Europe is taking significant steps to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial success with the launch of U2V, which recently closed its inaugural fund at €60 million. This initiative aims to support pre-seed and seed-stage deep tech spin-offs across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, novel computing, industrial technology, and cleantech. Based in Berlin, U2V plans to make up to 25 investments that will connect innovative research from universities with the business world.
The founding team behind U2V—comprising **Philipp Semmer**, **Michael Schmitt**, and **Johannes Triebs**—brings a wealth of experience in venture capital, having previously led **Earlybird-X**, one of Europe’s pioneering deep tech spin-off funds. With over 30 years of combined expertise, they established U2V in **2025** to empower scientists to become entrepreneurs, fostering a robust ecosystem where university innovations can thrive.
“Europe is world-class at creating scientific breakthroughs, but still struggles to turn them into global companies. With U2V, we’re fostering a substantial change here: we help scientists become entrepreneurs, linking research, capital, and corporate partners to build Europe’s next generation of category-defining deep tech startups,” said Dr. Philipp Semmer, Founding Partner at U2V.
Unique Approach to Spin-Off Success
U2V’s strategy capitalizes on its proprietary connections to Europe’s leading technology universities, such as **TU Munich**, **ETH Zurich**, **Oxford**, and **Cambridge**. These relationships are complemented by partnerships with over **500 corporate entities** that facilitate structured pilots and real-world validation for startups. This industrial network provides founders with essential early customer connections often lacking in traditional venture capital models.
“Our industrial network gives founders what most early deep tech startups lack: direct access to customers and real-world validation. Whether it’s an AI application, a quantum-sensing chip, or a carbon-capture process – we connect technology to traction,” added Dr. Johannes Triebs, Founding Partner at U2V. Unlike generalist venture capital firms such as **Atomico** or **High-Tech Gründerfonds**, U2V distinguishes itself with its tailored approach specifically designed for deep tech spin-outs.
Addressing Diversity in Investment
When asked about its strategy for promoting diversity, U2V emphasized its commitment to supporting a wide range of entrepreneurs. “The U2V team unites scientific, technical, and commercial expertise built over more than 30 years in venture investing, plus young talent. This diverse background enables us to back a wide spectrum of entrepreneurs and channel capital into diverse deep tech startups,” the firm stated. They also noted their ongoing efforts to enhance diversity within their team as they expand.
Looking ahead, U2V aims to establish itself as Europe’s premier platform for deep tech spin-offs, backed by limited partners including **Jungheinrich’s Uplift Ventures**, family offices, and serial entrepreneurs. The firm is focused on identifying and nurturing the next wave of deep tech innovators, building on the success of its previous investments, which include companies such as **Quantum Diamonds** (quantum sensing for the semiconductor industry), **Greenlyte** (carbon capture), and **Certivity** (AI-enabled regulatory intelligence).
With a goal of creating a thriving environment for deep tech startups, U2V has already backed over **50 startups** in earlier funds and achieved more than **10 exits**. The launch of this €60 million fund represents a pivotal moment for Europe’s innovation landscape, offering new opportunities for scientists and entrepreneurs alike.
