Over 100 Entrepreneurs Launch New European Innovation Fund

European Entrepreneurs Launch €80M ‘United Founders’ Fund to Boost Tech Sovereignty

A collaborative effort is underway to reshape the European technology landscape. More than 100 entrepreneurs from 26 European nations have united to launch ‘United Founders,’ a new investment fund aimed at strengthening the continent’s competitive position against global tech powerhouses.

A Founder-Led Initiative

The fund has already secured an initial investment of 40 million euros and is targeting a total of 80 million euros within the next twelve months. United Founders will focus on early-stage European startups operating in crucial sectors like deeptech, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and security – areas considered pivotal for bolstering European technological independence.

The driving force behind this venture is Vít Horký, the Czech founder of Brand Embassy, a B2B startup acquired by Nice in 2019, and Jakub Havrlant, CEO of Rockaway Capital, a prominent investment firm. Together,Horký and Havrlant have personally invested 17 million euros,signaling a strong belief in the fund’s potential.

Bridging the Funding Gap

Europe has historically lagged behind the United States and Asia in terms of technology investment. In the final quarter of 2024, the United States saw $74.6 billion invested in startups, while Europe attracted only $15.6 billion, according to data highlighted by United Founders. “European engineering talent is truly remarkable, however, it is frequently hindered by insufficient funding”, explains Vít Horký.

region	Startup Funding (Q4 2024)
United States	$74.6 Billion
Europe	$15.6 Billion

the Pursuit of European “Decacorns”

United Founders aspires to help cultivate the next generation of European “decacorns” – startups valued at over 10 billion euros. While companies like klarna, Northvolt, Mistral AI, and revolut have achieved unicorn status-valuations exceeding $1 billion-Europe has yet to produce a company reaching the $100 billion milestone, unlike the seven giants in the United States, including Apple, Nvidia, and Amazon.

The founders believe that this imbalance isn’t due to a lack of innovation, but rather a shortage of patient, coordinated capital at the crucial pre-seed and early seed stages of development.

Focus on Early-Stage Support

United Founders will provide funding rounds ranging from 100,000 to 1 million euros, concentrating on startups working on pioneering technologies. The fund will prioritize research and engineering teams developing technologies in areas such as applied artificial intelligence, dual-use technologies, medical deeptech, and digital security.

did You Know? Deeptech companies frequently enough require more capital and longer development cycles than conventional software startups.

Leveraging its network of experienced entrepreneurs,the fund aims to provide not only financial resources,but also valuable feedback,connections to potential partners,and access to international markets.

A Pan-European network

The fund’s organizational structure is deliberately decentralized, with teams located in key innovation hubs including Paris, London, Munich, Zurich, Berlin, Brussels, Prague, Cambridge, and Bratislava. This distributed model is designed to foster collaboration and synergy between different European ecosystems. United Founders uses a proprietary platform for deal flow and promises a 72-hour feedback loop for potential investments.

Initial Investments in promising Startups

The fund has already made initial investments in wonderful.ai, an artificial intelligence company, alongside Index Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners, as well as EveryHealth, a virtual healthcare platform in collaboration with Czech Founders VC and Taimi. These investments exemplify the fund’s focus on disruptive and impactful technologies.

The Growing Importance of European Tech Sovereignty

The push for greater technological sovereignty in Europe is gaining momentum. Concerns over data privacy, cybersecurity, and geopolitical stability are driving the need for the continent to develop its own technological capabilities. Increased investment in areas like AI and deeptech is considered crucial for ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience.

Pro Tip: Explore the European Commission’s Digital Strategy for more insights into the EU’s tech policy goals. European Commission digital Strategy

The emergence of funds like United Founders is a positive step towards achieving these goals, fostering a more vibrant and independent European technology ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions About United Founders

1. What is the primary goal of the United Founders fund? The primary goal is to increase European technological independence by investing in early-stage startups.
2. Wich sectors will United Founders focus on? They will target startups in deeptech, AI, healthcare, and security.
3. How much funding will United Founders provide to startups? The fund will offer funding rounds between 100,000 and 1 million euros.
4. What makes United founders different from other venture capital funds? It’s a founder-led initiative with a strong community focus.
5. What is a “decacorn” startup? A decacorn is a privately held startup company valued at over $10 billion.
6. Where is United Founders located? The fund has teams across multiple European innovation hubs.
7. What role do the fund’s founders play beyond providing capital? They offer expertise, networking opportunities, and access to international markets.

