After a successful launch of the Venture Capital fund Welt in May of last year, the final closing took place in the second week of 2023. The fund, a part of Marktlink, raised over EUR 75 million from entrepreneurs and individuals. The original fund target of EUR 75 million was reached six months earlier than expected, indicating significant interest in the fund.
Welt is the Venture Capital fund of funds of Marktlink Investment Partners. With Welt, we invest through carefully selected top Venture Capital funds, primarily in European technology companies. This creates a diversified portfolio of investments in more than three hundred startups and future 'unicorns' (startups that grow to a value of over one billion).
As a private investor, gaining access to top funds is typically practically impossible. Through Welt, this is now possible for entrepreneurs and individuals.
Fundraising faster than expected
Despite the current uncertain economic climate, fundraising for Welt proceeded much faster than anticipated. There was significant interest in the Venture Capital fund, which is not surprising given that the average annual returns of the European Venture Capital sector have been well above the stock market for years. Investors in Welt's Venture Capital fund are primarily entrepreneurs, business professionals, and family offices representing wealthy families.
Investing in leading tech companies
With Welt, we invest in leading technology companies primarily in Europe and North America. Through top Venture Capital funds, we invest in over three hundred young and high-performing technology companies, spanning various stages such as seed, early stage, and growth phase. These are the companies of the future, with approximately 80% of them being European.
Venture Capital: more risk, but also higher returns
In Venture Capital, you invest in young and fast-growing companies. The risk of a start-up failing is higher, but the average return is also higher. At Welt, we invest diversely in funds that differ significantly from each other. This significantly reduces the risk of losing (part of) the investment, while the expected return remains high. At Welt, we have access to top funds that achieve annual net returns of over 25-30%.
About Welt
Welt is a part of Marktlink Investment Partners and is led by Bouke Marsman and Jaap Vriesendorp. Previously, they were Junior Partners at McKinsey, responsible for the start-up and Venture Capital division of McKinsey in Europe. They have a strong network in the world of fast-growing technology companies and have collaborated with many funds. Bouke and Jaap are supported by a team of Venture partners and advisors.
