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Capital-E

North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington

Description

Capital-E Partners NV is a specialized European venture capital firm strategically located in Leuven, Belgium, distinguishing itself through a focused investment thesis. The firm is dedicated to providing early-stage capital to companies that are developing groundbreaking selling propositions rooted in enabling electronics and advanced materials. This niche focus positions Capital-E as a significant player in the deep technology sector, particularly within the European innovation ecosystem, targeting startups that are at the forefront of hardware innovation, semiconductor development, sensor technologies, and novel material science.

The firm's investment strategy is primarily geared towards seed and early-stage funding rounds, indicating a commitment to nurturing nascent companies from their foundational phases. Capital-E Partners NV typically deploys initial investments ranging from approximately $540,000 (€0.5 million) to $3.24 million (€3 million). This range allows them to support a diverse set of early-stage ventures, from those just beginning to scale to those with established prototypes and initial market traction.

Beyond initial funding, Capital-E demonstrates a long-term commitment to its portfolio companies by offering substantial follow-on investments. The firm is prepared to invest up to $5.4 million (€5 million) per company over its lifecycle, signaling a robust support system designed to help companies navigate subsequent growth stages and achieve their full potential. Their expertise in the highly technical fields of electronics and advanced materials allows them to provide not just capital, but also strategic guidance and industry connections to their portfolio companies, fostering innovation and market penetration in complex deep tech markets.

Investor Profile

Capital-E has backed more than 23 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 30% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Belgium, Germany.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Semiconductor, Hardware.
  • Typical check size: $540K – $3.2M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (30%)
  • Series Unknown (26%)
  • Series A (26%)
  • Series E (4%)
  • Private Equity (4%)
  • Series C (4%)
  • Series D (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (39%)
  • Belgium (35%)
  • Germany (17%)
  • United Kingdom (4%)
  • France (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Semiconductor
  • Hardware
  • Manufacturing
  • Mobile
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Machine Learning
  • Product Design
  • Information Technology
  • Biotechnology
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Capital-E frequently co-invest with?

Earlybird Venture Capital
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 3
Atlantic Bridge
Europe, Dublin, Ireland, Dublin
Co-Investments: 2
AIB Seed Capital Fund
Europe, Dublin, Ireland, Dublin
Co-Investments: 3
Molten Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Bosch Ventures
Europe, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, Stuttgart
Co-Investments: 4
NV
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
Enterprise Ireland
Europe, Dublin, Ireland, Dublin
Co-Investments: 3
Celtic House Venture Partners
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 3
Emertec
Europe, Rhone-Alpes, France, Grenoble
Co-Investments: 3
SFPI-FPIM
Europe, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium, Brussels
Co-Investments: 2

What are some of recent deals done by Capital-E?

Accelleran

Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium

5G, Open RAN, Private Networks, RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)

Information TechnologySoftwareTelecommunications
Series BMay 5, 2021
Amount Raised: $8,165,245
siOPTICA

Jena, Thuringen, Germany

siOPTICA is a Germany-based company that specializes in optical components and solutions

Financial ServicesHardwarePrivacySoftware
Series UnknownDec 16, 2020
Amount Raised: $2,439,239
Silicon Mobility

Valbonne, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France

Silicon Mobility designs flexible, real-time and safe solutions for a cleaner, safer and smarter mobility.

AutomotiveEmbedded SystemsManufacturingSemiconductorSoftware
Series BOct 11, 2018
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Silicon Line

Munich, Bayern, Germany

Silicon Line is a provider of innovative ultra-low power optical link technology for mobile and consumer electronics markets.

Consumer ElectronicsHardwareManufacturing
Series BSep 10, 2018
Amount Raised: $9,506,828
Accelleran

Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium

5G, Open RAN, Private Networks, RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)

Information TechnologySoftwareTelecommunications
Series AApr 26, 2016
Amount Raised: $3,389,417
NovoPolymers

Puurs, Antwerpen, Belgium

NovoPolymers NV is focused on the development and production of encapsulant solutions for the photovoltaic industry.

Information TechnologyManufacturingProductivity ToolsWeb Development
Series UnknownJul 8, 2015
Movidius

San Mateo, California, United States

Movidius is a fabless semiconductor company and the leader in mobile vision processor technology for connected devices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine LearningMobileProduct DesignSemiconductorSoftware
Series EApr 14, 2015
Amount Raised: $40,000,000
NovoPolymers

Puurs, Antwerpen, Belgium

NovoPolymers NV is focused on the development and production of encapsulant solutions for the photovoltaic industry.

Information TechnologyManufacturingProductivity ToolsWeb Development
Private EquityOct 8, 2013
Movidius

San Mateo, California, United States

Movidius is a fabless semiconductor company and the leader in mobile vision processor technology for connected devices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine LearningMobileProduct DesignSemiconductorSoftware
Series DJul 10, 2013
Amount Raised: $16,000,000
Trinean

Gentbrugge, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium

Trinean is a Belgium based technology provider, bringing micro-volume molecular spectroscopy to the next level.

AnalyticsBiotechnologyHardwareSoftware
Series UnknownApr 27, 2012
Amount Raised: $4,900,636