Auxxo, the Berlin-based VC firm focused on supporting startups with at least one female founder, has announced a €26 million first close of its second fund — the Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II.
This marks a significant step up from its previous fund, which closed at €19 million.
The new fund aims to support pre-seed and seed stage startups across Europe, provided they have at least one female founder holding a minimum 20% equity stake. In a bold move toward inclusion, over half of Auxxo’s Limited Partners (LPs) are women.
Backed by leading investors and institutions
The European Investment Fund (EIF) joined the fund as an anchor investor, alongside Aurum Impact, Cherry Ventures, Speedinvest, and a host of European family offices, business angels, and founders.
“We’re glad to be continuing the drive for greater gender diversity in European venture capital alongside Auxxo,” said EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt. “Diversity and financial return can go hand in hand.”
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Strategic focus and first investments
Auxxo has already made three investments from Fund II:
- Emidat, a climate data infrastructure pioneer for the construction sector
- Resolutiion, which uses AI to resolve commercial legal disputes
- Stanhope.ai, which leverages computational neuroscience for real-time machine learning
The fund connects its portfolio companies with a curated network of mentors and advisors, addressing the unique challenges faced by female founders.
Founders with a mission
Auxxo was founded by Bettine Schmitz and Dr. Gesa Miczaika, two veterans in the European startup ecosystem. Schmitz previously invested in companies like N26 and Studysmarter, while Miczaika played a key role in Blacklane’s international growth and served as Vice President of the German Startup Association.
“Our network is growing – not only in size but also in influence and effectiveness,” said Schmitz. “The fact that more than half of our LPs are women is a clear sign that the industry is moving toward the future we’ve always envisioned.”
Miczaika added, “We look forward to building on the extraordinary momentum of Fund I and continuing to prove that female founders are not just an investment opportunity – they are the future of European innovation.”
