FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does Lighthouse Ventures invest in?

rnWe back early-stage technology companies with global ambitions. Our focus is B2B AI, robotics, industry tech, including enterprise software, data infrastructure, developer tools, industrial automation, fintech and e-commerce technology.rn

What stage do you invest at?

rnAs early as the idea stage, pre-seed and early seed. We like to meet founders early, from the first product and customer validation through to initial commercial traction.rn

Do we need revenue before approaching you?

rnNot necessarily. Paying customers are a strong signal, but the strongest point for our decision-making is the founding team, their past experience, level of ambition and dedication. The earlier the company, the more conviction we put in the team and opportunity.rn

Where do you invest?

rnWe invest both in Europe – where our investments range from Serbia to Estonia, through our home market in CEE (the Czech Republic and Poland) to Germany. We also invest in the US companies in robotics and AI or to US entities with European founding team.

How much do you invest?

rnWe typically invest €200,000 to €1 million. The amount depends on the company’s stage, funding needs and the structure of the round.rn

Do you lead rounds or co-invest?

rnBoth. We can lead a round or invest alongside other funds and angels. Happy to be the last smaller ticket remaining too. You do not need a lead investor in place before approaching us.rn

How much equity do you take?

rnWe do not have a fixed formula for percentage we need or want, we are flexible guys.. Ownership depends on the investment amount, valuation and round structure. We want founders to retain a meaningful stake and remain motivated through future funding rounds.rn

Do you invest through equity, SAFEs or convertible instruments?

rnWe use equity and convertible instruments, including SAFEs, on standard, market-fair terms appropriate to the company’s jurisdiction, stage, and round structure.rn

Do you provide follow-on funding?

rnWe consider follow-on investments individually, based on company progress, the next round and available fund capital. We also help founders prepare for fundraising and connect with relevant investors.

What do you look for in founders?

rnDeep understanding of the customer, strong execution and the ability to build a team and win business. We back first-time and repeat founders. Commitment, complementary skills and openness to feedback matter more than titles.rn

Do you invest in solo founders?

rnWe consider solo founders, but look closely at their capacity to build and sell the product, recruit key people and cover gaps in the team. Full commitment to the business matters.rn

Does AI need to be at the core of the product?

rnAI is a major area of interest, but not a requirement for every investment. When AI is central to the pitch, we want to understand the customer value and what makes the business difficult to replicate.rn

Do you invest in hardware or deeptech?

rnWe are interested in industrial AI, robotics and other deeptech opportunities with a credible route to commercial adoption. We pay particular attention to technical validation, capital requirements and time to market.

How do we pitch Lighthouse Ventures?

rnSubmit your deck through our application form or simply send your deck to contact@lhv.vc . Focus on your TEAM, what you are building, current progress, the amount you are raising, and your proposed valuation.rn

What should the pitch deck include?

rnCover the team, customer problem, product, market, competition, business model, traction and funding plans. Explain why you can win, how much you are raising and which milestones the capital will fund. Keep it concise.rn

What does your investment process look like?

rnWe follow a standard process: we make investment decisions quickly, then proceed with due diligence, during which we also begin preparing the investment documentation.rn

How long does the process take?

rnWe move very quickly and typically make an investment decision within one week. If there is mutual interest, we discuss terms and proceed through due diligence and legal documentation, with the full process usually taking two weeks to one month depending on the product and the startup’s maturity.rn

What do you review during due diligence?

rnTypically the team, product, market, customer references, financials, ownership structure, intellectual property and key contracts. The scope depends on the company’s stage and the main risks of the investment.rn

How should we handle confidential information or an NDA?

rnStart with a non-confidential deck that explains the business and opportunity. We prefer not to sign an NDA before the first meeting, as we are a venture capital firm and are not looking to appropriate your ideas. If specific information requires an NDA or restricted access, please raise this with our team before sharing it.

How do you help beyond capital?

rnWe support founders with strategy, go-to-market, international expansion, fundraising and M&A. Our team and network can help connect companies with customers, partners, experienced operators and future investors.rn

Do you take board seats?

rnWe prefer to serve as advisors and helpers rather than seek to control the company, offering guidance and support without being directly involved in its day-to-day operations.rn

Can we speak with your portfolio founders?

rnYes. We encourage founders to understand what working with us is like. Ask our team for relevant introductions as we get to know each other.rn

Which companies have you backed?

rnOur portfolio includes Boost.space, FaceUp, DecisionRules, Edmund AI, Merchantee, DeepMark, BeatpulseLabs and Phantasma, among others. Many of these companies have graduated from Y Combinator, Berkeley Accelerator, and other successful accelerator programs. Explore our portfolio to learn more.rn

Are you currently investing?

rnYes. We are actively investing from Lighthouse Fund II, launched in 2024.