Generalist · VC Firm · Active
Speedinvest
Speedinvest is a Vienna-based multi-sector European early-stage VC founded 2011, with ~€1B AUM across multiple sector funds (fintech, deep tech, SaaS, marketplaces, climate, health).
Investment thesis
Speedinvest is a Vienna-based multi-sector European early-stage VC founded 2011, with ~€1B AUM across multiple sector funds (fintech, deep tech, SaaS, marketplaces, climate, health). Invests pre-seed to Series A. Cheques €500k-€3M. 300+ portfolio companies.
Quantum bet: QphoX (Delft spin-out, microwave-to-optical transduction for quantum networking, co-backed with QDNL Participations and HTGF). Critical "missing link" technology for distributed quantum computing.
Value-add: pan-European deep-tech network; Austrian and German DACH corporate relationships; cross-border co-investor for Series A syndicates.
Not a quantum specialist — single bet within the broader Deep Tech sector fund. Strong as a European co-investor on quantum networking plays.
Anti-thesis
The patterns that trigger a fast no with this fund.
- Patrick Gilday's 2020 Medium post explicitly framed seed quantum as applications focused, hardware-layer companies pre-revenue and pre-application are outside that frame
- Seed-stage mandate with small initial checks doesn't match the EUR 10M+ seed rounds quantum hardware now commands
- Five-plus vertical teams (Deep Tech, SaaS / Infra, Fintech, Climate, Marketplaces) compete for capital, Deep Tech bucket also covers AI, defense, robotics, space, materials
- Public bet pattern favors software / quantum-adjacent (algorithms, control software, applications) over capital-intensive qubit fabrication
- No visible follow-on into a major European quantum hardware Series B suggests inability or unwillingness to commit growth-stage reserves
Notable quantum portfolio
Full portfolio →Reach out to Speedinvest
A cold email and a 1-page brief, ready in two clicks.