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Helvetica Capital

Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich

Description

Helvetica Capital is a Zürich-based independent investor specializing in established, profitable Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded with an entrepreneurial ethos, the firm distinguishes itself by focusing on businesses with proven track records, rather than early-stage ventures. Their core mission revolves around providing capital and strategic support for various scenarios, including succession solutions for retiring founders, financing growth initiatives, and facilitating corporate spin-offs or carve-outs.

The firm typically targets companies across diverse sectors such as industrial, services, consumer goods, and healthcare, demonstrating a broad yet focused approach within the Swiss economic landscape. Helvetica Capital's investment strategy involves taking majority or significant minority stakes, indicating a preference for deep engagement and influence in their portfolio companies. A key financial parameter of their investment approach is their typical check size, which ranges from CHF 5 million to CHF 30 million per transaction. This translates approximately to USD 5.5 million to USD 33 million, depending on the prevailing exchange rate, underscoring their commitment to substantial investments in mature businesses.

Beyond capital injection, Helvetica Capital prides itself on being an active and hands-on partner. The team leverages its extensive operational and investment experience, boasting over 100 years of combined entrepreneurial and investment expertise, to support portfolio companies in strategic development, operational improvements, and international expansion. This active involvement aims to foster sustainable growth and enhance long-term value. Their dedication to the Swiss market and focus on established businesses positions them as a crucial player in the country's SME financing ecosystem, offering tailored solutions for complex business transitions and expansion phases.

Investor Profile

Helvetica Capital has backed more than 20 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 10% of its total and boasts 6 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Series Unknown, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Information Technology, Medical.
  • Typical check size: $5.5M – $33M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (50%)
  • Series Unknown (25%)
  • Seed (10%)
  • Series B (5%)
  • Series A (5%)
  • Debt Financing (5%)

Country Focus

  • Switzerland (90%)
  • United Kingdom (5%)
  • United States (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Medical
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Health Care
  • Medical Device
  • Biotechnology
  • Computer
  • Industrial
  • Industrial Automation
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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 Helvetica Capital frequently co-invest with?

Zürcher Kantonal Bank
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 2
JS
Europe, Ticino, Switzerland, Lugano
Co-Investments: 1
b2venture
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 1
EZ
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 2
SVC
Europe, Zurich, Switzerland, Zürich
Co-Investments: 1
LF
Europe, Bern, Switzerland, Berne
Co-Investments: 1
Alpana Ventures
Europe, Geneve, Switzerland, Geneva
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Helvetica Capital?

Microcaps

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Microcaps develops a novel technology that enables the scalable production of precise microcapsules and microparticles.

BiotechnologyComputerInformation TechnologyMedical
Series AJun 5, 2024
Amount Raised: $10,406,037
Microcaps

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Microcaps develops a novel technology that enables the scalable production of precise microcapsules and microparticles.

BiotechnologyComputerInformation TechnologyMedical
SeedJan 26, 2021
Amount Raised: $5,638,504
POLYGENA

Saint Gallen, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland

POLYGENA is the sponsor and partner for small and medium-sized enterprises from industry and services.

Information TechnologyService IndustrySmall and Medium Businesses
Private EquitySep 1, 2019
Schulthess Maschinen

Bubikon, Zurich, Switzerland

Schulthess manufactures washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers.

Consumer ElectronicsConsumer GoodsManufacturing
Private EquityMay 1, 2019
SkyCell

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

SkyCell focuses on developing temperature controlled logistics containers for the pharmaceutical industry.

LogisticsPharmaceuticalSupply Chain ManagementTransportation
Series UnknownJan 1, 2019
Wingtra

Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Wingtra is a manufacturer of professional mapping and surveying drones.

AerospaceDrone ManagementDronesManufacturingRobotics
SeedDec 1, 2018
NUM

Coventry, Coventry, United Kingdom

NUM provides machine tool manufacturers and purpose machine manufacturers.

Industrial AutomationManufacturing
Private EquityDec 1, 2018
Nexxiot

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Nexxiot is a TradeTech pioneer with a mission to enable easier, safer, and cleaner transportation for all stakeholders in the supply chain.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Enterprise SoftwareInformation TechnologyInternet of ThingsLogisticsSoftwareSupply Chain Management
Series UnknownNov 1, 2018
Specpage

Warwick, Rhode Island, United States

Specpage offers comprehensive tools for connecting product data information in the food service and janitorail and sanitation industries.

AnalyticsBig DataCRMDatabaseEnterprise SoftwareFood and BeverageInformation TechnologySoftware
Private EquityNov 1, 2018
Nezasa

Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland

Nezasa’s travel booking solution empowers travel brands globally to combine planning and booking into one seamless end-to-end experience.

B2BE-CommerceInformation TechnologySaaSTourismTravel
Debt FinancingAug 1, 2018