Switzerland’s Wingman Ventures rebrands to Founderful, aims for a $120M fund

Founderful, formerly known as Wingman Ventures, has emerged as a pivotal force in nurturing Swiss startups, particularly those in the early, pre-seed stages of development. With its base in Zurich, Founderful has already set a bold precedent with an $85 million raise for its second fund, ambitiously aiming for $120 million. This venture capital firm distinguishes itself not only with its impressive financial backing from heavyweights such as Duolingo and Climeworks but also through its strategic focus on B2B software and industrial innovations. Moreover, Founderful's portfolio showcases a broad spectrum of sectors including robotics, artificial intelligence, and clean tech.

Founderful's journey started with the vision of Pascal Mathis and Lukas Weder, entrepreneurs with notable achievements, aiming to steer Swiss startups towards global unicorn status. Their first fund made a splash by investing $60 million across 40 startups, catalyzing the creation of over 1,000 jobs and generating significant subsequent funding. Now, with Fund II, Founderful continues its mission, targeting investments in startups at the crux of technological advancements and societal needs, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Their methodical approach, akin to 'Swiss clockwork,' ensures standardized, high-value support to their investees, enhancing their market positioning and operational efficiency.

Significantly, the involvement of high-caliber collaborators and the successful exits of startups like Insightness and Bring! Labs highlight Founderful's capacity to elevate Swiss innovation on the global stage. The firm's intention to persistently focus on Switzerland and back the most ambitious teams signals a promising horizon for Swiss startups. Founderful's targeted sectors and selection criteria suggest a keen eye for startups with the potential to not only lead their industries but also contribute meaningfully to global challenges such as sustainability and security.

For investors and startups alike, engaging with Founderful's journey through its Fund II could unlock unparalleled opportunities in the evolving landscape of Swiss and global innovation.