xista science ventures

Xista Science Ventures, based in Klosterneuburg, Austria, is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm specializing in deep tech and science-based startups. Spun out of the renowned Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), the firm maintains strong ties to cutting-edge academic research, positioning itself as a key player in translating scientific breakthroughs into commercial successes. Their investment thesis centers on disruptive innovations across various sectors, including life sciences, biotech, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials, targeting companies that leverage profound scientific insights to solve complex problems.

The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, often acting as the first institutional investor for promising ventures. Xista Science Ventures announced a dedicated fund of €35 million in 2021, underscoring its commitment to fostering high-potential scientific enterprises. Typical initial cheque sizes for their investments range from €500,000 to €2 million, with the capacity for follow-on funding as companies achieve significant milestones. While their primary geographic focus is Europe, particularly the DACH region and Central Europe, they remain open to exceptional opportunities globally that align with their deep tech mandate.

Beyond capital infusion, Xista Science Ventures provides comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its deep scientific expertise and extensive network. This includes strategic guidance on intellectual property, assistance with team building, business development, and access to a robust ecosystem of scientific and industry experts. Their hands-on approach aims to accelerate the growth of science-driven startups, helping them navigate the complexities of commercialization and scale their groundbreaking technologies from laboratory to market.