Amsterdam’s AI-focused VC firm Curiosity secures funding from Eu.vc: Know more

Amsterdam-based Curiosity, a VC firm focused on European early-stage investments in AI-driven B2B software companies, has secured fresh funding from London-based Eu.vc.

Eu.vc’s goal is to establish a vibrant and exclusive community tailored for angel investors eager to explore the opportunities within European venture capital funds.

According to eu.vc, Curiosity’s “Equitable Venture’ model resonates with their belief in community-centric development. The firm adds, “Through this strategic alliance, we at eu.vc are excited to support and participate in a future where AI is embedded in everything, and ventures are built on the foundations of equity and collective empowerment.”

VC firm focused on early-stage investments in AI

Founded in 2021 by Herman Kienhuis and Maurice Beckand Verwee, Curiosity is a venture capital firm that claims to stand out for its community-driven approach in the market.

The firm focuses on investing in 20-25 “cutting-edge” B2B software companies applying AI across four key social-economic themes. Their strategic footprint spans the tech hubs of Northern Europe, including the Benelux, Nordics, and Baltics.

Curiosity has raised €26M of its €30M fund target from 75 LPs. They’ve invested €8M in 10 enterprises, including Strise.ai, leading to a net IRR of 31 per cent in 1.5 years since the fund’s inception, with portfolio companies securing €16M in follow-on funding. 

The firm’s team has a track record of investment in over 60 software companies, including successes like SendCloud and Virtuagym. Curiosity has backing from co-investors like Atomico, Seedcamp, Peak, Bonsai Partners, and notable angels from Remote.com, Zoom, Mollie, and Salesforce.

Curiosity’s advisors

Curiosity’s ‘Equitable Venture’ model, inspired by the ‘Equitable Venture’ model spearheaded by Kindred Capital, involves expert advisors, including tech founders like Daniel Gebler of Picnic and Jan Kees de Jager, serial SaaS entrepreneur and former CFO of KPN. 

Furthermore, industry leaders such as Aik Deveneijns, founder & CEO of LevelUp Ventures, and Peter van der Putten, Director at Pega Labs, also offer their experience to steer Curiosity’s companies towards success.

Additionally, notable figures like Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen, co-founder of DAIN Studios, Christina Caljé, an angel investor and former CEO at Autheos and director at Goldman Sachs, and Jussi Kallasvuo, partner at Antler and co-founder of Evervest have also joined in backing Curiosity.

Each advisor, spanning cybersecurity, fintech, proptech, data science, recruiting, and sales, brings diverse perspectives and specialised knowledge to the Amsterdam-based VC firm.