OTB Ventures, the leading venture capital firm investing in early growth technology businesses announced the launch of the new OTB Fund II.
The already launched fund, to which the European Investment Fund (EIF) committed €45 million, is expected to raise €150 million. The new capital will be used by OTB Ventures to directly invest in tech companies developing innovative scientific breakthroughs across four key sectors: enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) automation, space technology, fintech and cybersecurity, with special attention to climatetech solutions.
Prof. Teresa Czerwinska, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, responsible for all operations under InvestEU, said: “The InvestEU brings much needed financing to support European businesses, boost innovation, deliver new infrastructure projects, and improve environment protection in the European Union.
Financing available under InvestEU will help European companies maintain and create jobs, boost economic and social growth, and maintain global competitiveness of the EU economy. Through partnerships like the one with OTB Ventures, the EIB Group will ensure companies across Europe can benefit from InvestEU, accelerate the technological transition in EU countries, and ensure the EU can maintain its position as the global leader in innovation.
This will be a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development across the EU which makes InvestEU an investment into a prosperous future for next generation of Europeans.”
Alain Godard, European Investment Fund Chief Executive, said: “European Investment Fund, as a partner of the InvestEU, together with European Commission and European Investment Bank, stands ready to foster innovation, build new markets, strengthen competitiveness and boost jobs and growth. OTB Ventures has built a strong position in the deeptech and InvestEU support will allow for further dynamic development of this sector.”
Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, said: “The InvestEU programme is playing an important role across Europe in mobilising the finance that businesses need to innovate, expand and create jobs. This agreement demonstrates how InvestEU can help Europe remain at the forefront of research and technology. This is of particular importance as we invest to secure the green and digital transitions.”
Adam Niewinski, co-founder and Managing Partner of OTB Ventures, commented: “We are proud to become the first venture capital company to be supported by the new InvestEU initiative. This funding is a tremendous recognition of the quality of work OTB Ventures has undertaken for many years to place deeptech at the heart of its business model.
We believe that deeptech is the new frontier of global competition where Europe can actually play a leading role. OTB Ventures will continue to play an active role in further strengthening the sustainable competitive edge of European deeptech ecosystem based on its large talent pool”.
Marcin Hejka, co-founder and Managing Partner of OTB Ventures, commented: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the European Commission and the EIB, sharing our unmatched industry expertise and counsel.
Europe’s deeptech sector is thriving and is increasingly being appreciated by investors. OTB Fund II has the goal to accompany the process of developing technology to reach market maturity. We are very excited to partner with the exceptional founders working in Europe early on in their entrepreneurial journey”.
