Celero Ventures Raises $25 Million Fund to Invest in European AI and Data Infrastructure Startups

Celero Ventures, a new VC firm founded by Dave Wyatt and Nick Cochran, is raising a $25 million fund to invest in early-stage startups across the UK and Europe, targeting pre-seed and seed-stage companies building next-generation AI and data infrastructure. The fund is already 25% subscribed and will invest in 20 to 25 companies, primarily in the UK and Europe, with an emphasis on AI, data tooling, and infrastructure software.

Celero Ventures, a newly established venture capital firm co-founded by Dave Wyatt and Nick Cochran, has announced the launch of a $25 million fund aimed at investing in early-stage startups across the UK and Europe. The fund, which is currently 25% subscribed, will target pre-seed and seed-stage companies building next-generation AI and data infrastructure. The investment focus will primarily be on AI, data tooling, and infrastructure software, with a goal to support 20 to 25 companies in the region.

The fund's launch comes at a critical time for the technology sector, as the demand for AI and data infrastructure solutions continues to grow. By targeting early-stage startups, Celero Ventures aims to foster innovation and provide the necessary capital to help these companies scale their operations and achieve market success.

Celero Ventures' focus on AI and data infrastructure aligns with the broader trends in the fintech industry. For instance, payments startup tapi has recently acquired the cash payments operations of Mastercard-owned Arcus, indicating a significant investment in payment technology and infrastructure. This acquisition underscores the importance of robust payment systems in the financial sector, a domain that Celero Ventures' portfolio companies are likely to impact [1].

The fund's initial subscription rate of 25% suggests a strong interest from potential investors, indicating confidence in Celero Ventures' investment strategy and the potential of the AI and data infrastructure market. As the fund continues to attract more investors, Celero Ventures will have the opportunity to make strategic investments that can shape the future of technology in the UK and Europe.

Celero Ventures' focus on early-stage companies also aligns with the broader trend of venture capital investment in the fintech sector. For example, BAS Group's recent acquisition of a minority stake in Zuvy, a local fintech specializing in invoice financing, demonstrates the growing interest in fintech startups in Africa [2]. Similarly, Lesaka's acquisition of Bank Zero Mutual Bank in South Africa highlights the potential of neobanks and digital-first banking solutions [3].

As Celero Ventures continues to build its portfolio, it will be important for the firm to maintain a balanced approach to investment, ensuring that it supports a diverse range of startups while also considering the broader impact of its investments on the fintech ecosystem. By doing so, Celero Ventures can help drive innovation and growth in the AI and data infrastructure sector, while also contributing to the broader goals of financial inclusion and economic development.

References:
[1] https://finovate.com/blog/
[2] https://finovate.com/blog/
[3] https://finovate.com/blog/