Fresh momentum is building in Europe’s startup investment ecosystem after Belgian venture capital firm Pitchdrive announced the successful closing of its fourth investment fund, securing €60 million to back the next generation of technology entrepreneurs across the continent.
The newly launched Fund IV represents the firm’s largest fund to date and is supported entirely by private capital.
Unlike many investment vehicles that rely on public-sector participation or institutional funding, the fund has been raised without government backing or contributions from large institutional investors.
Focus Placed on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Pitchdrive plans to deploy investments ranging from €250,000 to €2 million into early-stage startups developing innovative technology-driven solutions.
The fund’s strategy centers on three major themes shaping the future of business and technology.
The first is AI-native products, including vertical artificial intelligence applications, developer infrastructure tools, and platforms built around autonomous AI agents.
A second area of interest involves AI-enabled business models, particularly within consumer products, e-commerce, digital content, and marketplace platforms where artificial intelligence can significantly improve efficiency and profitability.
The third investment pillar targets software-defined physical companies, a category that includes hardware manufacturers, robotics ventures, and mobility-focused startups that integrate AI into product design, operations, or both.
Entrepreneur-Led Team Driving Investment Decisions
Founded in 2020, Pitchdrive was established by entrepreneurs who previously built and scaled technology businesses themselves.
The firm was created by Boris Bogaert, Wim Derkinderen, and Koen Christiaens.
The company is chaired by Jonas Dhaenens, a well-known European technology entrepreneur who founded team.blue, one of Europe’s unicorn businesses.
Its leadership team also includes experienced operators and investors such as Bart Swanson, Luc Verelst, Lorenz Bogaert, and Toon Coppens.
Network of Founders Strengthens Startup Support
Beyond financial backing, Pitchdrive provides portfolio companies with access to an extensive network of experienced founders and operators from across Europe.
More than 20 mentors contribute guidance to startups supported by the firm. Among them are leaders associated with successful European technology companies, including Jan Hollez, Matthias Geeroms, Hendrik Isebaert, Jeroen De Wit, Joris Van Der Gucht, Dimitri O, and Stéphane Ronse, among others.
The firm believes that pairing capital with direct operational expertise can help founders navigate the challenges of building and scaling businesses in competitive markets.
Growing Footprint Across Europe and Beyond
Pitchdrive operates from multiple locations, maintaining offices in Antwerp, Ghent, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, London, and New York City.
The broad geographic presence reflects the firm’s ambition to identify promising startups across Europe while maintaining connections to global technology hubs.
Seventy Startups Backed Since Launch
Since beginning operations in 2020, Pitchdrive has invested in approximately 70 startups throughout Europe.
Its portfolio includes companies such as Henchman, which was later acquired by LexisNexis, along with ventures including Introw, Heltia, Happl, Axe, Ravical, Conveo, Foodamigos, and Gro.
With a fresh €60 million fund now secured, the venture capital firm is positioning itself to play a larger role in financing Europe’s next wave of AI-driven and technology-focused startups.
