Katharo Ventures

Katharo Ventures represents the next chapter in Wolfgang Platz's entrepreneurial journey, established as a specialized funding vehicle for promising technology startups. Following his remarkable success in building Tricentis from the ground up into Austria's unicorn and the worldwide market leader in software testing solutions, Platz has redirected his expertise toward nurturing the next generation of tech innovators. His transition from founder to investor brings a wealth of practical knowledge in scaling software companies, navigating competitive markets, and achieving global market dominance.

The investment approach at Katharo is distinctly hands-on, with Platz personally engaging with portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance drawn from his decades of experience in the software industry. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Katharo emphasizes practical mentorship alongside financial investment, creating a support system that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term growth objectives. This methodology reflects Platz's belief that successful tech companies require more than just capital—they need experienced leadership and operational insights to navigate critical growth phases.

Katharo's investment portfolio primarily focuses on B2B software solutions, particularly those operating in enterprise software, testing automation, DevOps, and quality assurance sectors where Platz's expertise can add significant value. The firm typically engages with early to mid-stage companies demonstrating strong product-market fit and ambitious growth trajectories. While headquartered in Austria, Katharo maintains a global investment perspective, supporting companies across European and North American markets with potential for international expansion.

What distinguishes Katharo in the competitive venture capital landscape is its founder's proven track record of building a category-defining software company. Portfolio companies benefit from Platz's extensive network within the global technology ecosystem, including connections to potential customers, partners, and follow-on investors. The firm's investment philosophy centers on identifying entrepreneurs who demonstrate not only technical excellence but also the entrepreneurial resilience necessary for long-term success. This combination of strategic capital, industry-specific expertise, and founder-to-founder mentorship positions Katharo as a valuable partner for technology startups with transformative potential.