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Playfair Capital

Invest in entrepreneurs building technology companies that rethink the way we live and work
Playfair Capital
Leadership team

Federico Pirzio-Biroli (Founder)

Number of Employees
0 - 50
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Established
2015
Social Media
Summary

Playfair Capital is a venture capital firm that was founded in 2013 by Federico Pirzio-Biroli, a successful entrepreneur and technology investor. The firm is based in London and is focused on investing in early-stage technology companies in the UK and Europe.

Playfair Capital has a unique investment philosophy that is based on a deep understanding of the technology industry and a commitment to building strong partnerships with portfolio companies. The firm's team has extensive experience in the technology sector, and it works closely with founders to help them navigate the challenges of building and scaling a successful business.

Playfair Capital's investment criteria are focused on identifying companies that have strong founder teams, disruptive technology, large addressable markets, a strong business model, and a positive impact on society or the environment. The firm is particularly interested in companies that are working on innovative solutions to complex problems, and that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

History

Playfair Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, UK. The firm was founded in 2013 by Federico Pirzio-Biroli, a former entrepreneur who had previously founded a number of successful tech startups. Since its founding, Playfair Capital has become one of the leading early-stage venture capital firms in Europe, with a focus on investing in companies in the technology sector.

Playfair Capital's investment strategy is based on a deep understanding of the technology industry and a commitment to working closely with portfolio companies to help them achieve their growth and profitability goals. The firm's mission is to identify and invest in the most promising early-stage technology companies and help them become industry leaders. Playfair Capital is known for its hands-on approach to investing, providing portfolio companies with not just capital, but also strategic guidance and operational support.

Over the years, Playfair Capital has built a strong track record of successful investments in companies such as Mapillary, Ravelin, and Thought Machine. The firm has also established a reputation for being an investor-friendly partner, with a focus on building strong relationships with portfolio companies and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Today, Playfair Capital continues to be an active investor in the technology sector, with a focus on investing in companies that are using technology to disrupt traditional industries and solve important problems. The firm is committed to upholding high standards of corporate social responsibility and believes in investing in companies that are making a positive impact on the world. Overall, Playfair Capital is a well-respected venture capital firm with a strong track record of investing in early-stage technology companies and helping them achieve their full potential.

Investment criteria

Playfair Capital focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies in the UK and Europe. The firm typically invests in companies at the seed and Series A stages, with initial investments ranging from £250,000 to £1 million. Playfair Capital's investment criteria are based on a set of key principles that guide its investment decisions:

  • Founder-led companies: Playfair Capital looks for companies that are led by strong, capable founders who have a deep understanding of their industry and a clear vision for the future of their business.
  • Disruptive technology: The firm invests in companies that are using technology to disrupt traditional industries and solve important problems. Playfair Capital focuses on companies that are leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning.
  • Large addressable market: Playfair Capital invests in companies that have the potential to address large, growing markets. The firm looks for companies that have a clear path to becoming industry leaders and achieving significant scale.
  • Strong business model: The firm invests in companies that have a sustainable business model and a clear path to profitability. Playfair Capital looks for companies that have a proven ability to generate revenue and that have a clear plan for growth.
  • Positive impact: Playfair Capital believes in investing in companies that are making a positive impact on the world. The firm looks for companies that are solving important problems and that have a clear social or environmental mission.
Values
  • Partnership: Playfair Capital believes in building strong partnerships with portfolio companies. The firm works closely with founders to understand their vision and help them achieve their goals. Playfair Capital sees itself as a partner to its portfolio companies, rather than just a source of funding.
  • Curiosity: The firm is constantly curious and seeks to stay on the cutting edge of emerging technologies and industry trends. Playfair Capital is committed to continuous learning and growth, and it encourages its portfolio companies to adopt a similar mindset.
  • Transparency: Playfair Capital believes in being transparent with its portfolio companies, investors, and other stakeholders. The firm communicates openly and honestly, and it values integrity and trust.
  • Diversity and inclusion: Playfair Capital is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. The firm actively seeks out investment opportunities with companies that have diverse leadership teams and that are working to create a more inclusive culture.
  • Social impact: Playfair Capital believes that technology has the power to make a positive impact on the world. The firm seeks out investment opportunities with companies that are working to solve important problems and that have a clear social or environmental mission.
Mission

While the firm does not have a formal mission statement, its investment philosophy and core values reflect its commitment to helping founders build innovative, high-growth companies that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Playfair Capital's approach to investing is based on a deep understanding of the technology industry and a commitment to working closely with portfolio companies to help them achieve their growth and profitability goals. The firm's investment criteria are focused on identifying companies that have strong founder teams, disruptive technology, large addressable markets, a strong business model, and a positive impact on society or the environment.

In addition to providing funding, Playfair Capital also offers strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies. The firm's team has extensive experience in the technology industry, and it works closely with founders to help them navigate the challenges of building and scaling a successful business.

Portfolio

Playfair Capital has investments across a range of technology sectors, including software, fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and more. Some of the notable companies in Playfair Capital's portfolio include:

  • CryptoCompare: A leading provider of real-time cryptocurrency data and analytics.
  • Mapillary: A mapping platform that uses computer vision to extract data from street-level imagery.
  • Ravelin: A fraud detection and prevention platform for e-commerce businesses.
  • Viz.ai: A healthcare AI company that uses deep learning to help doctors diagnose and treat stroke patients.
  • Thought Machine: A cloud-native core banking platform that helps banks and financial institutions modernize their IT systems.
  • Stripe: A global payments platform that enables businesses to accept payments online and in person.
  • StatusToday: A cybersecurity platform that uses AI to monitor employee behaviour and detect insider threats.
  • Mapbox: A mapping and location data platform that provides tools for developers to build custom maps and applications.
References
Playfair Capital
Leadership team

Federico Pirzio-Biroli (Founder)

Number of Employees
0 - 50
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Established
2015
Social Media