Join Capital
Venture capitalBerlin · Pre-Seed–Series A
Investment thesis
Join Capital invests at the early stage in deep tech companies aiming to create lasting strategic strongholds rather than chasing hype. Its focus areas span defence (surveillance, intelligence, digital twins, space security), space and aerospace (reusable spacecraft, satellites, propulsion), enterprise technology (quantum and advanced computing, AI-driven cybersecurity and workplace safety), and industrial applications (advanced materials, photonics, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems and robotics). The firm emphasizes staying close to founders and backing companies that can lead, scale, and endure while tackling difficult, foundational problems, with an orientation toward strengthening Europe's technological and security position.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
What they invest in
from 4 of 10 portfolio companiesDeep Tech ×4Defense Tech ×2Hardware ×2AI & Machine Learning ×1Cloud Computing ×1Cybersecurity ×1Developer Tools ×1Space Tech ×1
HQs:Germany×1Denmark×1Netherlands×1
Investments · 10 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathHyperpilot, created by Hypercritical, develops an AI-based system for controls and software engineering, described as an artificial engineering super-intelligence aimed at increasing capacity in software development.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDeveloper Tools
Alexey(Co-founder)Elie(Co-founder)
Optics11 develops fibre-optic sensing systems based on optical interferometry for ultra-sensitive early warning and monitoring, used to protect maritime sea-lanes, offshore infrastructure, and energy supply.
Deep TechDefense TechHardwareAmsterdam, NL
Grzegorz(Technical leadership (Optics11))Hanneke(Chief People Officer)Daniel(Leadership (underwater security))
High-performance autonomous interception systems for protecting civilian airspace and critical infrastructure from unauthorised drone activity.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Join Capital invest at?
- Join Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Join Capital's typical check size?
- Join Capital typically writes checks of $1.1M – $5.5M.
- What sectors does Join Capital focus on?
- Join Capital focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, AI & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Deep Tech, Defense Tech, Enterprise Software, Hardware, New Materials, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Space Tech.
- Where is Join Capital located?
- Join Capital is headquartered in Berlin, DE.
- Does Join Capital lead rounds?
- Yes, Join Capital leads investment rounds.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamSmau Berlino 2016 | Interview with Jan Borgstaedt, of Join Capital
smau · Jan Borgstaedt
Co-investors · 8
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Firms observed investing alongside Join Capital, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Join Capital's recorded portfolio.
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