Chris Adelsbach

Chris Adelsbach is a highly respected and influential figure in the European fintech investment landscape, best known as the Founding Partner of Outrun Ventures. Based in London, he has built a formidable reputation over more than a decade, primarily focusing on early-stage financial technology companies. Before launching Outrun Ventures, Adelsbach served as a Managing Director at Techstars, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and running the Techstars London FinTech Accelerator, nurturing numerous successful startups and cementing his expertise in the sector. His extensive network and deep understanding of the fintech ecosystem make him a sought-after investor and advisor.

Outrun Ventures, under Adelsbach's leadership, is an early-stage venture capital firm with a clear mandate to back innovative companies transforming the financial services industry. The firm's investment thesis centers on disruptive technologies across fintech, insurtech, and proptech. Outrun Ventures primarily targets Pre-Seed and Seed stage companies, providing crucial capital and strategic guidance during their formative years. While their core focus is on these nascent stages, they occasionally participate in Series A rounds for their most promising portfolio companies, demonstrating a commitment to long-term growth.

The firm's investment strategy is supported by a targeted fund size. Outrun Ventures was reported to be targeting a £25 million (approximately $30 million USD at the time of its launch) fund for its initial close, indicating a capacity to make meaningful early-stage investments. This capital allows Outrun Ventures to typically deploy initial cheques ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. This range is designed to provide substantial runway for early-stage startups to achieve key milestones, while also allowing the fund to build a diversified portfolio of high-potential ventures. Adelsbach's hands-on approach and operational experience are often cited as significant value-adds for the founders he backs.