
Kernel Capital
Description
Kernel Capital is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Cork, Ireland, with additional offices in Dublin and Belfast. It serves as the dedicated manager of The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Venture Funds, a significant partnership that underpins its investment activities across Ireland and the UK. The firm has established itself as a key player in the Irish and Northern Irish venture ecosystems, providing crucial capital and strategic support to emerging businesses.
The firm's investment strategy is sharply focused on high-growth technology and life science companies. Kernel Capital targets businesses that demonstrate strong potential for innovation and scalability, investing across various stages from early-stage development through to growth equity rounds. Typically, Kernel Capital's initial investment cheques range from approximately $1.08 million to $5.4 million, reflecting their commitment to providing substantial early-stage and growth capital to promising ventures. They often engage in follow-on investments, supporting their portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds as they scale.
With a robust track record spanning several decades, Kernel Capital has built an extensive portfolio of over 100 companies, contributing significantly to the development of the knowledge economy in Ireland and beyond. The firm manages total funds exceeding $270 million, underscoring its substantial financial capacity and influence within the venture capital landscape. Kernel Capital is known for its hands-on approach, working closely with management teams to accelerate growth and achieve successful exits, thereby delivering strong returns for its investors and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
Investor Profile
Kernel Capital has backed more than 87 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 45 rounds, about 52% of its total and boasts 16 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Ireland, United Kingdom, France.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Health Care, Information Technology.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1.1M – $5.4M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (61%)
- Seed (23%)
- Series A (10%)
- Series B (3%)
- Series C (1%)
- Private Equity (1%)
Country Focus
- Ireland (68%)
- United Kingdom (22%)
- France (5%)
- United States (3%)
- Canada (1%)
- Singapore (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Biotechnology
- Manufacturing
- Medical
- Health Diagnostics
- Fintech
- Mobile
- Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
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