Index Ventures

Index Ventures arrived on the European venture capital scene in the mid-1990s as something of an anomaly—a Geneva-born fund inspired by Silicon Valley, betting that Europe could produce global tech leaders long before it became fashionable. Today, with its main headquarters nestled in London’s tech heartland, Index remains known for that very spirit of contrarian conviction, and an unwavering belief that exceptional companies can be built anywhere.

Founded in 1996 by Neil Rimer, David Rimer, and Giuseppe Zocco, Index Ventures swiftly built a global footprint, opening offices in major tech hubs including San Francisco, New York, and Geneva. But it was their move into London in 2002, spearheaded by Danny Rimer, that positioned them firmly within Europe’s blossoming tech ecosystem. This early international outlook has become one of Index’s defining strengths. Drew Houston, Dropbox’s founder, credits the firm’s "international perspective" as particularly valuable during the startup’s global expansion, emphasizing the practical benefits of partnering with investors who understand multiple markets inherently.

At its core, Index distinguishes itself by investing not simply in promising ventures, but in the people behind them. As their own maxim goes, “Other firms invest in deals—Index invests in people.” Founders approaching Index should expect thoughtful scrutiny of their personal mission and drive; pedigree matters less here than passion, adaptability, and resilience. This human-first approach means the firm often seeks entrepreneurs tackling ambitious, often contrarian ideas—businesses others might hesitate to back. From fintech disruptors like Revolut and Wise to transformative consumer brands such as Deliveroo, Index consistently demonstrates a willingness to take bold bets early, then back them decisively through to IPO and beyond.

Their investment approach isn’t bound by stages, sectors, or fixed ticket sizes. Index regularly writes cheques ranging from seed funding (often via their dedicated early-stage vehicle, Index Origin) to tens of millions for companies poised to scale internationally. They have a proven history of leading investments, often targeting significant equity stakes to ensure meaningful alignment with founders, and crucially, reserving capital to follow through multiple rounds—even all the way to IPO.

Portfolio companies speak warmly about Index’s active, hands-on support. CEOs consistently highlight the value of the firm’s expansive international network, which helps startups scale beyond local markets. Adyen CEO Pieter van der Does noted Index’s crucial role in securing international customers early on, while Sonos CEO Patrick Spence praised their long-term orientation and willingness to step up when needed most. Founders regularly mention the firm’s thoughtful, sometimes candid counsel—an approach exemplified by co-founder Neil Rimer, who, according to Roblox founder David Baszucki, has a knack for "delivering profound and actionable advice" while keeping founders "focused on the big picture."

For UK startups eyeing international growth, Index Ventures offers more than capital; they’re a partner adept at bridging continents, building enduring relationships, and providing both the resources and empathetic guidance required for global ambitions. It's a potent combination that continues to attract founders seeking not just funding, but a lasting partnership.