GapMinder Ventures has launched its second venture capital fund, GapMinder Fund II, with an ambitious target of €80 million, making it the largest of its kind in Romania. This fund aims to fuel technological innovation across South Eastern Europe (SEE), focusing on seed and late-seed-stage tech companies.
The fund’s launch was supported by significant investments from the European Investment Fund (EIF) through InvestEU and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, as well as a notable contribution from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
GapMinder Fund II is set to continue the investment strategy of its predecessor, primarily targeting B2B startups operating within fintech, cybersecurity, enterprise automation, and data analytics sectors.
With an initial investment capacity of up to €2.5 million for startups, the fund is equipped to provide substantial follow-on support. This approach is aligned with the fund’s objective to support the growth and development of promising technology companies in the region.
Dan Mihaescu, Founding Partner of GapMinder, expressed enthusiasm for the fund’s potential to contribute to the startup ecosystem in Romania and Southeastern European countries. The successful launch of GapMinder Fund II, even in a challenging economic environment, underscores the confidence and trust placed in GapMinder by its investors, including the EIF, EBRD, and long-term partners who have supported the firm since its first fund.
A Catalyst for Regional Development
GapMinder’s venture capital initiatives have consistently focused on identifying and nurturing technological innovation in Romania and Eastern Europe. By providing strategic consulting and direct involvement in scaling operations, financial discipline, corporate governance, and development, GapMinder aims to drive the growth of its portfolio companies. The success of its first fund, which invested in notable companies such as Druid.AI, FintechOS, and TypingDNA, highlights GapMinder’s pivotal role in the regional tech landscape.
