Banco Sabadell

Banco Sabadell, a leading Spanish banking group, actively participates in the venture capital ecosystem through its corporate venture arm, InnoCells. Established in 2017, InnoCells was launched with a significant initial budget of approximately 100 million euros, equivalent to about $108 million USD at the time of its inception. This strategic vehicle was created to identify, invest in, and partner with startups that are developing innovative digital business models, particularly within the fintech and insurtech sectors. The primary objective is to drive digital transformation and enhance Banco Sabadell's service offerings by integrating cutting-edge technologies and solutions from the startup world.

InnoCells focuses on making strategic equity investments in early-stage (Seed, Series A) and growth-stage companies. Their investment thesis revolves around supporting ventures that can either complement Banco Sabadell's existing services, open new revenue streams, or improve operational efficiencies. This approach allows the bank to remain at the forefront of financial innovation, leveraging external talent and technology to adapt to the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Typical first cheque sizes for InnoCells' direct equity investments generally range from 1 million euros to 5 million euros, which translates to approximately $1.08 million to $5.4 million USD. For instance, InnoCells notably invested 1.5 million euros in Nemuru, a Spanish fintech startup, in 2020. Beyond direct investments, InnoCells also explores various forms of collaboration, including strategic alliances, participation in specialized venture funds, and even potential acquisitions, all aimed at fostering a robust innovation pipeline for Banco Sabadell.