. It recently closed a $10 million Series A. These examples demonstrate Nauta's ability to identify and scale innovative solutions.
Shaping Europe's Innovation Ecosystem
Nauta operates with a dual presence. It maintains offices in London and Barcelona. These locations provide strategic access to key European tech hubs. The firm's dedicated team of ten professionals in each office drives its investment efforts. This localized approach allows for deep market insight.
The firm's long-term conviction has been a cornerstone of its success. It prioritizes discipline and adaptability. These principles have enabled it to reach a sixth fund, a rare achievement in the venture capital industry. Nauta believes each technological generation spawns new exceptional companies. The firm remains committed to shaping Europe's innovation era.
The British Business Bank's continued partnership reinforces this mission. It injects crucial capital, expertise, and international connections into the UK venture ecosystem. This support helps innovative businesses grow. It strengthens the UK venture market for the long term.
Future Outlook for European Tech
Fund VI signifies more than capital. It represents a commitment to Europe's technological future. Nauta will continue identifying groundbreaking startups. It will nurture their growth. The firm's focus on B2B software and deep tech remains paramount.
The new fund expands exposure to cutting-edge areas. AI infrastructure, automation, and advanced cybersecurity are key. Quantum computing and other deep tech categories will also see significant investment. Nauta's sustained investment in these areas is critical. It drives economic progress and global competitiveness. The firm stands ready to back the next generation of European tech leaders.