Early-stage VC firm NP-Hard Ventures has announced the launch of Fund II, a €25 million fund dedicated to supporting European founders building core technology infrastructure in deep tech, robotics, AI, and computational systems.
The firm has already closed 60% of the fund, backed by over 30 European founders and investors. The new fund follows NP-Hard’s first €12 million Fund I, which invested in 30 startups tackling highly technical challenges such as encrypted computing (Roseman Labs), construction robotics (Monumental), energy APIs (Engrate), and distributed manufacturing (Isembard).
Funding Europe’s hardest problems
Named after the term “NP-Hard” in computer science—used to describe problems that are exceptionally difficult to solve—the fund focuses on founders taking on Europe’s toughest technical and systemic challenges.
Anke Huiskes, Co-founder and Managing Partner at NP-Hard Ventures, said:
“Europe has the talent and grit — what we need is to channel it. AI and geopolitics have changed the game. Ownership of foundational technology is essential. The question isn’t whether Europe can build world-class infrastructure — it’s whether we choose to.”
She added:
“We’re backing the crazy ones who choose ownership. If that’s you, please reach out.”
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From Fund I to Fund II: scaling deep tech ownership in Europe
Fund II will make €250K–€550K investments (average €450K) in 30 pre-seed and seed-stage startups developing technologies that strengthen Europe’s industrial and digital sovereignty. Target sectors include robotics, manufacturing, defence tech, and computational infrastructure.
Unlike many institutional VCs, NP-Hard Ventures is founder-led and acts as a first investor, making fast, conviction-driven decisions without taking board seats — offering founders flexibility and speed.
The fund’s mission is to ensure Europe not only innovates but also owns the foundational technologies that define its future.
About NP-Hard Ventures
NP-Hard Ventures is a European, founder-led venture capital firm backing early-stage founders solving the hardest technical problems in deep tech, AI, robotics, and computational infrastructure.
With the motto “Complain less, build more,” NP-Hard Ventures aims to empower the boldest engineers and scientists to build the technologies shaping Europe’s future.