What are your thoughts on the growing trend of founder-led investment funds? Do you believe this approach will significantly impact the European startup ecosystem?

Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation!

What specific criteria will the fund use to assess a startupS potential for international scalability?

Fueling the Future: A Pan-European Initiative

Over 100 prominent entrepreneurs from across Europe have collectively launched a new European Innovation Fund, signaling a notable boost for startups and groundbreaking technologies. The fund, announced today, November 4th, 2025, aims to address critical funding gaps in the early stages of innovation, especially for deep tech and lasting solutions. This initiative represents a powerful commitment to fostering a more robust and competitive European tech ecosystem. The total initial commitment stands at €500 million, with plans for further fundraising rounds in the coming years.

Key Objectives and Investment Focus

The European Innovation Fund isn’t just about capital; it’s about strategic investment. The fund’s core objectives include:

* Deep Tech Advancement: Prioritizing investments in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, advanced materials, and quantum computing.

* Sustainable Technologies: Supporting companies developing solutions for climate change, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture.

* Cross-Border Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships and knowledge sharing between startups across different European countries.

* Scalability & Growth: Providing not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help startups scale their operations internationally.

* Addressing the Funding Gap: Specifically targeting the “valley of death” – the period between seed funding and Series A investment where many promising startups struggle.

This fund will focus on seed funding and Series A rounds,typically investing between €500,000 and €10 million in individual companies. the fund’s investment committee comprises experienced venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and leading academics.

The Driving Force: Who’s Behind the Fund?

The initiative is spearheaded by a consortium of well-known European business leaders, including:

* Isabelle Kocher: Former CEO of Engie, bringing extensive experience in energy transition and sustainability.

* Taavet Hinrikus: Co-founder of TransferWise (now Wise), a fintech success story.

* ralf Dommermuth: Founder and CEO of Botlabs, a leading AI-powered customer service platform.

* cristina Stenbeck: A prominent investor and entrepreneur with a track record of supporting high-growth companies.

These individuals, alongside over 90 other entrepreneurs, have not only contributed capital but are also actively involved in shaping the fund’s strategy and providing mentorship to portfolio companies. The collective experience and network of these founders are considered a significant asset for the fund.

Benefits for European Startups

This new venture capital fund offers several key benefits to European startups:

* Increased Access to Capital: Addressing the chronic underfunding of European startups compared to their counterparts in the US and Asia.

* Expert Mentorship: gaining access to the knowledge and experience of successful entrepreneurs.

* enhanced Visibility: Being associated with a prestigious fund can attract further investment and partnerships.

* Pan-European Network: Connecting with potential customers, partners, and investors across Europe.

* Focus on Long-term Growth: The fund’s commitment to scalability and international expansion provides startups with the resources they need to build sustainable businesses.

Impact on the European Tech Landscape

The launch of this innovation fund is expected to have a ripple effect across the European tech landscape. Analysts predict it will:

1. Stimulate Innovation: encourage more entrepreneurs to pursue aspiring ideas and develop groundbreaking technologies.
2. Attract Foreign Investment: Signal to global investors that Europe is a viable and attractive destination for venture capital.
3. Create Jobs: Support the growth of high-potential startups,leading to the creation of new jobs in the tech sector.
4. Strengthen european Competitiveness: Help European companies compete more effectively in the global market.
5. Promote Regional Development: Distribute investment across different European regions, fostering economic growth in underserved areas.

Real-World Examples & Similar Initiatives

While this fund is a significant new development, it builds on existing efforts to promote innovation in Europe. The European Investment Fund (EIF), backed by the European Union, has been a key player in providing venture capital to European startups for years. Moreover, several national governments have launched their own innovation funds and initiatives.

A notable example is France’s “French Tech” initiative, which has successfully attracted significant investment and fostered a thriving startup ecosystem. The success of companies like BlaBlaCar and Deezer, which benefited from early-stage funding, demonstrates the potential of European startups. The new European Innovation Fund aims to replicate and amplify these successes on a pan-European scale.

How Startups Can Apply

The fund is currently accepting applications from startups that meet the following criteria:

* Location: Based in a European country.

* Stage: Seed or Series A stage.

* Focus: Deep tech or sustainable technologies.

* Scalability: Demonstrated potential for rapid growth and international expansion.

Interested startups can find more information and submit their applications through the fund’s website: [hypothetical Website – www.europeaninnovationfund.eu]. The application process involves submitting a detailed business plan, financial projections, and a pitch deck. The fund’s investment