
Born2Grow
Description
Born2Grow is a Heilbronn, Germany-based venture capital fund operating as the strategic investment arm of the Schwarz Group, one of the world's largest retail groups, encompassing brands like Lidl and Kaufland. This unique position allows Born2Grow to not only provide capital but also offer startups unparalleled access to the vast infrastructure, extensive network, and deep industry expertise of a global retail powerhouse. The fund's primary objective is to identify and back innovative early-stage companies that hold strategic relevance for the Schwarz Group's current and future business interests, fostering synergies and driving innovation within its ecosystem.
The fund primarily targets startups in Pre-Seed, Seed, and early Series A stages. Born2Grow's investment thesis centers on sectors critical to the evolution of retail and logistics, including Retail Tech, Logistics Tech, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Customer Experience, Future of Work, Food Tech, and the Circular Economy. Initial investments typically range from approximately $540,000 to $3,240,000, reflecting their commitment to providing substantial early-stage capital to promising ventures.
Beyond the initial investment, Born2Grow is prepared to support its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their growth. The fund has the capacity to invest up to approximately $10,800,000 over the entire lifecycle of a startup, enabling significant scaling. This patient capital approach, combined with the strategic advantages derived from its affiliation with the Schwarz Group, positions Born2Grow as a highly attractive partner for founders looking to disrupt or enhance the retail and logistics landscape.
Investor Profile
Born2Grow has backed more than 26 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 27% of its total and boasts 6 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Germany, Finland, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Robotics, Manufacturing.
- Typical check size: $540K – $3.2M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (65%)
- Series A (19%)
- Series B (8%)
- Pre Seed (4%)
- Series Unknown (4%)
Country Focus
- Germany (88%)
- Finland (8%)
- United States (4%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Robotics
- Manufacturing
- Industrial Automation
- Information Technology
- Health Care
- Medical
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Medical Device
- Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
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