Observed Signal · Oct 6, 2026 · Funding · Source: Tech.eu (European Tech & Deals) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Nevermind VC launches with €23.6M first close for deeptech fund
Nevermind (NVM), a new venture capital firm, has launched its first fund, NVM Venture Lazio, with a €23.6 million first close towards a €35 million target. The fund will invest in 10-15 dual-use deeptech startups at Pre-Seed and Seed stage, focusing on sectors like aerospace, maritime, robotics, cybersecurity, and AI for defence. Key investor Lazio Innova committed €18.83 million through the Lazio Venture 2 fund-of-funds, co-financed by the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027. The fund aims to act as lead investor and strengthen the innovation ecosystem of the Lazio Region. Founding partners Andrea Bonabello and Niccolò Bienati of Ulixes Capital Lux lead the fund, joined by fund managers Giorgio Gulienetti and Alessandro Casiraghi. The launch reflects increased investment in European defence, dual-use, and DeepTech sectors.
The launch of a new VC fund is relevant to the broader tech investment landscape, but it is not directly related to AdTech, MarTech, or advertising technology. The fund focuses on deeptech sectors like aerospace and defense, which do not intersect with digital advertising or marketing technology.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Nevermind (NVM) launched with a €23.6 million first close for its NVM Venture Lazio compartment, targeting a final close of €35 million.
- The fund will invest in 10-15 dual-use startups at Pre-Seed and Seed stage in STEP Technologies, including aerospace, maritime, robotics, cybersecurity, and AI for defence.
- Lazio Innova committed €18.83 million through the Lazio Venture 2 fund-of-funds, co-financed by the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027.
- The fund is led by founding partners Andrea Bonabello and Niccolò Bienati of Ulixes Capital Lux, with fund managers Giorgio Gulienetti and Alessandro Casiraghi.
- The fund aims to act as lead investor and strengthen the innovation ecosystem of the Lazio Region, reflecting increased investment in European defence and DeepTech.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
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Eureka! Venture Launches €20M DeepTech Fund in Italy
Milan-based Eureka! Venture has launched Eureka! Fund II – Deep Tech Lazio, a €20 million early-stage fund investing in DeepTech startups from pre-seed through seed and other early-stage rounds. The fund is managed by Eureka! Venture, with Lazio Innova as anchor investor committing €16 million. The fund aims to support spin-offs, startups, and innovative SMEs with proprietary technologies, focusing on areas like climate change, energy transition, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, AI, and Physical AI. The fund features an innovative asymmetric profit and loss allocation mechanism to attract private investors. Eureka! Venture has raised over €190 million across multiple funds, including BlackSheep Fund for marketing and advertising software. The new fund will prioritize companies with active presence in Lazio and aims to strengthen the regional ecosystem.
Connect Ventures hits first close of $80M Fund V
Connect Ventures, a European early-stage VC firm, announced the first close of its fifth fund at $55 million, targeting a total of $80 million. The fund will focus on investing in technical founders building the next generation of European technology companies. The British Business Bank serves as the anchor investor, with returning limited partners including Aldea Ventures, Sella Venture Partners, and Molten Ventures. New investors include European family offices and founders of previously backed companies. Connect Ventures leads pre-seed rounds with cheques ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. The fund emphasizes founding teams with deep technical expertise at their core. Connect's GP-only team, including Pietro Bezza, Sitar Teli, and Rory Stirling, maintains a low-volume, high-support investment approach.
Uplift Ventures launches €100M deeptech fund for European startups
Uplift Ventures, a venture capital firm, announced the launch of its inaugural €100 million fund dedicated to supporting European deeptech startups at the late Seed and Series A stage. The fund aims to address the financing gap for breakthrough technologies in areas like Physical AI, Energy, Enterprise AI, and Logistics. The firm plans to back up to 20 startups and select deeptech funds. Christian Noske joins as General Partner, bringing extensive experience from NGP Capital, BMW i Ventures, and Alliance Ventures. The fund is backed by industrial company Jungheinrich, which commits to a long-term partnership. Uplift Ventures will take flexible investment roles, acting as lead, co-lead, or participating investor. The team aims to support founders early, before category leaders emerge, and has already backed over 30 startups across multiple sectors.
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