On July 29, Copenhagen-based firm, BlackWood Ventures revealed the final close of its pan-European venture fund, valued at $25 million, with leverage provided through data-driven tools and an extensive network to make early-stage fintech, cleantech, and deep tech investing in Europe.
Europe’s market is rich with entrepreneurial potential but frequently deprived of early capital and BlackWood Ventures is persevering to close the gap with a new model. Through technology, a healthy investor network, and targeted execution, the company is reshaping the way early-stage companies fit into the European startup ecosystem.
Tech-Driven Early-Stage Investing
BlackWood Ventures isn’t following the traditional venture capital path, instead, it created a model that is mostly reliant on data and the ecosystem. It has a proprietary sourcing engine and over 1,000 angel investors signed up and saw hundreds of startups each month, allowing it to identify potential founders and ideas other investors may pass on.
“Europe is not short on talent; it’s short on conviction capital. That’s the gap we’re here to fill,” says Bastian Larsen, Founder and CEO of BlackWood Ventures. This unique strategy supports a growing demand for investing in deep tech by combining speed, insight, and smart capital deployment.
Since its first close in April 2023, BlackWood has invested in 19 companies across nine nations. Already, more than 30% of them have seen sturdy valuation increases, an early sign that the model is working effectively.
The fund is likewise drawing interest from blue-chip co-investors like Y Combinator, Seedcamp, and Northzone, further supporting its place in providing funding opportunities for new startups. Startups like UK wealth platform, like Sidekick, amongst others are not excluded from the impact.
“BlackWood backed us early last year and has been fantastic to work with. They invest with conviction, and it’s refreshing how fast and efficient they were throughout,” says Matthew Ford, CEO of Sidekick.
Building with Purpose
From fintech to cleantech and deep tech investing, BlackWood Ventures is putting its money into high-flying ideas. Its portfolio includes companies like beSirius in the Netherlands, London’s IVM Markets, and Germany’s Particula, which is using AI for helping institutions grasp tokenised finance.
With representatives located across Europe, BlackWood provides local insight into international thinking, moving fast and is more concerned with quality than quantity. It’s one of the new hotshots of the field of European tech funds, bringing modern tools and sharp focus to early-stage investing.
BlackWood’s approach is also helping to increase European funding for tech startups, giving founders access to strategic capital along with long-term backing.
“BlackWood has built a strong European footprint, moves quickly, and backs companies that Nordic VCs overlook due to geographic constraints,” says BlackWood Board Member Steffen Saltofte.
As the fund approaches its full deployment, its focus on deep tech investing continues to stand out in the evolving European tech investment landscape. Underpinned by conviction capital and a founder-led approach, BlackWood is redefining the future of European tech VC funds.
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