
Public
Description
Public is a London-based venture capital firm uniquely dedicated to supporting technology startups that aim to transform and improve public services. Established with a clear mission to bridge the gap between innovative tech and government needs, Public focuses on what is often termed 'GovTech' or 'CivicTech'. The firm distinguishes itself through its deep understanding of the public sector landscape, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance, policy expertise, and unparalleled access to government networks. This specialized approach allows them to nurture companies that can navigate the complexities of public procurement and deliver impactful solutions across various governmental departments and services, from healthcare to defense.
TheThe firm's investment strategy targets early-stage companies, typically from pre-seed through to Series A rounds. Public seeks out founders with ambitious visions for public sector innovation, providing hands-on support to help them scale and achieve market fit within a challenging yet critical sector. Their value proposition extends beyond mere funding, encompassing tailored mentorship, policy insights, and connections that are vital for startups engaging with public bodies. They actively work to de-risk the public sector market for their portfolio companies, accelerating their growth and impact.
Public recently announced the close of its third fund, Public Fund III, securing £40 million to continue its mission. This new fund underscores their commitment to the GovTech ecosystem and enables them to expand their investment capacity. With this capital, Public typically writes initial cheques ranging from £500,000 to £3 million, demonstrating their flexibility across different early-stage funding needs. Their portfolio includes companies addressing a wide array of public challenges, from improving citizen engagement to enhancing operational efficiencies within government agencies. This focused investment thesis and hands-on support position Public as a pivotal player in the European GovTech landscape, driving innovation for public good.
Investor Profile
Public has backed more than 37 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 21 rounds, about 57% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Non Equity Assistance, Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, Germany, France.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, Health Care.
- Typical check size: $500K – $3M.
Stage Focus
- Non Equity Assistance (49%)
- Seed (30%)
- Series Unknown (14%)
- Pre Seed (8%)
Country Focus
- United Kingdom (68%)
- Germany (19%)
- France (5%)
- Spain (3%)
- Serbia (3%)
- United States (3%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Information Technology
- Health Care
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Govtech
- Saas
- Machine Learning
- Internet
- Big Data
- Government
Frequently Asked Questions
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