OpenseedVC Launches with $10M Fund, Making a Strong Entrance into the Investment Scene

• OpenseedVC launches with an initial $10 million fund closure, targeting experienced operators launching tech startups in Africa and Europe
• The fund offers startup checks up to $150,000 and access to a network of over fifty professionals, focusing on sectors like Future of Work, AI, Fintech, B2B Software, and Health & Commerce
• General Partner Maria Rotilu aims to provide early capital and support to operators, leveraging her experience in scaling international tech startups
• OpenseedVC seeks to invest in at least sixty startups over the next five years, prioritizing founders from Africa and Europe
• The fund’s investments align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of experienced operators in building innovative tech solutions

OpenseedVC Launches with Initial $10M Fund Close

OpenseedVC, a brand new operator-led fund, has made its grand entrance into the investment world with the announcement of the first closure of its $10 million angel-style early-stage fund. This move marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the fund, which aims to be the pioneering investor for seasoned operators venturing into the tech startup landscape across Africa and Europe.

Supporting Operators in Tech Ventures

The $10 million fund established by OpenseedVC is set to provide startup checks of up to $150,000 to operators who are embarking on the challenging yet rewarding journey of launching their tech ventures from the ground up. The support doesn’t end there – these operators will also gain access to OpenseedVC’s vast network, which comprises over fifty seasoned professionals ready to offer guidance and mentorship.

OpenseedVC has strategically chosen to focus its investments in sectors such as the Future of Work, AI and Fintech, B2B Software, and the Future of Health & Commerce. By aligning its portfolio’s intrinsic impacts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the fund aims to foster innovation that not only drives business growth but also contributes positively to societal and environmental sustainability.

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General Partner Maria Rotilu, the visionary behind OpenseedVC, is dedicated to providing early-stage capital to the growing number of skilled operators eager to kickstart their digital ventures. Maria emphasizes that beyond financial support, early-stage OpenseedVC founders will benefit immensely from the confidence boost and the opportunity to tap into a network of experienced operators who can provide invaluable support throughout the entire launch process.

Empowering Founders to Make an Impact

OpenseedVC has opened its doors to founders from Africa and Europe through an inclusive application process that allows individuals to apply without needing an introduction. Over the next five years, the fund plans to invest in at least sixty startups, aiming to catalyze innovation and drive growth in the tech ecosystem.

Maria Rotilu’s extensive experience as a former operator turned investor sets the stage for OpenseedVC’s success. With a track record of scaling international technology startups like Uber and Branch to millions of users, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Her role as the Managing Director of Oxford University’s Oxford Seed Fund further solidifies her position as a key player in the tech investment landscape.

OpenseedVC’s initial investments are strategically focused on the themes of the Future of Health and Commerce, with the first investment supporting a speech-to-text transcription model tailored for underserved accents in Africa. The fund’s second investment targets an AI-enabled supplier dispute resolution software in the United Kingdom, highlighting OpenseedVC’s commitment to backing innovative solutions with global impact.

Opportunities for Seasoned Operators and Founders

Maria Rotilu emphasizes the importance of seasoned operators in the startup ecosystem, citing their domain expertise and unique understanding of large-scale problems as key assets in driving innovation. OpenseedVC welcomes domain experts and seasoned operators from high-growth tech companies, as well as first-time founders and second-time founders who have successfully built and exited a previous startup.

The fund’s assessment process ensures that every proposal submitted to OpenseedVC undergoes thorough evaluation, with investments made on a rolling basis throughout the year. This approach allows for a dynamic and responsive investment strategy that caters to the diverse needs of founders and operators in the tech space.

As OpenseedVC embarks on its journey to support and empower tech entrepreneurs in Africa and Europe, the fund remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact. With a strong network of experienced professionals, a clear investment focus, and a visionary leader at the helm, OpenseedVC is poised to make a significant mark in the tech investment landscape.