A New Era for Wingman Ventures
Wingman Ventures, a pioneering venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Founded by Pascal Mathis and Lukas Weder in 2019, the company has been making waves in the startup ecosystem with its focus on pre-seed investments. As of today, Wingman Ventures is rebranding as Founderful, a name that reflects its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.
A Diverse Portfolio Across Sectors
Founderful’s portfolio is a testament to its innovative approach and dedication to supporting startups in various sectors. From mobile commerce to robotics, the company has invested in over 40 startups, including eight Swiss investments in 2023 alone. Its Fund I, which was launched in 2020, successfully raised $60 million and made 109 investments, creating 1,093 jobs in the process.
A Strong Track Record of Exits
Founderful’s success is not limited to its portfolio growth. The company has already achieved two exits: Insightness, a vision chip startup acquired by Sony, and Bring! Labs, a mobile commerce startup acquired by Swiss Post. Moreover, there are two other exits in the pipeline, both in the B2B software space, with expected valuations in the double-digit millions.
Building on Success with Fund II
Founderful’s new Fund II has already raised $85 million, with a target of closing $120 million in the next few months. This significant investment will enable the company to further its mission of supporting Swiss startups and contributing to the country’s thriving ecosystem. The fund’s backers include institutional investors, family offices, and founders from unicorns like Duolingo, Climeworks, GetYourGuide, Delivery Hero, and Scandit.
Alex Stöckl on Founderful’s Vision
When asked about Founderful’s approach, founding partner Alex Stöckl explained, "We disrupted old-fashioned business angels, accelerator and incubator programs, and family offices that would hand founders unfavorable terms, cause early over-dilution, and tone down ambition levels to cater to their conservative risk-return profiles." This bold statement highlights the company’s commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and creating a more favorable environment for startups.
Optimizing Support Functions and Processes
Founderful’s success can be attributed, in part, to its optimization of support functions and processes. By investing over and over again in the country at the same stage, the company has created a standardized value-add that benefits founders and their companies. This approach enables Founderful to provide tailored support to each startup, fostering growth and innovation.
A Strong Network of Partnerships
Founderful’s partnerships with leading startups, investors, and industry experts have played a crucial role in its success. The company’s ability to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need has created a thriving ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.
Empowering Entrepreneurs through Education and Mentorship
In addition to providing financial support, Founderful is committed to empowering entrepreneurs through education and mentorship. The company offers workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching sessions to help startups navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses.
A Bright Future for Swiss Startups
Founderful’s rebranding as a new era for Wingman Ventures marks an exciting chapter in the company’s history. With its innovative approach, strong track record, and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, Founderful is poised to continue making waves in the startup ecosystem. As the company looks to the future, one thing is clear: it will remain at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship in Switzerland.
