Seedcamp

Founded in London in 2007, Seedcamp established itself as one of Europe's original seed investors—a fund that's earned a reputation as the first institutional believer in ambitious founders. Co-founded by Reshma Sohoni and Saul Klein, and now led by Sohoni and Managing Partner Carlos Espinal, Seedcamp carved out a distinct identity by spotting talent early, sometimes even before a startup has fully defined its product.

Its instinctive approach has paid off handsomely. The fund has backed some of Europe's most celebrated tech companies—Revolut, Wise, UiPath, Pleo, and Hopin, among others. With at least nine unicorns under its belt and two IPOs (Wise on the London Stock Exchange and UiPath on the NYSE), Seedcamp’s track record places it firmly among Europe's most influential early-stage investors.

Seedcamp’s unique proposition goes beyond simply cutting cheques. Startups joining the Seedcamp portfolio gain immediate entry into the self-styled "Seedcamp Nation," a community of over a thousand founders who support one another with advice, introductions, and even partnerships. Alumni frequently emphasize how crucial this community was in their early growth. Nikolay Storonsky, co-founder of Revolut, commented: “Seedcamp was an instrumental player in helping Revolut grow from a small-time startup into a global banking alternative.” Similarly, Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus praised Seedcamp’s foundational role, suggesting that it’s the ideal starting place for ambitious European entrepreneurs.

Seedcamp invests primarily at pre-seed and seed stages, typically writing first cheques between $350,000 and $1 million. Though industry-agnostic within software and technology, the team favours ambitious founders who demonstrate a deep understanding of their customers and a bias towards rapid action. Decisions come swiftly, usually within two weeks, reflecting their belief in the importance of agility at the early stage.

Founders should expect Seedcamp to be active but unobtrusive. Instead of formal board seats, Seedcamp prefers observer roles, reflecting an ethos of supporting startups without slowing them down. Portfolio companies gain substantial operational support through Seedcamp’s dedicated platform team and unique initiatives such as the Seedcamp Expert Collective—a group of seasoned operators from leading tech companies like Uber, Stripe, and Deliveroo, providing mentorship and tactical advice.

Seedcamp’s distinctive combination of early backing, practical hands-on support, and community-driven resources means startups gain more than capital: they receive validation and credibility that often makes securing subsequent investment rounds simpler. Founders describe their relationship with Seedcamp as one that genuinely extends beyond the transactional, positioning the fund as a committed, collaborative partner rather than merely a passive investor.

For founders building early-stage businesses in the UK and Europe—and perhaps eyeing international expansion—Seedcamp remains a compelling first stop: deeply experienced, highly connected, and uniquely founder-friendly.