Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund

Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund specializes in identifying and supporting exceptional female-founded startups across Europe at their earliest stages. Focusing exclusively on pre-seed and seed investments, the fund operates with a dual mission of generating strong financial returns while addressing the significant gender gap in venture capital funding. Their investment thesis centers on the untapped potential and market opportunity represented by women entrepreneurs, who historically receive less than 2% of venture capital despite demonstrating strong performance metrics when funded.

Founded by experienced investors and entrepreneurs Bettine Schmitz and Gesa Miczaika, the fund leverages its extensive pan-European network to source promising deals and provide meaningful support beyond capital. The team brings decades of operational and investment experience to their portfolio companies, having evaluated thousands of startups and built successful ventures themselves. This firsthand knowledge allows Auxxo to offer practical guidance on growth strategies, team building, and subsequent fundraising rounds.

The fund's investment approach combines rigorous due diligence with a collaborative relationship-building process. Auxxo typically invests between €100,000 and €500,000 in initial rounds, often partnering with other institutional investors. Their sector focus remains deliberately broad, with investments spanning healthtech, sustainability, consumer products, enterprise software, and fintech. What unites their portfolio is not industry but rather exceptional founding teams with deep domain expertise and innovative solutions addressing substantial markets.

Beyond financial investment, Auxxo distinguishes itself through its commitment to fostering a more inclusive venture ecosystem. The fund actively works to increase the representation of women on both sides of the investment table - as founders receiving capital and as investors deploying it. This approach includes mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and community-building events designed to create sustainable pathways for female entrepreneurs. Their "wholehearted" methodology emphasizes authentic relationships, transparent feedback, and long-term partnership with founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey.