201 Ventures Overview

201 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Madrid, Spain, dedicated to advancing freedom and autonomy in Europe. The firm specializes in backing pre-seed and seed-stage companies operating in the intelligence, defense, and dual-use technology sectors. With a focus on technical risk, ambition, and a service-oriented mindset, 201 Ventures supports founders developing cutting-edge solutions in areas such as hypersonics, biosecurity, subsurface mapping, maritime sensing, and Arctic autonomy. Founded by General Partner Eric Slesinger, 201 Ventures launched its inaugural fund, 201 Ventures Fund I, in January 2024, with a total capital of $22 million. The firm has received backing from the NATO Innovation Fund, underscoring its commitment to strengthening Europe’s strategic technological capabilities. 201 Ventures adopts a hands-on approach, actively engaging with portfolio companies to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and support. The firm’s investment philosophy centers on identifying and nurturing startups led by technically proficient founders poised to contribute to Europe’s defense and technological sovereignty. By fostering innovation in critical sectors, 201 Ventures aims to shape a secure and autonomous future for the continent.

Is 201 Ventures the right investor for your startup? Browse their investment focus, stage preferences, and geographic scope to see how well they align with your fundraising goals. Your full match score with 201 Ventures, along with a list of other relevant VCs, is available on Hopohopo.io.

201 Ventures

VC Fund

Investment focus

Invest in

  • Baltics
  • Nordics
  • Western Europe
  • Southern Europe
  • Central Eastern Europe

Industries / verticals

  • Defence Tech
  • Drones & Uncrewed Vehicles

Investment role

Lead and follow

Stages

Pre-seed, Seed

First ticket size

€100,000 - €1,500,000

How to approach funds like 201 Ventures

When reaching out to 201 Ventures, founders should highlight their team's technical depth and the defensibility of their technology, especially if tackling complex engineering challenges. Emphasize how your solution addresses critical gaps in European security or autonomy, and be prepared to discuss both the technical roadmap and the broader strategic impact. Demonstrating a clear understanding of dual-use applications and regulatory landscapes will resonate, as will a willingness to engage collaboratively with hands-on investors who value founder grit and mission-driven ambition.

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