Pitchdrive

Pitchdrive is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Antwerp, Belgium, dedicated to funding and supporting promising European startups. Founded by experienced entrepreneurs Wim Derkinderen and Boris Bogaert, the firm operates on a "by founders for founders" philosophy, emphasizing hands-on support and strategic guidance beyond just capital. Their approach is distinctly data-driven, aiming to identify and back high-potential B2B and B2C SaaS companies across the continent.

Pitchdrive primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, targeting companies that demonstrate strong potential for scalable growth within the software-as-a-service sector. Their typical initial investment ranges from €100,000 to €300,000, with a sweet spot often falling between €150,000 and €250,000. This initial capital is designed to help startups achieve critical milestones, such as product development, market validation, and early customer acquisition. Beyond the initial cheque, Pitchdrive also has the capacity for follow-on investments, potentially contributing up to €1 million in subsequent rounds to support their portfolio companies' continued scaling.

In October 2023, Pitchdrive successfully closed its inaugural fund at €10 million, significantly bolstering its capacity to deploy capital into the European startup ecosystem. With this new fund, the firm aims to invest in approximately 10 to 15 new startups each year, demonstrating a consistent commitment to fostering innovation. To date, Pitchdrive has already built a robust portfolio of over 30 companies, showcasing their active involvement and belief in the long-term potential of their investments. Their value proposition extends beyond financial backing, offering founders access to a vast network of mentors, industry experts, and follow-on investors, along with practical operational support to navigate the challenges of early-stage growth.

The firm's unique blend of data-driven selection, founder-led mentorship, and strategic capital positions it as a valuable partner for European tech entrepreneurs. By focusing on a specific stage and sector, Pitchdrive ensures specialized expertise and tailored support, helping its portfolio companies accelerate their journey from nascent ideas to market-leading enterprises. Their commitment to a hands-on approach underscores their mission to not just fund, but actively build successful companies alongside their founders.