A New Era for Swiss Startups
Wingman Ventures, the pioneering venture capital firm from Zurich, is taking its next significant step by rebranding as Founderful. This exciting development comes with a substantial $85 million raised for its new Fund II, targeting an impressive total of $120 million in the coming months.
A Portfolio of Diverse Talent
Founderful’s diverse portfolio boasts a range of innovative startups, including mobile commerce, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The firm’s focus on pre-seed investments has led to over 50 investments, with eight Swiss companies receiving funding in 2023 alone. Its previous fund, Fund I, invested $60 million into 40 startups, generating an impressive total of $350 million in additional funding within three years.
A Strong Track Record
With a proven track record, Founderful has already achieved two successful exits: Insightness, a vision chip startup acquired by Sony, and Bring! Labs, a mobile commerce startup acquired by Swiss Post. The firm is currently waiting for the approval of its double-digit million-dollar exit in B2B software space.
Founding Partner Alex Stöckl’s Vision
In an interview with TechCrunch, Founding partner Alex Stöckl emphasized the significance of Founderful’s rebranding and its mission to disrupt traditional venture capital models. He highlighted the firm’s commitment to investing at the pre-seed stage, providing founders with favorable terms and enabling them to maintain their ambition levels.
The Value-Add Proposition
Founderful’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to standardize support functions and processes, benefiting startups with optimized accounting standards, service providers, and talent pools. By doing so, the firm helps entrepreneurs capture market leads and provides them with a competitive edge.
A Strong Ecosystem Connection
The firm also connects the Swiss ecosystem and international venture capital community, introducing founder teams to next-round investors. This strategic move enables startups to access further funding opportunities, propelling their growth and success.
Doubling Down on Switzerland
In an interview, Stöckl revealed that Founderful will continue to prioritize investing in the top 10 most ambitious Swiss startup founders each year, solidifying its commitment to the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene.
Severin Hacker’s Praise for Founderful
Duolingo CTO and co-founder Severin Hacker expressed his admiration for Founderful’s relentless dedication to creating value for founders. He noted that it is rare for investors to prioritize founder needs as meticulously as the team at Founderful does.
Founderful: A New Era of Venture Capital in Switzerland
With its rebranding, substantial funding, and commitment to investing in Swiss startups, Founderful is poised to redefine the venture capital landscape in Switzerland. As a leading player in the industry, Founderful will undoubtedly continue to inspire innovation, growth, and success among entrepreneurs across the country.
Investor Insights: What’s Next for VC?
In an exclusive interview with TechCrunch, several investors shared their predictions on what this year holds for venture capital. From rising interest rates to changing investor priorities, experts weigh in on the key trends shaping the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Founderful has rebranded from Wingman Ventures and is now targeting $120 million for its new Fund II.
- The firm’s previous fund invested $60 million into 40 startups, generating an impressive total of $350 million in additional funding within three years.
- Founderful has already achieved two successful exits: Insightness (acquired by Sony) and Bring! Labs (acquired by Swiss Post).
- The firm is currently waiting for the approval of its double-digit million-dollar exit in B2B software space.
- Founding partner Alex Stöckl emphasized the significance of Founderful’s rebranding and its mission to disrupt traditional venture capital models.
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