Prominent Austrian investor Andreas Klinger has launched a new $23 million fund, Prototype, to champion Europe's next generation of industrial technology pioneers. After securing an initial $17 million, the fund will exclusively target pre-founding stage startups in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. This strategic initiative aims to fortify the continent's deep tech ecosystem and ensure its most promising engineering talent builds transformative companies at home.
A Strategic Shift for European Tech
Rebranded from Remote First Capital, Prototype will deploy initial investments ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 across a portfolio of 30 to 40 ventures. Klinger, a seasoned operator with leadership experience at Product Hunt and CoinList, provides founders with more than just capital. Backed by a network of European family offices and entrepreneurs, the fund is a dedicated vehicle for cultivating innovation within the European market.
Championing European Industrial Sovereignty
Klinger’s core mission is to bolster Europe's technological sovereignty, reversing a trend he describes as "insanity." He contends that despite its rich heritage in precision manufacturing, the continent frequently loses its best founders and key technologies to the US and China. Prototype was therefore established with the ambitious goal of building future trillion-euro industrial giants directly on European soil.
An Unconventional Investment Philosophy
The fund distinguishes itself from traditional venture capital by fostering a community of highly ambitious builders dedicated to progress. Klinger specifically seeks founders who possess a deep, unwavering obsession with the complex problems they aim to solve. His investment thesis requires a genuine personal enthusiasm for each venture, ensuring a strong partnership and alignment from day one.
A Proven Track Record of Success
This new vehicle is supported by an exceptional performance history, with Klinger's previous funds consistently ranking in the top five percent globally. His first fund boasts a 4.9x capital return multiple, while a subsequent growth fund achieved an impressive 5.6x multiple. The portfolio's strength is exemplified by successes like Luma AI, the second company in the portfolio to surpass a billion-dollar valuation.
Building a Resilient Supply Chain
A cornerstone of Prototype's strategy involves investing across the entire vertical supply chain, from foundational components like motors and sensors to manufacturing processes. Klinger asserts this is vital for anchoring industrial ecosystems within Europe, preventing the permanent loss of critical capabilities to other regions. This holistic approach is designed to secure Europe's long-term leadership in robotics and automation against global competition.
The launch of Prototype's third fund represents a targeted and strategic effort to reshape Europe's industrial and technological future. By merging mission-driven capital with hands-on operational guidance, Andreas Klinger is empowering a new class of founders to innovate and scale globally. This initiative serves as a vital catalyst for progress in the continent's most critical deep tech sectors, fostering resilience and growth.