Switzerland is cementing its status as a global innovation powerhouse this week. Vi Partners just announced the first close of its new venture capital fund targeting €161 million. This massive financial milestone coincides with the firm celebrating a quarter century of shaping the European startup landscape.
A Silver Jubilee With Fresh Capital
Vi Partners is not a new name in the European venture capital space. The firm has spent the last 25 years building a reputation as a steady hand in a volatile market. They officially announced the first close of their latest fund this week.
This new investment vehicle targets a total of CHF 150 million which is approximately €161 million. This capital injection comes at a crucial time for the European tech ecosystem. Many startups are currently seeking reliable partners to help them scale beyond the seed stage.
The launch of this fund marks a significant new chapter for the Swiss venture capitalist. It builds upon a legacy that began in 2001. The firm has supported successive generations of entrepreneurs since then. They have played a pivotal role in developing Switzerland into a leading hub for technology and healthcare innovation.
This anniversary is not just about looking back at past wins. It is about fueling the next wave of industry leaders. The firm has invested over €430 million in 72 startups to date. This new fund ensures they have the “dry powder” needed to continue this streak for another decade.
Vi Partners venture capital fund investment graph growth concept
Doubling Down On Health And Tech
The investment strategy for this new fund is clear and focused. Vi Partners plans to target Series A and early stage investments. They are looking for companies that have moved past the idea phase and are ready to grow.
The firm splits its focus into two main pillars:
- Technology: This includes mission critical software and data driven platforms. They are eyeing enterprise solutions, Artificial Intelligence, fintech and industrial applications.
- Healthcare: The team is looking for biotech, medtech and digital health startups. They want to back companies that address urgent clinical needs and improve healthcare systems.
This dual focus allows the firm to diversify its portfolio while sticking to sectors where they have deep expertise. Switzerland is world renowned for both its pharmaceutical giants and its precision engineering. It makes perfect sense for a local VC to double down on these specific industries.
Managing Partner Diego Braguglia emphasized their long term vision. He noted that their focus remains on identifying teams with strong scientific foundations. The goal is simple yet ambitious. They want to build outstanding companies that can compete on a global stage.
A Proven History Of Building Giants
Investors love track records and Vi Partners has an impressive one. You cannot survive 25 years in the venture capital business without picking some winners. Their portfolio reads like a “Who’s Who” of European innovation.
Here is a look at some of the category defining companies they have backed:
| Company | Sector | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SumUp | Fintech | Global mobile payments unicorn |
| Nexthink | Enterprise Software | Leader in digital employee experience |
| Kuros Biosciences | Healthcare | Innovator in bone graft technologies |
| AMAL Therapeutics | Biotech | Acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Unique | AI/Sales | fast growing sales intelligence platform |
These success stories prove that their strategy works. They do not just write checks. They partner with founders to navigate the tricky waters of scaling a business.
This hands on approach is what separates good investors from great ones. Founders today need more than just money. They need access to networks, help with hiring and strategic advice during tough times.
Olivier Laplace is a Managing Partner at the firm. He stated that their role is to be a committed partner from the early stages onward. He believes in combining capital with experience and long term support to help founders succeed.
The Future Of European Innovation
The launch of this fund sends a positive signal to the broader market. Venture capital funding has been tighter in recent years due to global economic uncertainty. A firm successfully raising a fund of this size shows that confidence is returning.
Series A funding is often called the “valley of death” for startups. It is the stage where many promising companies fail because they cannot secure enough capital to scale their operations. Vi Partners is positioning itself to bridge this gap for the most promising startups in Switzerland and Europe.
The firm is looking for “mission critical” solutions. This means they want products that customers absolutely need to function. They are avoiding nice to have gadgets in favor of essential tools that solve real problems.
This disciplined approach shields them from hype cycles. While other investors might chase the latest trendy buzzword, Vi Partners sticks to fundamentals. They look for solid unit economics, strong intellectual property and capable management teams.
The next decade of European tech looks bright with this kind of support. We are likely to see more unicorns emerging from the DACH region thanks to this fresh influx of capital. The team is ready to deploy this cash to find the next SumUp or Nexthink.
Twenty five years is a long time in the tech world. It is an eternity in the startup world. Vi Partners has seen the dot com bubble burst, the 2008 financial crisis and the recent pandemic market shifts. They have navigated it all and come out stronger. This new fund is proof that they are just getting started.
If you are a founder in the health or tech space in Europe, now is the time to polish your pitch deck. There is €161 million looking for a home.
