Switzerland-based venture capital firm Wingman Ventures has undergone a rebranding and emerged as Founderful, signaling its commitment to nurturing Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. With a diverse portfolio spanning mobile commerce, robotics, and beyond, Founderful is on a mission to bolster the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Fundraising Endeavors
Founderful has announced the successful raise of $85 million for its new Fund II, with a lofty target of reaching $120 million in the coming months. The fund has garnered support from institutional investors, family offices, and notable founders associated with unicorn startups like Duolingo, Climeworks, and Delivery Hero.
Investment Focus and Successes
The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed startups and has already achieved significant success with two exits: Insightness, acquired by Sony, and Bring! Labs, acquired by Swiss Post. With a pipeline boasting two more imminent exits in the B2B software realm, Founderful’s track record speaks volumes about its investment acumen.
Disruption and Innovation
Founded in 2019 by industry veterans Pascal Mathis and Lukas Weder, Founderful has disrupted traditional funding models by providing favorable terms and nurturing ambitious founders. With a keen eye for innovation, the firm has made nearly 50 investments, supporting startups in sectors like robotics, artificial intelligence, and clean tech.
Commitment to Switzerland
Founderful remains steadfast in its commitment to Switzerland’s startup ecosystem, investing heavily in local talent and fostering collaborations with academic institutions like ETH Zurich. By standardizing support functions and processes, the firm aims to empower founders to seize market opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Founderful plans to continue its investment efforts in Switzerland, aiming to support the most promising founder teams each year as their lead investor. With a reputation for meticulousness and a relentless pursuit of value creation, Founderful is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Switzerland’s startup landscape.
Endorsement from Industry Leaders
Duolingo CTO and co-founder Severin Hacker lauds Founderful’s commitment to value creation, citing the firm’s meticulous approach and unwavering support for the founders they back. As Founderful embarks on its journey with Fund II, it stands poised to redefine venture capital in Switzerland and beyond.
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