U2V, short for University2Ventures, has successfully closed its inaugural fund, raising €60 million to support early-stage deep tech spin-offs in Europe. This initiative aims to address the ongoing struggle of converting groundbreaking scientific research from top universities into globally competitive companies. The Berlin-based firm plans to make up to 25 investments targeting sectors such as artificial intelligence, novel computing, industrial technology, and cleantech.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Industry
The founding team of U2V—comprised of Philipp Semmer, Michael Schmitt, and Johannes Triebs—brings over 30 years of combined experience in venture capital. They previously led Earlybird-X, one of Europe’s pioneering deep tech spin-off funds. Their goal with U2V, launched in March 2025, is to empower scientists to become entrepreneurs and create a thriving ecosystem where university innovations drive global categories.
“Europe is world-class at creating scientific breakthroughs, but still struggles to turn them into global companies,” said Dr. Philipp Semmer, Founding Partner at U2V. “With U2V, we’re fostering a substantial change by linking research, capital, and corporate partners.”
The firm has established strong connections with leading European tech universities, including TU Munich, ETH Zurich, and Cambridge, among others. This network, combined with over 500 corporate partners, will provide structured pilots and validation for the startups U2V backs. By facilitating early industry connections, U2V intends to deliver customer traction that is often lacking in most early-stage funds.
“Our industrial network gives founders what most early deep tech startups lack: direct access to customers and real-world validation,” added Dr. Johannes Triebs, Founding Partner at U2V. “Whether it’s an AI application, a quantum-sensing chip, or a carbon-capture process, we connect technology to traction.”
Distinctive Approach in the Venture Landscape
U2V distinguishes itself from generalist venture capital firms like Atomico and High-Tech Gründerfonds, as well as other university-focused investors like Oxford Science Enterprises and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures. Its emphasis on a scaled industrial network and tailored risk management for deep tech spin-outs positions U2V uniquely in the market.
When questioned about its diversity strategy, U2V emphasized its commitment to fostering a diverse team. “The U2V team combines scientific, technical, and commercial expertise built over more than 30 years in venture investing. This diverse background enables us to support a wide spectrum of entrepreneurs,” the firm stated. “As we continue to bring new investment talent on board, we remain dedicated to strengthening the diversity of our team.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Deep Tech in Europe
U2V is focused on building Europe’s premier deep tech spin-off platform, backed by Limited Partners (LPs) such as Jungheinrich’s Uplift Ventures, family offices, and serial founders. The firm aims to support the next generation of deep tech winners, building on the success of its previous portfolio companies including Quantum Diamonds, which specializes in quantum sensing for the semiconductor industry; Greenlyte, focused on carbon capture; and Certivity, which offers AI-enabled regulatory intelligence.
Across its previous funds, Earlybird-X and Motu Ventures, U2V’s partners have successfully backed over 50 startups and achieved more than 10 exits. This new fund represents a significant step towards enhancing Europe’s technological sovereignty and transforming innovative research into impactful commercial ventures.
