Founderful
Venture capitalZurich · Pre-Seed–Series A
Investment thesis
Pre-seed investor in Switzerland backing about 10 top founder teams annually, offering rare campus-based sourcing and training through a student-led VC arm that scouts, supports and trains founders.
What they invest in
from 4 of 4 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×2Cleantech ×2Energy ×2Enterprise Software ×2Cybersecurity ×1Data & Infrastructure ×1Deep Tech ×1Developer Tools ×1
HQs:Switzerland×2
Investments · 4 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathUnbound Potential develops flow batteries for long-duration energy storage, eliminating traditional membranes to enable simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing.
CleantechEnergyHardwareThalwil, CH
Lightly provides tools for AI teams to manage and curate training data more efficiently.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareZürich, CH
Igor Susmelj(Founder)in
Mimic provides enterprise ransomware and cyber extortion defense software for large organizations.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityEnterprise Software
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesChiral · datacenterdynamics.com · Mar 11, 2026
Mimic · siliconangle.com · Nov 4, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Founderful invest at?
- Founderful invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Founderful's typical check size?
- Founderful typically writes checks of $108K – $1.6M.
- What sectors does Founderful focus on?
- Founderful focuses on B2B Marketplaces, Biotech, Cleantech, Consumer, Deep Tech, Media & Entertainment, New Materials, SaaS.
- Where is Founderful located?
- Founderful is headquartered in Zurich, CH.
- Does Founderful lead rounds?
- Founderful typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Co-investors · 16
Hardware Club is a selective community for hardtech companies worldwide that facilitates knowledge-sharing and networking among members to accelerate growth and reduce costly mistakes.
General Catalyst is a venture capital and investment firm that backs founders across industries, with a strong focus on AI-driven transformation, fintech, healthcare, and other sectors.
SOSV is a deep tech venture capital firm that makes first-check pre-seed investments and follow-on rounds in startups focused on human and planetary health, providing lab space and hands-on support at its US locations.
Earlybird Venture Capital is a European venture capital firm that backs early-stage technology founders with capital, strategic support, and access to an international network.
Foobar is a technology and climate investment firm founded by David Helgason, the former CEO of Unity. The firm invests across all stages of technology startups with a particular focus on climate change mitigation and sustainable solutions.
A team of analytical investors, traders, and builders employing data-driven and first-principles approaches to identify market trends and solve complex problems across diverse segments.
MassMutual Ventures is a global venture capital firm partnering with technology companies across enterprise SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, healthtech, and climate technology.
Playfair Capital is a venture capital firm investing exclusively at pre-seed stage in the UK and Europe from its £57m Fund 3.
KOMPAS VC is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on enabling technologies for physical industries such as manufacturing, energy, logistics, infrastructure, and the built environment.
Axeleo Capital (AXC) is a European venture capital firm that backs founders and works alongside them operationally, with a focus on cybersecurity and urban/deep tech sectors.
360 Capital is a European venture capital firm active since 1997, investing in innovative technology startups across deep-tech, climate-tech and digital sectors.
A fintech-focused investment firm that invests in financial technology, payments, insurance, capital markets infrastructure, and data/AI solutions serving the financial services industry.
▶4 more co-investors
Pale Blue DotVR VenturesBASF Venture Capital GmbHContrarian Ventures
Firms observed investing alongside Founderful, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Founderful's recorded portfolio.
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