
Mercuri
Description
Mercuri VC is a London-based venture capital firm established in 2021, specializing in early-stage investments within the dynamic media and entertainment technology sectors. The firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies located in the United Kingdom. Mercuri distinguishes itself by actively leading funding rounds, providing crucial early capital and strategic guidance to nascent ventures. Their investment thesis centers on the convergence of creative industries and technological innovation, seeking out companies that are poised to reshape how content is created, distributed, and consumed.
Mercuri's investment strategy is highly focused, with a clear mandate to support founders building disruptive technologies in areas such as the Creator Economy, Gaming, Music, Digital Media, Immersive Tech, Web3, and Artificial Intelligence. The firm typically writes initial cheques ranging from £250,000 to £750,000, demonstrating their commitment to providing substantial early-stage capital. While their initial investment range is specific, they also indicate a capacity to lead larger overall rounds, up to £1 million, and provide follow-on capital up to £1.5 million, supporting portfolio companies through subsequent growth phases.
Mercuri launched with a £10 million Fund I, enabling them to make a significant impact in their niche. As of early 2024, Crunchbase indicates they have made 12 investments, leading 10 of those rounds, underscoring their active role as a primary investor. The firm is led by experienced professionals like Managing Partner Daniel Heaf and Partner Ben Smith, who bring a blend of industry expertise and investment acumen. This focused approach, combined with a dedicated fund and experienced leadership, positions Mercuri as a key player in the UK's burgeoning media and entertainment tech ecosystem, aiming to back the next generation of innovative companies in this space.
Investor Profile
Mercuri has backed more than 39 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 19 rounds, about 49% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, United States, The Netherlands.
- Strong thematic focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Software.
- Led 2 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $312.5K – $937.5K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (28%)
- Pre Seed (26%)
- Series Unknown (15%)
- Series A (13%)
- Series B (8%)
- Undisclosed (5%)
- Series D (3%)
- Series C (3%)
Country Focus
- United Kingdom (62%)
- United States (33%)
- The Netherlands (3%)
- Canada (3%)
Industry Focus
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Machine Learning
- Software
- Media And Entertainment
- Video
- Advertising
- Internet
- Audio
- Social Media
- Business Intelligence
Frequently Asked Questions
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