Pre-Seed VCs in Europe are playing a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s startup ecosystem. In 2025, these firms are not only injecting early capital into ambitious ideas—they’re providing mentorship, network access, and strategic guidance that help founders navigate the complex journey from concept to product-market fit. With Europe’s tech economy booming across sectors like AI, climate tech, and fintech, the pre-seed stage has become a battleground for innovation.
According to Seedtable and FemaleSwitch, over 2,500 funds were tracked across Europe in 2025, with dozens of Pre-Seed VCs in Europe emerging as consistent backers of high-potential startups. These firms are known for their conviction-led approach, backing founders before traction, revenue, or even a working prototype. The list below highlights seven of the most active and respected Pre-Seed Venture capitals in Europe—each with a unique thesis and track record of success.
Tips for Founders Seeking Pre-Seed VCs in Europe
Here are critical strategic tips for founders before exploring the list of European Pre-Seed VCs:
- Localize your pitch: Pre-Seed VCs in Europe in Europe often have regional preferences. Tailor your deck to reflect local market dynamics.
- Show early validation: Whether it’s a waitlist, MVP, or pilot—demonstrate that your idea resonates.
- Understand the fund’s thesis: Some focus on SaaS, others on climate tech or consumer apps. Research before reaching out.
- Be transparent: European investors value clarity. Share your roadmap, risks, and assumptions openly.
- Leverage accelerators: Programs like Station F, Techstars Europe, and Antler can help you build momentum and credibility.
The Top 7 Pre-Seed VCs in Europe in 2025
1. Seedcamp
Website: seedcamp.com
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: London, UK
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed to Series A
Check Size: €500K–€1M
Focus Areas: Fintech, SaaS, AI, marketplaces
Socials: @seedcamp
Seedcamp is one of the most established Pre-Seed VCs in Europe, known for backing category-defining startups like Wise, Revolut, and UiPath. With a pan-European footprint and deep ties to global follow-on investors, Seedcamp offers more than capital—it’s a launchpad for scale.
What Makes It Stand Out
Seedcamp’s network-driven model connects founders to operators, angels, and growth-stage funds. Their team includes former founders and operators who provide hands-on support across hiring, product, and go-to-market.
Notable Investments
Seedcamp has backed some of Europe’s most iconic startups from their earliest stages. For example:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Seedcamp was one of the first institutional investors in Wise, which went on to raise over $1.3 billion and IPO on the London Stock Exchange in 2021.
- Revolut: Backed at seed stage, Revolut has since raised over $2 billion and reached a valuation of $33 billion.
- UiPath: Seedcamp invested early in UiPath, which later raised $2 billion and IPO’d on the NYSE in 2021.
- Hopin: Joined Seedcamp’s portfolio in its pre-seed round; Hopin raised $1 billion before being acquired by RingCentral in 2024.
- Sorare: A fantasy sports NFT platform that raised $680 million in Series B led by SoftBank, with Seedcamp as an early backer.
These investments reflect Seedcamp’s ability to identify breakout companies before traction and scale.
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2. Point Nine Capital
Website: pointnine.com
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed to Seed
Check Size: €500K–€2M
Focus Areas: SaaS, B2B, marketplaces
Socials: @pointninecap
Point Nine Capital is a thesis-driven firm focused on SaaS and B2B startups. As one of the most respected Pre-Seed VCs in Europe, it has backed companies like Zendesk, Delivery Hero, and Typeform.
What Makes It Stand Out
Point Nine’s team combines analytical rigor with empathy for founders. Their blog and resources are widely read across Europe’s startup community, and their investment memos are legendary for clarity and depth.
Notable Investments
Point Nine Capital has built a reputation for backing SaaS and B2B startups with global potential:
- Zendesk: Invested early before its IPO and eventual acquisition by private equity for $10.2 billion.
- Typeform: Backed in its seed round; Typeform has raised over $70 million and powers forms for thousands of global brands.
- Delivery Hero: Supported in its early stages; now a publicly traded company with a market cap exceeding €10 billion.
- Docplanner: Raised over $140 million to become Europe’s leading healthcare booking platform.
- Algolia: A search-as-a-service company that raised $150 million in Series D, with Point Nine as an early investor.
