
Freigeist Capital
Description
Freigeist Capital, based in Bonn, Germany, is a prominent venture capital firm specializing in deep tech investments at the seed stage. Founded by renowned investor Frank Thelen, the firm has established itself as a key player in the European startup ecosystem, particularly for disruptive technologies. Freigeist focuses on identifying and nurturing companies with the potential to become global market leaders, often engaging with startups from pre-seed through Series A rounds. Their investment thesis centers on groundbreaking innovations that address significant market needs and possess strong intellectual property.
The firm adopts a highly hands-on approach, working closely with its portfolio companies to accelerate their growth and overcome early-stage challenges. Freigeist Capital is known for its founder-first philosophy, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to an extensive network. They seek out ambitious founding teams with a clear vision and the capability to execute complex technological advancements. This collaborative model aims to build robust businesses that can scale internationally.
Freigeist Capital boasts an impressive portfolio of over 20 companies, including notable successes like Lilium (electric vertical take-off and landing jets), Neufund (blockchain-based equity fundraising), and Kraftblock (high-temperature energy storage). The firm's strategic investments have yielded significant results, with its portfolio companies collectively raising over €1 billion in follow-on funding from various international investors. This substantial follow-on capital underscores Freigeist's ability to identify high-potential ventures and position them for long-term success. Their commitment to deep tech underscores a belief in the transformative power of science and engineering to solve pressing global issues.
Investor Profile
Freigeist Capital has backed more than 38 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 21 rounds, about 55% of its total and boasts 7 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Germany, Liechtenstein, The Netherlands.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Food and Beverage, SaaS.
- Led 2 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $108K – $3.2M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (71%)
- Series A (18%)
- Series Unknown (5%)
- Series B (3%)
- Pre Seed (3%)
Country Focus
- Germany (76%)
- Liechtenstein (5%)
- The Netherlands (5%)
- Bulgaria (5%)
- Luxembourg (3%)
- Portugal (3%)
- Switzerland (3%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Food And Beverage
- Saas
- Transportation
- Apps
- Aerospace
- Enterprise Resource Planning (Erp)
- Product Management
- Enterprise Software
- Collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions
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