PROFounders Capital

ProFounders Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, that focuses on investing in early-stage startups in Europe. The firm was founded in 2009 by two successful entrepreneurs, Brent Hoberman and Michael Birch, who have extensive experience in the tech industry.

Brent Hoberman co-founded lastminute.com, a pioneering online travel company that went public in 2000 and was later sold to Sabre Holdings for £577 million. Michael Birch co-founded Bebo, a social networking site that was sold to AOL for $850 million in 2008.

ProFounders Capital was launched with the aim of identifying and supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs in Europe. The firm's initial focus was on internet and mobile startups, but it has since expanded to include a broader range of sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and SaaS.

The firm has raised three funds to date, with a total of over £140 million under management. Its portfolio includes a range of successful companies, including Seedrs, a leading equity crowdfunding platform; Lyst, a fashion e-commerce site; and Big Health, a digital therapeutics company.

ProFounders Capital is known for its strong network of industry contacts and its ability to provide strategic guidance and operational support to portfolio companies. The firm's team includes experienced entrepreneurs and investors who have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage startups.

ProFounders Capital has established itself as a leading venture capital firm in Europe, with a strong track record of supporting innovative startups and helping them to achieve success. The firm's founders and team are dedicated to identifying and supporting the most promising entrepreneurs in the region, and to helping them build world-class companies.

The firm typically invests in companies that have already demonstrated product-market fit and have a clear path to revenue growth.

The firm is sector agnostic but has a particular interest in startups that are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries. ProFounders Capital looks for companies that have a strong team with a track record of success, a clear vision for the future, and a commitment to building a sustainable business.

In terms of investment size, ProFounders Capital typically invests between £500,000 and £5 million in each company. The firm is also willing to participate in follow-on rounds and work closely with portfolio companies to help them achieve their growth objectives.

ProFounders Capital takes a hands-on approach to invest and works closely with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and operational support. The firm's team has extensive experience in building and scaling successful startups and is committed to helping portfolio companies achieve their full potential.

ProFounders Capital is looking for innovative and ambitious startups that are poised to disrupt their respective industries and become leaders in their markets. The firm's investment criteria emphasize the importance of a strong team, a clear vision, and a commitment to building a sustainable business, and it is dedicated to providing the support and guidance that early-stage startups need to achieve their goals.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: ProFounders Capital was founded by entrepreneurs who have a deep respect for the entrepreneurial spirit. The firm values creativity, risk-taking, and a commitment to building something new and innovative.
• Partnership: ProFounders Capital sees its relationship with portfolio companies as a partnership. The firm works closely with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and operational support, and is committed to helping them achieve their full potential.
• Integrity: ProFounders Capital values integrity and honesty in all of its business dealings. The firm is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and to treating all stakeholders with respect and fairness.
• Long-Term Perspective: ProFounders Capital takes a long-term perspective in its investment approach. The firm is committed to building sustainable businesses that can deliver value to customers, employees, and investors over the long term.
• Diversity and Inclusion: ProFounders Capital values diversity and inclusion and believes that a diverse team and portfolio can lead to better outcomes. The firm is committed to building a diverse team and to supporting diversity and inclusion in the broader tech ecosystem.

ProFounders Capital's mission is to identify and invest in exceptional entrepreneurs who are building innovative and disruptive businesses in Europe. The firm aims to partner with these entrepreneurs to help them achieve their full potential and to build sustainable businesses that can deliver value to customers, employees, and investors over the long term.

ProFounders Capital is committed to working closely with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and operational support. The firm's team has extensive experience in building and scaling successful startups, and is dedicated to helping portfolio companies overcome the challenges that they will inevitably face on their path to growth.

The firm's mission is also focused on supporting the broader tech ecosystem in Europe. ProFounders Capital is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and is actively involved in supporting initiatives and organizations that are working to create a more vibrant and dynamic tech ecosystem.

ProFounders Capital has a diverse portfolio of companies spanning a range of sectors, including software, e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare. Some of the notable companies in the firm's portfolio include:

• TransferWise: TransferWise is a global money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money across borders at a fraction of the cost charged by traditional banks.
• Unbabel: Unbabel is an AI-powered translation platform that enables businesses to communicate with customers in their own language.
• FiveAI: FiveAI is a self-driving car startup that is developing technology to enable autonomous vehicles to navigate complex urban environments.
• Big Health: Big Health is a digital health company that offers a range of digital therapeutics for mental health, including Sleepio and Daylight.
• Lyst: Lyst is an e-commerce platform that allows users to shop for fashion items from a range of retailers.