Iris launches 150 million euro early-stage fund

Iris already invested in German unicorns such as Forto and Staffbase. The new fund targets tech startups in German-speaking countries and France.

Venture capital firm Iris has launched a new fund: 150 million euros were raised in the first closing. It is intended for seed and Series A investments in technology companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as France. Iris wants to invest a maximum of eight million euros per start-up. Iris has already invested in the French start-up Spinergie and Helu from Austria with money from the new fund.

The capital comes from companies such as Orange, Publicis and Bpifrance, which have already participated in previous Iris funds. In addition, some European family offices and founders from Iris' portfolio companies participated. Next year, Iris expects to final close the fund.

"We are looking forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs in software, fintech, AI, logistics and robotics, as well as future tech innovations," said Curt Gunsenheimer, managing partner at Iris. This is the fourth early-stage fund for the venture capital firm. The Iris portfolio includes German unicorns Staffbase and Forto, among others.