DeepTech Ventures

Mission and Investment Philosophy

The core mission of DeepTech Ventures is to identify and back visionary entrepreneurs building companies with the potential for substantial impact and disruption. Their investment philosophy centers on the belief that deep tech?technologies based on tangible scientific or engineering breakthroughs?is crucial for solving fundamental societal and industrial problems.

They operate on the principle of being more than just a financial investor. DeepTech Ventures aims to be a long-term partner, providing hands-on support and strategic guidance to help founders navigate the unique journey of building and scaling a deep tech company. This includes understanding the often longer development cycles, capital-intensive R&D, and intellectual property considerations inherent in this sector.

Investment Focus

DeepTech Ventures concentrates its investments in early-stage companies, primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages. They seek startups with:

• Strong Intellectual Property (IP): Companies that have developed defensible technologies.
• Disruptive Potential: Solutions that can significantly alter existing markets or create new ones.
• Scalable Business Models: A clear path to growth and market adoption.
• Dedicated and Visionary Founding Teams: Entrepreneurs with deep domain expertise and a strong commitment to their mission.

While located in Switzerland, their portfolio indicates an international outlook, though a significant number of their investments are in Swiss-based startups, reflecting a commitment to the local ecosystem.

Key Sectors of Interest:

DeepTech Ventures invests across a broad spectrum of deep technology domains, including but not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence & Big Data: Innovations in machine learning, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions.
• Robotics & IoT: Advanced robotics, automation, and Internet of Things technologies.
• Life Sciences & HealthTech: Breakthroughs in biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health.
• Advanced Materials & Manufacturing: Novel materials, innovative manufacturing processes, and industrial tech.
• SpaceTech & New Energy: Technologies related to space exploration, satellite applications, and sustainable energy solutions.

Services and Support to Portfolio Companies

DeepTech Ventures offers a comprehensive support system to its portfolio companies, extending far beyond capital injection. Their services are designed to accelerate growth and mitigate risks for early-stage deep tech ventures:

• Capital Investment: Providing crucial early-stage funding to fuel research, product development, and market entry.
• Strategic Guidance: Offering mentorship and strategic advice from experienced partners and industry experts. This includes support in refining business models, developing go-to-market strategies, and navigating complex technological roadmaps.
• Network Access: Leveraging their extensive network of contacts, which includes:
  • Industry Experts: Connecting founders with specialists who can provide domain-specific advice.
  • Co-investors: Facilitating access to follow-on funding from other venture capital firms and investors.
  • Potential Customers and Partners: Assisting with business development and establishing strategic alliances.
• Operational Support: Providing practical assistance in areas such as team building, intellectual property strategy, and preparing for subsequent funding rounds.
• Hands-on Approach: The firm emphasizes a collaborative and active role in supporting its portfolio companies, working closely with founders to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Team

DeepTech Ventures was co-founded by Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna and Nicolas Fulpius. Their combined expertise spans venture capital, law, finance, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This blend of experience is positioned as a key asset in understanding the multifaceted needs of deep tech startups and providing relevant, actionable support. The team's background suggests a strong understanding of both the technical and commercial aspects of building successful deep tech companies.

Portfolio Companies

DeepTech Ventures has cultivated an extensive and diverse portfolio of companies. This portfolio showcases their commitment to various deep tech sectors and their ability to identify promising early-stage ventures. Some of the companies featured in their portfolio include:

• AI & Big Data / Software: Cognaize, Inpher, Lightly, Modulos, Squirro, Synthara, Unit8
• Life Sciences & HealthTech: Berking Biotechnology, Corintis, Core Biogenesis, Healthrhythms, Incephalo, LimmaTech, Manta Bio, Navignostics, NextImmune, NUONEX, Opterion, RetinAI, SecureCell, TissueLabs, TOPADUR, Versantis, Vilya, Zoundream
• Robotics & IoT / Advanced Manufacturing: Atlas Dynamics, Fixposition, Isochronic, Kapanu, MicroR LIS, Sevensense, Voliro
• SpaceTech & New Energy / Materials: Alluvial, GroundCom, Lightium
• Other enabling platforms/services: Food Brewer, Impossible Cloud, Keyless, QAI Ventures, RouteRadars.AI, Strong Network, Superlab Suisse, UpSens

The breadth of this portfolio underscores their wide-ranging expertise and commitment to fostering innovation across multiple technological frontiers.

Value Proposition

DeepTech Ventures differentiates itself by offering a founder-friendly approach combined with deep expertise in the sectors they invest in. They aim to be more than just capital providers, acting as genuine partners who understand the long and often arduous path of deep tech innovation. Their value proposition lies in their ability to provide smart capital, strategic insights, and access to a valuable ecosystem, thereby helping to de-risk investments and accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies from the earliest stages. Their Swiss base also positions them within a strong European innovation hub.