About us
We are Austria's most active Seed - Series A Venture-Capital-Investor.
aws Gründungsfonds is an Austrian venture capital investor based in Vienna.
Currently, two funds are active:
aws Gründerfonds (MEUR 68,5 in investment capital), out of which MEUR 3,5 from Erste Bank Group AG), with a term from 2013 to 2026, currently in the divestment phase.
aws Gründungsfonds II (MEUR 72+ in investment capital), with a term from 2023 to 2033, currently in the investment phase and seeking high-growth Austrian start-ups.
We invest together with experienced co-investors in promising Austrian start-ups, from the first growth phase (Seed) through subsequent financing rounds (Series A/B) to exit.
The goal of the aws Gründungsfonds is to support its portfolio companies in their journey to the market and their sustainable growth, partnering with them closely and at eye level to assist in their success.
Ticket size: EUR 0.5-1.5 million initial investment; up to a total of EUR 5 million per start-up
Phase: Seed to Series A
Investment approach: Co-investments with experienced venture capital investors
Focus: Outstanding founders in complementary teams with scalable business models
Sectors: Enterprise SaaS, AI, Deep Tech, Green Tech, Digital Health, Fintech and opportunistically other sectors
Geography: Focus on Austria-based start-ups, with a minimum requirement of an operating site in Austria
Role: Support in business development through active portfolio management and a board seat
GründerfondsMichael Steiner Andreas Rosenthal Thomas Bobek Günter Lessig Johann Toth | Gründungsfonds IIWerner Wutscher Karin Meier-Martetschläger Karin Kreutzer Günter Lessig Christoph Zhu |
Investment Phase
Investment amount: MEUR 0,5 to MEUR 1,5 for the initial investment, which can be increased through follow-on investments up to MEUR 5.
Initial Contact and Preliminary Analysis
We want to get to know your company and your project. We invite you to share your growth plans with us.
Please submit your documents via the Submit Pitch button at the top right.
Preliminary Agreement (Term Sheet, Letter of Intent)
Together, we will establish the key points of our collaboration and formalise them in a written letter of intent.
Due Diligence
During the due diligence process, we evaluate essential economic, legal, or environmental aspects in collaboration with independent experts. We compile the results into an investment memorandum and present the project to our investment committee.
Contract Conclusion
After successful completion of the due diligence process, the finalisation and signing of the investment agreement can take place.
Participation Phase
During this time, your company evolves from a start-up to a scale-up. Your company will benefit from the expertise and support of our investment team during this period.
Exit
As a strategic partner, we support you in positioning your company for a successful exit.
aws Fondsmanagement
aws Fondsmanagement GmbH and its fund companies were founded by Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) to implement orders from the federal government or other clients. Due to EU state aid law, this is done in legally independent subsidiaries. aws Fondsmanagement GmbH is registered as an Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) with the Financial Market Authority (FMA) and manages two funds: Gründerfonds and Gründungsfonds II. In its decisions, it operates independently and autonomously.
The task of the funds is to provide growth capital for start-ups and SMEs and to mobilize private growth capital through non-governmental co-investors.
The fund companies do not have a supervisory board. The management reports regularly to the shareholder on business developments and - in accordance with the articles of association - submits certain business cases to the shareholder for approval. The strategic direction is determined in close consultation with the shareholder (general meeting).
aws Fondsmanagement GmbH is headquartered in Vienna and manages the aws Gründerfonds and aws Mittelstandsfonds, entrepreneurial investment companies and venture capital providers for young and established technology companies, decides on investments and exits and carries out ongoing portfolio management. We see ourselves as a long-term oriented, stable co-entrepreneur and offer proactive support from a shareholder's perspective. We want to make a difference together and actively shape Austrian growth companies through further development of innovative technologies. We accompany our technology companies over longer development phases and aim to achieve goals together.
The founding limited partner and main investor is Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws). aws is the federal promotional bank and is 100% owned by the Republic of Austria. By providing low-interest loans, guarantees, grants, and equity capital, aws supports companies in implementing their innovative projects, from the initial idea to international market success. Additionally, aws advises and assists with the protection and utilisation of intellectual property. Complementary services include specific information, consulting, and support services for start-ups, existing businesses, and expanding companies.
Management
Mag. Nina Dohrau, MBA
Managing Director since July 1, 2019
Markus Jandrinitsch, MSc
Managing Director since December 20, 2023
Patrik Cesky, MA
Managing Director since January 15, 2024
Reports
The reports are only available in German language.
⇓ Public Corporate Governance Report 2023
Assets under Management
