Auxxo, a Berlin-based investment firm, has announced the initial closing of its Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II, marking its continued commitment to supporting female-founded startups in Europe. The fund has secured €26 million, surpassing its predecessor by a significant margin. As women remain underrepresented in the venture capital world, Auxxo’s initiative is seen as a critical step towards more inclusive investment practices. Its innovative approach aims to transform the European startup ecosystem by focusing on gender diversity and financial performance.
Previously, Auxxo launched its first fund with a capital of €19 million, which laid the groundwork for its unique focus on empowering female founders. Since then, the firm has made strides in establishing a pathway for increasing diversity in venture capital. The new fund’s backing from prestigious investors like the European Investment Fund (EIF) underscores its strategic importance. As Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the EIF, noted,
“Diversity and financial return can go hand in hand, and we look forward to this new fund making that a reality.”
This support reflects a broader recognition of the value that diversity brings to financial markets.
What Sets Auxxo’s Strategy Apart?
Auxxo’s approach is centered on identifying startups with at least one female founder holding significant equity stakes. By investing in early-stage companies across Europe, Auxxo offers not only capital but also access to a robust network of mentors and advisors. This ecosystem is designed to address the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face, thereby enhancing their prospects of success in a competitive market. Three companies—Emidat, Resolutiion, and Stanhope.ai—have already benefited from Auxxo’s strategic investments.
Success Factors and Vision
The fund’s achievements are attributed to its collaborative model, which serves as a bridge between individual founders and traditional venture capital. Bettine Schmitz, Auxxo’s Co-Founder, emphasized its importance:
“Our network is growing – not only in size but also in influence and effectiveness.”
This philosophy has not only attracted influential partners but also positioned Auxxo as a reliable entity within the European venture capital landscape. Auxxo continues to demonstrate the potential impact of investing in diverse teams, with its fund being perceived as both a smart and strategic move.
Founded by Bettine Schmitz and Dr. Gesa Miczaika, Auxxo leverages over 25 years of collective venture capital experience and operational expertise to propel startups toward success. With prior roles in renowned organizations like the Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator, the founders have a history of nurturing successful ventures. Miczaika stressed the fund’s foundational values, stating that trust and collaboration are integral components of Auxxo’s investment model.
The launch of Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II illustrates a significant effort towards fostering gender equality in venture capital. By targeting investments specifically for female-led teams, Auxxo is not only hoping to stimulate financial returns but also influence broader industry norms in Europe. The fund is seen by many as an essential tool for bridging the gender gap within the startup ecosystem.
Auxxo’s second fund signifies a robust commitment to reshaping the venture capital industry in Europe by promoting gender diversity. By offering both fiscal resources and a supportive network, the initiative aims to address disparities and drive change. However, for real transformation, broader industry support, beyond financial backing, will be critical. Empowering female founders requires ongoing mentoring and a well-established platform to address systematic biases. As more funds adopt similar practices, the landscape may gradually evolve to be more inclusive, offering diverse visions a seat at the economic table.
