Herbert Ventures launches €32.5 million Fund I from Zurich
Zurich-based investment firm Herbert Ventures has announced the launch of its debut vehicle, a €32.5 million Fund I dedicated to backing European founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. The new fund aims to support capital-efficient, product-driven startups with global ambitions across the continent.
Focus on early-stage European founders
Herbert Ventures is positioning the fund to bridge a persistent gap in Europe’s early-stage financing landscape. While later-stage capital has grown in recent years, many promising teams still struggle to secure their first institutional backers. Fund I will primarily target founders building scalable technologies from day one, with a focus on clear business fundamentals and disciplined growth.
The firm plans to lead or co-lead rounds at the pre-seed and seed stages, offering both capital and hands-on support. Ticket sizes are expected to be tailored to lean, high-potential teams, with follow-on capital reserved for top-performing portfolio companies.
Backing capital-efficient, globally minded startups
Rather than chasing hype cycles, Herbert Ventures is emphasizing capital efficiency and sustainable scaling. The fund is expected to look closely at sectors such as B2B SaaS, fintech, deep tech, and enabling AI infrastructure, where European founders have built strong technical reputations but often lack early institutional support.
Alongside funding, the firm aims to provide strategic guidance on topics such as go-to-market strategy, international expansion, and follow-on fundraising. By anchoring the fund in Zurich, a city with strong financial and engineering talent, Herbert Ventures intends to serve founders across the EU, the UK, and wider Europe.
Strengthening Europe’s venture ecosystem
The launch of the €32.5 million Fund I adds fresh firepower to Europe’s evolving venture capital ecosystem at a time when many early-stage founders are navigating tighter markets and more selective investors. With a clear mandate to support ambitious teams at the earliest stages, Herbert Ventures seeks to help build the next generation of globally competitive European startups.