aws Gründungsfonds

An Austrian venture capital firm based in Vienna, aws Gründungsfonds focuses on supporting innovative start-ups with high growth potential. The firm operates two active funds: aws Gründerfonds, with an investment capital of €68.5 million, currently in the divestment phase, and aws Gründungsfonds II, with over €72 million in investment capital, currently in the investment phase and seeking high-growth Austrian start-ups. The firm invests alongside experienced co-investors in promising Austrian start-ups, from the first growth phase (Seed) through subsequent financing rounds (Series A/B) to exit. The goal of aws Gründungsfonds is to support its portfolio companies in their journey to the market and their sustainable growth, partnering with them closely and at eye level to assist in their success. Investment focus includes ticket sizes of €0.5-1.5 million for initial investments, with a total of up to €5 million per start-up. The firm focuses on sectors such as Enterprise SaaS, AI, Deep Tech, Green Tech, Digital Health, and Fintech, with a geographical focus on Austria-based start-ups, requiring a minimum of an operating site in Austria. The firm offers support in business development through active portfolio management and a board seat. The investment committee comprises professionals from various backgrounds, including Michael Steiner, Managing Partner at Sparring Capital Partners, and Andreas Rosenthal, former Managing Partner at TechTalk GmbH. The investment process involves initial contact and preliminary analysis, followed by a preliminary agreement, due diligence, and contract conclusion. During the participation phase, the firm supports the company's development from start-up to scale-up, and as a strategic partner, it assists in positioning the company for a successful exit.