Backbone Ventures
Venture capitalZürich · Pre-Seed–Seed · 13 people tracked
Investment thesis
The 5502 Fund invests in underrepresented founders—including migrant founders, women in male-dominated fields, and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds—because they are more likely to possess the grit, resilience, and humility necessary for entrepreneurial success. The fund operates as a generalist investor across industries, with a strong preference for founders who have prior experience in the sectors they aim to disrupt, focusing exclusively on pre-seed stage companies where it can add maximum value.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 13 people
from the firm's websiteFormer entrepreneur and operator based in Zurich who brings sales and leadership experience to portfolio companies. Athlete with background in football and endurance sports.
Swiss-based investor passionate about business models with environmental or social impact, with particular interest in food technology. Active traveler and proponent of sustainable entrepreneurship.
Former lawyer turned venture capitalist with a generalist approach focused on founders rather than specific sectors. Based in Frankfurt as part of the firm's European presence.
Finance and operations manager with hedge fund background, responsible for fund management and regulatory compliance. Brings cosmopolitan perspective from French, Swiss, and American heritage.
Mechanical engineering and robotics graduate from ETH Zurich who co-founded multiple tech ventures. Active investor and advisor supporting startups across Europe and the US, with expertise in research-to-business commercialization.
ETH Zurich mechanical engineering and robotics graduate who co-founded VAY, an early-stage human motion analysis company acquired by Nautilus in 2021. Active in Swiss startup ecosystem through angel investments.
Serial entrepreneur and investor with retail expansion expertise. Co-founded bestsmile, which won the Swiss Economic Award in 2020 before being sold to Migros. Experienced in medical retail and digital ventures.
Finance professional with banking background who now drives innovation and sustainability initiatives. Provides financial guidance and market insights to startups in the French-speaking Swiss region.
Former CEO of HSBC Guyerzeller Bank with extensive banking and financial leadership background, including over 12 years as Audit Committee Chairman at Julius Bär.
Private equity and corporate strategy veteran, former Bain & Company partner and global board member. Led KKR Capstone and served on KKR's global portfolio committee.
Digital business executive with 15+ years of experience across entertainment, media, and technology sectors. Co-founder of digital publishing company Vertical Media, sold to Axel Springer.
Investments · 3 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathAn Amsterdam-based company developing and selling premium sleep and recovery supplements directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform.
Digital care platform for hormone health in Europe, covering the entire patient journey with preventative treatments and men's health products.
Flexible and comprehensive 24/7 in-office meal solution spanning snack and coffee machines
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Backbone Ventures invest at?
- Backbone Ventures invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is Backbone Ventures's typical check size?
- Backbone Ventures typically writes checks of $300K – $400K.
- What sectors does Backbone Ventures focus on?
- Backbone Ventures focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Backbone Ventures located?
- Backbone Ventures is headquartered in Zürich, CH.
- Does Backbone Ventures lead rounds?
- Yes, Backbone Ventures leads investment rounds.
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