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VR Ventures

Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin

Description

VR Ventures is the dedicated corporate venture capital arm of the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken Cooperative Financial Group, one of Germany's largest and most established financial institutions. Based in Berlin, this fund plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation within the burgeoning financial services and real estate technology sectors. Its core mission is to identify, invest in, and strategically support early-stage startups that are poised to redefine these industries through cutting-edge solutions. By leveraging the extensive network and deep industry expertise of its parent group, VR Ventures aims to provide more than just capital, offering a unique value proposition to its portfolio companies.

The fund primarily targets Seed to Series A stage companies, demonstrating a clear focus on nurturing nascent ventures with high growth potential. VR Ventures typically deploys initial investments ranging from €500,000 to €5 million, which translates to approximately $540,000 to $5.4 million USD, depending on the current exchange rate. This flexible check size allows them to back a diverse range of innovative startups, from those just beginning to scale to more established early-stage players. Their investment thesis spans a broad spectrum of sub-sectors, including Fintech, Proptech, Insurtech, Regtech, and Digital Banking, indicating a comprehensive approach to digital transformation within their target markets.

With a substantial fund size of €100 million, equivalent to approximately $108 million USD, VR Ventures possesses significant resources to execute its investment strategy and provide follow-on funding for successful portfolio companies. Beyond financial backing, they offer strategic guidance, access to a vast customer base, and potential collaboration opportunities with the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken network. This integrated approach helps accelerate the development and market penetration of their portfolio companies, solidifying their position as a key player in the European venture capital landscape for financial and real estate technology. Their commitment extends to fostering a robust ecosystem where innovation can thrive, ultimately benefiting the broader cooperative financial group and its clientele.

Investor Profile

VR Ventures has backed more than 23 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 9 rounds, about 39% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Germany, France, Estonia.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, FinTech, Financial Services.
  • Typical check size: $540K – $5.4M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (43%)
  • Series A (22%)
  • Series B (17%)
  • Pre Seed (17%)

Country Focus

  • Germany (78%)
  • France (13%)
  • Estonia (4%)
  • Switzerland (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Fintech
  • Financial Services
  • Banking
  • Information Technology
  • Small And Medium Businesses
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Accounting
  • Payments
  • Insurance
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does VR Ventures frequently co-invest with?

RTP Global
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Redstone
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 21
ABN AMRO Ventures
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Co-Investments: 3
D4 Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Force Over Mass Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
coparion
Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Cologne
Co-Investments: 4
HV Capital
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Co-Investments: 3
Fabrick
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Co-Investments: 3
13books Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
finleap
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does VR Ventures often collaborate with?

Grégoire Rastoul
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1
AU
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
MH
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Shared Deals: 1
MB
Europe, Hessen, Germany
Shared Deals: 1
CH
Europe, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, Oxford
Shared Deals: 1
TD
Europe, Aargau, Switzerland, Oberhofen
Shared Deals: 1
CB
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Shared Deals: 1
CS
North America, Washington, United States, Kirkland
Shared Deals: 1
AM
Europe, Catalonia, Spain, Barcelona
Shared Deals: 1
FS
North America, Michigan, United States, Metropolitan
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by VR Ventures?

ClimeFi

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

ClimeFi is the leader specialising in permanent carbon removals (CDRs), partnering with companies to build portfolio of certified CDR assets

Biomass EnergyFinancial ServicesSustainability
SeedSep 5, 2024
KohortPay

Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France

KohortPay is a gamified social checkout tool that turns clients into influencers for more conversions and reduction of acquisition costs.

E-CommercePaymentsRetail Technology
Pre SeedApr 2, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,292,182
Banxware

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Banxware provides the technology and the funds for business financing of any kind: fully embedded in platforms or as an affiliate solution

BankingFinancial ServicesFinTechInformation TechnologySoftware
Series ANov 30, 2023
Amount Raised: $16,340,243
Orus

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Orus provides simple and transparent insurance coverage for small business owners.

FinanceFinancial ServicesInsurance
Series AOct 10, 2023
Amount Raised: $11,663,662
nuwo

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Workplace as-a-Service, Equipping Employees

Software
Pre SeedJul 25, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,038,775
ContractHero

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

ContractHero is a digital contract management solution for business customers.

B2BSaaSSmall and Medium BusinessesSoftware
SeedJul 6, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,341,283
Kertos

München, Bayern, Germany

Kertos is a software company based in Europe that develops and provides a holistic compliance and privacy platform.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ComplianceLegal TechMachine LearningPrivacySoftware
SeedMay 4, 2023
Amount Raised: $4,409,239
Finanzguru

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany

Finanzguru is an AI-powered financial assistant that assists users in managing their accounts and contracts.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Assistive TechnologyFinancial ServicesFinTechInsurance
Series BApr 4, 2023
Amount Raised: $14,245,170
Atlas Metrics

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Simplify ESG, Automate Compliance

Business Information SystemsInformation TechnologySoftwareTelecommunications
SeedMar 28, 2023
Amount Raised: $5,636,203
Empion

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Empion is the first automated headhunting system matching candidates and companies based on values, skills, and personality traits.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Human Resources
Pre SeedJul 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,502,983