Smac Partners

SMAC Partners GmbH was a German venture capital firm based in Unterhaching, specializing in early-stage investments within the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The firm primarily targeted startups focused on software, telecommunications, and internet services. While the provided description indicates a focus on early-stage ICT, their portfolio reveals a broad range of successful companies, including mobility solutions, e-commerce, and fitness technology.

SMAC Partners was particularly active in the mid-2010s, making significant investments in several high-profile European startups. Their portfolio included well-known names such as FlixBus, a leading long-distance bus operator, and myTaxi (now Free Now), a popular ride-hailing app. Other notable investments included online eyewear retailer Mister Spex, fitness technology provider eGym, and fintech company Kreditech. The firm also had very early stakes in companies that went on to achieve significant exits, such as the social networking platform XING (IPO in 2006) and the online classifieds portal Scout24 (IPO in 2015), demonstrating a long-term investment horizon in some instances.

Based on available data, SMAC Partners typically deployed first checks ranging from approximately $1 million to $5 million, aiming to support the growth of promising early-stage ventures. Their investment strategy focused on identifying innovative business models with strong market potential. However, the firm's investment activity appears to have significantly declined since 2017, with their last recorded investment being in NetSfere in that year.

The firm's historical portfolio showcases a strong track record of backing companies that achieved considerable success and market penetration in Europe. Despite their past influence in the German startup ecosystem, SMAC Partners does not appear to be an active investor in new ventures as of recent years, with their official website no longer active.