
Clave Mayor
Description
Clave Mayor is a prominent independent venture capital and private equity firm based in Pamplona, Spain, with a significant presence in the Spanish investment landscape. Established in 2002, the firm boasts over two decades of experience in fostering innovative companies across various stages. As one of Spain's leading independent managers, Clave Mayor oversees more than 300 million euros in assets under management, deployed through a diverse portfolio of funds tailored to different investment profiles and growth stages. Their strategic approach positions them as a key player in supporting both nascent and scaling enterprises within the Iberian Peninsula.
The firm's investment strategy spans seed, early-stage, and growth equity, focusing on sectors critical to technological advancement and economic development. These include Biotechnology, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Industry 4.0, Renewable Energy, FoodTech, and Health. Clave Mayor is particularly noted for its specialized initiatives, such as its collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Valencia. This partnership involves managing a dedicated fund aimed at investing in technology spin-offs originating from the university, aligning with their commitment to nurturing innovation directly from academic research.
Clave Mayor's typical first cheque sizes vary considerably depending on the investment stage and the specific fund deployed. For very early-stage technology spin-offs, particularly those emerging from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, initial investments typically range from €100,000 to €1,000,000. For growth-stage companies, where the firm often leads or co-leads larger rounds, the initial investment can extend significantly. For instance, their Clave Mayor FCR IV fund, with a target size of €50 million, is designed to support more mature companies, indicating a capacity for larger first cheques. Based on their fund structures and reported investments, a typical first cheque for growth-stage companies can reach up to €5,000,000, reflecting their capacity to support companies through multiple funding rounds.
With over 150 investments across its history and more than 25 successful exits, Clave Mayor has demonstrated a consistent track record in identifying and scaling high-potential ventures. Their comprehensive approach, from nurturing university spin-offs to backing established growth companies, underscores their integral role in the Spanish innovation ecosystem.
Investor Profile
Clave Mayor has backed more than 32 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 22% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Spain, United States, Germany.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Biotechnology, Hardware.
- Typical check size: $108K – $5.4M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (41%)
- Seed (28%)
- Series A (16%)
- Series B (9%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
- Private Equity (3%)
Country Focus
- Spain (91%)
- United States (3%)
- Germany (3%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Biotechnology
- Hardware
- Manufacturing
- Medical
- Pharmaceutical
- Health Care
- Medical Device
- Food Processing
- Snack Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.