IST cube

IST cube is a venture capital firm based in Austria, focusing on early-stage technology companies with a strong scientific foundation. The firm invests in startups and academic spin-offs, particularly those emerging from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA).

The firm's investment strategy targets deep-tech startups and academic spin-offs with strong innovations based on science, engineering, and technology. IST cube acts as a lead investor in pre-seed and seed stages, with the capacity to follow on in later rounds. The firm offers tailored support for entrepreneurs, understanding the unique needs of science and tech-based startups, and provides access to advanced lab infrastructure and office space.

IST cube's portfolio includes companies in sectors such as life science, information technology, human-computer interaction, advanced materials, biotechnology, and computer vision. The firm has invested in numerous startups, supporting their growth from research projects to commercially successful companies. Notable investments include VALANX Biotech, a biotechnology startup, and tecnet equity, a venture capital fund supporting early-stage startups in Lower Austria.

The firm's team comprises professionals with expertise in technology commercialization, IP strategy, fundraising, and public grants, offering comprehensive support to founders. IST cube's partnership with ISTA provides portfolio startups with access to a renowned research facility in Klosterneuburg, Austria, enhancing their development and growth prospects.

In 2021, IST cube successfully closed a significant international financing round, raising over 40 million euros to support the development of pioneering scientific research projects into commercially successful companies. Investors in this venture fund include the European Investment Fund (EIF), the Province of Lower Austria, Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws), Vienna Insurance Group, Mitterbauer-Beteiligungs-AG, and around twenty other private investors.

Overall, IST cube plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and the commercial sector, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of technology-driven startups in Austria.