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Freigeist Capital

Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Bonn

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
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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 Freigeist Capital frequently co-invest with?

BlueYard Capital
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 1
Sequoia Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 2
HubSpot Ventures
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 1
Tencent
Asia, Guangdong, China, Shenzhen
Co-Investments: 2
s16vc
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Co-Investments: 2
Index Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Atomico
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Slack Fund
North America, California, United States, Daly City
Co-Investments: 1
Atlantic Labs
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 2
Visionaries Club
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Freigeist Capital often collaborate with?

US
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
DV
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Shared Deals: 1
KB
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Shared Deals: 2
FT
Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Cologne
Shared Deals: 4
SW
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
OP
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
DS
Europe, Berlin, Germany
Shared Deals: 1
Andrew Wilkinson
North America, British Columbia, Canada, Victoria
Shared Deals: 1
EY
North America, California, United States, Santa Clara
Shared Deals: 1
JC
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Freigeist Capital?

Collie

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

Collie is a technology tool that helps monitor health indicators, optimize pasture growth, and assist herd movement.

AgTechAppsSoftware
SeedFeb 12, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,625,966
Akina

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Akina provides AI-enabled connected therapy for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Health CareSoftwareTherapeutics
SeedJan 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,151,049
United Manufacturing Hub

Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

SaaS, IaaC, Open-Source

Enterprise SoftwareInternet of ThingsSaaSSoftware
SeedJan 25, 2024
BioThrust

Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

BioThrust develops customized gassing solutions for bioreactors.

SeedJan 25, 2024
EnduroSat

Sofia, Grad Sofiya, Bulgaria

EnduroSat designs and engineers spacecraft for business applications and space exploration missions.

AerospaceSatellite CommunicationSoftware
Series AMay 10, 2023
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
PROSION

Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

PROSION Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical and drug discovery start-up company in the undruggable space.

MedicalPharmaceutical
SeedMay 1, 2022
Leko Labs

Foetz, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Leko Labs is a tech-company committed to reinvent the construction process for next generation buildings

Information TechnologyReal Estate
Series AFeb 22, 2022
Amount Raised: $21,037,963
Smartlane

Munich, Bayern, Germany

Smartlane Transport Intelligence is a cloud-based software for transport optimization for general cargo logistics

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine LearningPredictive AnalyticsSaaSSoftwareTransportation
Series AJan 11, 2022
Amount Raised: $5,114,700
Build.One

Freiberg Am Neckar, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Build.One develops solutions for distribution of complex products that require explanation in order to simplify and accelerate processes.

Software
SeedOct 25, 2021
Xentral

Augsburg, Bayern, Germany

Xentral develops ERP and CRM software solutions for enterprises.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)Product ManagementSoftware
Series BAug 17, 2021
Amount Raised: $74,623,982