Point Nine’s thesis-led approach and SaaS expertise have helped these companies scale globally.
3. Kima Ventures
Website: kimaventures.com
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Paris, France
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed and Seed
Check Size: €150K–€500K
Focus Areas: Consumer tech, marketplaces, fintech
Socials: @kimaventures
Kima Ventures is one of the most prolific Pre-Seed VCs in Europe, with over 1,000 startups backed. Founded by Xavier Niel, the firm is known for its fast decision-making and broad sector coverage.
What Makes It Stand Out
Kima’s speed and simplicity are unmatched. Founders often receive decisions within days, and the firm prides itself on being founder-friendly and low-friction.
Notable Investments
Kima Ventures is known for its volume and speed, having backed over 1,000 startups. Key investments include:
- Zenly: A social mapping app acquired by Snap Inc. for $213 million.
- Payfit: A payroll automation startup that raised €254 million in total funding, including a €90 million Series E.
- Front: A collaborative inbox startup that raised $138 million across multiple rounds.
- Docker: Backed early by Kima; Docker has raised over $270 million and transformed containerized development.
- TransferWise: Co-invested alongside Seedcamp in Wise’s early rounds.
Kima’s fast decision-making and broad sector coverage make it a magnet for ambitious founders.
4. LocalGlobe
Website: localglobe.vc
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: London, UK
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed to Series A
Check Size: €250K–€1.5M
Focus Areas: Healthtech, fintech, deep tech
Socials: @localglobe
LocalGlobe is a family-run venture firm with a legacy of backing iconic European startups. As one of the most trusted Pre-Seed VCs in Europe, it has supported companies like Zoopla, Citymapper, and Improbable.
What Makes It Stand Out
LocalGlobe’s multi-generational team blends deep experience with fresh perspectives. Their community-driven approach and commitment to diversity make them a standout in the European VC landscape.
Notable Investments
LocalGlobe has a legacy of backing mission-driven startups with long-term impact:
- Citymapper: Raised over $50 million before being acquired by Via in 2023.
- Zoopla: Went public in 2014 and was later acquired by Silver Lake for £2.2 billion.
- Improbable: A metaverse infrastructure company that raised over $600 million, including a $150 million Series B.
- Robinhood: LocalGlobe participated in early European rounds before its $2 billion IPO.
- Cazoo: Raised over £500 million before going public via SPAC in 2021.
LocalGlobe’s multi-generational team and community-first ethos have helped these companies scale responsibly.
5. Speedinvest
Website: speedinvest.com
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed to Series A
Check Size: €300K–€1.5M
Focus Areas: Fintech, deep tech, industrial tech, marketplaces
Socials: @speedinvest
Speedinvest is one of the most active Pre-Seed VCs in Europe, with over 300 portfolio companies and a strong presence across DACH, Nordics, and Southern Europe. The firm operates with specialized sector teams and a hands-on operational model.
What Makes It Stand Out
Speedinvest’s platform team offers founders support in hiring, sales, marketing, and fundraising. Their sector-specific funds allow for deep domain expertise, making them a strategic partner from day one.
Notable Investments
Speedinvest’s sector-focused funds have produced standout results across Europe:
- Bitpanda: A crypto exchange that raised $263 million in Series C at a $4.1 billion valuation.
- GoStudent: An edtech unicorn that raised €590 million across multiple rounds.
- TIER Mobility: A micromobility startup that raised over $500 million, including a $200 million Series D.
- CoachHub: A digital coaching platform that raised €110 million in Series B.
- Planetly: Acquired by OneTrust after raising €7 million in seed funding.
Speedinvest’s operational support and pan-European reach have helped these startups scale rapidly.
6. Antler
Website: antler.co
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed
Check Size: €100K–€200K
Focus Areas: Generalist, founder-led startups, emerging tech
Socials: @antlerglobal
Antler is a global startup generator with strong European roots. It runs founder programs in cities like Berlin, Stockholm, Lisbon, and Amsterdam, making it one of the most accessible Pre-Seed VCs in Europe.
What Makes It Stand Out
Antler backs founders before they have a team or product. Its cohort-based model helps entrepreneurs validate ideas, find co-founders, and build MVPs—all with funding and mentorship.
