Dr. Cornelius Boersch

Dr. Cornelius "Conny" Boersch is a highly influential figure in the European venture capital and startup ecosystem, renowned for his dual role as a prolific entrepreneur and a discerning business angel. Based in Zürich, Switzerland, he is best known as the founder and CEO of Mountain Partners, a global venture builder and investor that focuses on early-stage technology companies. His significant contributions to the startup landscape were formally recognized when he was named "Business Angel of the Year" in Germany in 2009, underscoring his impact and expertise in identifying and nurturing nascent ventures.

Boersch's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his entrepreneurial background, characterized by a hands-on, venture-building approach. Through Mountain Partners, he and his team often co-found companies or provide substantial operational support alongside capital, distinguishing their model from traditional venture capital firms. They primarily target disruptive technology sectors, including B2B software, fintech, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, seeking out innovative solutions with global scalability. Over his career, Dr. Boersch has personally founded or co-founded more than 50 companies, demonstrating his profound commitment to creating new businesses from the ground up.

His impressive track record is marked by numerous successful exits and a robust portfolio. One of his most notable early successes was Alando, an online auction platform he co-founded, which was acquired by eBay for $43 million in 1999, just 100 days after its launch. This early triumph set the stage for a career defined by identifying and scaling high-potential ventures. Mountain Partners' portfolio now spans over 100 companies across various stages, reflecting a broad and diversified investment strategy that aims to build enduring businesses with significant market impact.

As an investor, Dr. Boersch, through Mountain Partners, typically provides initial capital ranging from seed to Series B rounds. While specific individual angel check sizes can vary, Mountain Partners' first checks for promising technology startups generally fall within the range of $250,000 to $2,000,000, often accompanied by strategic guidance and access to their extensive network. His enduring presence and success in the venture space solidify his reputation as a pivotal force in fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Europe and beyond.