Czech-based Tensor Ventures opens new €50M fund focusing on these key sectors

Tensor Ventures has launched a €50M fund aimed at investing in deeptech startups, focusing on sectors such as AI, quantum computing, biotech, and sustainable technology. The fund will target innovative companies in the Czech Republic and internationally.

The fund, led by Roman Smola, Martin Drdul, and Petr Ulvr, builds on the success of its first fund, which invested €20M into 20 startups over the past four years. 

The new fund opens opportunities for investors to participate in sectors such as quantum technology, biotechnology, security tech, Software 2.0, energy, and climate tech. Additionally, space technologies have been added to its focus.

Tensor Ventures is also strengthening its leadership team by bringing in Ondřej Ptáček, formerly of PwC, as CFO, and Jan Faflík, an ex-RSJ executive, to oversee biotech investments.

Roman Smola, says, “Initially, investors joined because they trusted our expertise. It was something new for them, and they knew it was beneficial to invest early in this fast-growing segment. More recently, investors have been motivated by the sector’s resilience to fluctuations in global investment trends, with year-over-year stable growth in deep tech investments.”

Tensor Ventures’ new fund allows investors to engage with some of the most advanced startups in deep tech. Half of the fund’s capital will be invested in Czech startups, with the remainder allocated to promising companies worldwide.

Growing institutional support

Over the past four years, Tensor Ventures has supported 20 early-stage startups globally. Among these were quantum technology companies like QC82 and Quantagonia, biotech firms such as Solvemed and HeartBeat.bio, and Software 2.0 companies like Pointee and dstack. 

The fund also ventured into decentralised technologies and energy-related fields, backing startups like Blockmate and Bioo.

Two of these startups were acquired by larger corporations: the Czech startup UltimateSuite was acquired by ServiceNow, and Neuronix AI, a US-Israeli startup, was bought by Microchip Technology.

Institutional investors are taking notice of Tensor Ventures’ impact on deep tech. Recently, the European Investment Fund (EIF), Europe’s largest institutional investor, committed €20M to the second fund.

Tensor Ventures aims to solidify its position as a leading investor in the deep tech space, both in the Czech Republic and globally.

Brief about Tensor Ventures

Tensor Ventures is focused on deep tech innovation, actively investing in emerging sectors like AI, quantum computing, computational biotech, and sustainable technology. The firm aims to lead in areas experiencing transformative change, identifying opportunities where technology is pushing boundaries.

Tensor Ventures targets startups that drive disruption, employing unconventional scouting methods such as proprietary deal sourcing and university referrals to discover innovative ventures.

The firm operates globally, working with venture capital partners and top universities to foster a network of expert minds, continuously collaborating across borders to identify high-potential startups.

Tensor Ventures invests primarily in Seed and Series A rounds. Whether leading or co-investing with trusted partners, the firm remains dedicated to sectors where it has deep expertise, ensuring informed and strategic investments.