Neosfer

Neosfer, formerly known as main incubator, serves as the dedicated early-stage investor and innovation unit of Commerzbank Group, one of Germany's leading financial institutions. Based in Frankfurt, Neosfer plays a crucial role in scouting, investing in, and fostering collaboration with promising startups that align with Commerzbank's strategic interests. Its establishment underscores Commerzbank's commitment to embracing digital transformation and leveraging external innovation to enhance its core business and explore new financial technologies.

The firm's investment strategy is sharply focused on startups operating within the financial technology ecosystem and adjacent sectors. Neosfer actively seeks out companies specializing in areas such as FinTech, InsurTech, PropTech, RegTech, Cybersecurity, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)/Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Analytics. More recently, they have also expanded their scope to include sustainability-driven innovations relevant to the financial industry. This targeted approach ensures that their portfolio companies not only receive capital but also have the potential for strategic synergies with Commerzbank's vast network and customer base.

Neosfer primarily invests in early-stage companies, typically participating in Seed and Series A funding rounds. As a corporate venture capital (CVC) arm, Neosfer offers more than just financial capital; it provides startups with invaluable access to Commerzbank's expertise, infrastructure, and potential for pilot projects and commercial partnerships. To date, Neosfer has made over 32 investments in various startups, demonstrating a consistent commitment to supporting the growth of innovative ventures. Furthermore, the unit has facilitated more than 100 pilot projects between startups and different business units within the Commerzbank Group, showcasing its effectiveness in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and established financial services. Their typical first check sizes range from approximately $250,000 for early seed rounds to up to $3,000,000 for more mature Series A opportunities, reflecting their flexible approach to supporting high-potential companies.