Notable Investments
Antler’s founder-first model has produced early wins across multiple verticals:
- Vaayu: A carbon tracking platform that raised €1.2 million in pre-seed and €11.5 million in Series A.
- PowerUs: A skilled trades hiring platform that raised €10 million in Series A after Antler’s initial backing.
- Fused: A creator economy startup backed by Antler and angels in a €800K pre-seed round.
- Upliance: A smart kitchen appliance startup that raised €1 million in seed funding.
- Koa: A food waste upcycling startup that raised €2.5 million in impact-focused rounds.
Antler’s zero-to-one support model helps founders validate and launch ideas quickly.
7. Firstminute Capital
Website: firstminute.capital
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: London, UK
Stage Focus: Pre-Seed to Seed
Check Size: €500K–€2M
Focus Areas: SaaS, consumer tech, frontier tech
Socials: @firstminutevc
Founded by Brent Hoberman and Spencer Crawley, Firstminute Capital is backed by over 100 unicorn founders and operates with a global mindset. It’s one of the most connected Pre-Seed VCs in Europe.
What Makes It Stand Out
Firstminute’s LP base includes founders of Spotify, Palantir, and Zalando. Their team offers deep strategic guidance and access to world-class networks across Europe and the US.
Notable Investments
Firstminute Capital’s global network and founder-backed LP base have led to high-leverage investments:
- CloudNC: Raised $45 million to automate precision manufacturing.
- Outverse: A community platform for product-led growth, raised €2 million in seed funding.
- ZOE: A personalized nutrition startup that raised £48 million in Series B.
- Cleo: A financial wellness app that raised $80 million in Series C.
- Supercritical: A carbon removal marketplace that raised €2.5 million in pre-seed and €13 million in Series A.
Firstminute’s access to unicorn founders and global capital makes it a strategic partner for scaling.
The Current State of Pre-Seed VCs in Europe
In 2025, the European pre-seed market is thriving. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, Pre-Seed VCs in Europe are deploying capital into high-conviction bets across AI, climate tech, and fintech. Key trends include:
- Increased specialization by sector and geography
- Rise of solo GP funds and operator-led micro VCs
- Stronger founder support platforms (e.g., hiring, GTM, fundraising)
- Cross-border syndicates and co-investment networks
Pre-Seed VCs in Europe are no longer just local players—they’re building continental and global bridges for early-stage founders.
Trending Sectors Among Pre-Seed VCs in Europe
The most active verticals in 2025 include:
- AI x SaaS: Workflow automation, developer tools, and vertical AI
- Climate tech: Carbon accounting, energy optimization, and circular economy platforms
- Fintech infrastructure: Embedded finance, compliance-as-a-service, and B2B payments
- Digital health: Remote diagnostics, mental health platforms, and personalized medicine
- Frontier tech: Quantum computing, space tech, and synthetic biology
Pre-Seed VCs in Europe are increasingly thesis-driven, backing founders who align with long-term macro trends.
Notable Pre-Seed Rounds in Europe
| Startup | Sector | Round | Lead/Co-Investors | Backed By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaayu | Climate tech | €1.2M | Planet A, Antler | Antler |
| Outverse | AI x SaaS | €2M | Firstminute, Connect Ventures | Firstminute Capital |
| PowerUs | HR tech | €1.5M | Speedinvest, Antler | Speedinvest, Antler |
| Supercritical | Carbon removal | €2.5M | LocalGlobe, Firstminute | Firstminute Capital |
| Fused | Creator economy | €800K | Antler, angels | Antler |
These rounds reflect the conviction-led nature of Pre-Seed VCs in Europe, often backing founders before product or traction.
Why These Pre-Seed VCs in Europe Matter
- Strategic capital: These firms offer more than funding—they provide mentorship, network access, and operational support
- Pan-European reach: Firms like Seedcamp, Speedinvest, and Antler operate across multiple hubs
- Thesis-driven conviction: From SaaS to climate tech, these VCs back what they deeply understand
- Founder-first ethos: Kima Ventures and Point Nine are known for empathy, speed, and transparency
For European founders, choosing the right pre-seed investor can define the trajectory of their startup. These Pre-Seed VCs in Europe don’t just fund the future—they help build it.