Madrid-based talent investment firm Demium has officially rebranded as Mission, signaling a renewed strategic direction. This transformation is accompanied by the launch of a new $40 million fund dedicated to supporting Spanish startups at the pre-seed stage. The move solidifies the company's commitment to being a long-term partner for founders navigating the earliest and most critical phases of business creation.
A New Strategic Identity
The transition to Mission represents the culmination of the firm's evolution from an incubator to a direct equity investment model. This new identity is designed to reflect a consolidated strategy tailored for the modern era of AI and automation. It underscores a sharpened focus on creating deep, supportive partnerships with entrepreneurs from their initial concept.
According to Managing Partner Jorge Dobón, the maturing Spanish ecosystem provides founders with more partnership choices. Mission aims to be the preferred "travel companion" for these entrepreneurs, offering guidance from those who understand the journey. This philosophy emphasizes providing value beyond capital, focusing on shared experience and strategic support.
Mission Fund I Investment Strategy
The newly launched Mission Fund I has a target size of $40 million and will focus exclusively on the Spanish market. The firm plans to invest in approximately 80 pre-seed companies, providing an average initial check of $292K. This approach positions Mission to serve as the first institutional investor for many promising new ventures.
For its most successful portfolio companies, Mission is prepared to provide follow-on funding, with total investment potentially reaching $2.3 million. The fund is backed by a strong network of returning investors and founders from previous Demium funds. It also has the significant support of public institutions, including the Official Credit Institute and the Valencian Institute of Finance.
Experienced Leadership and a Talent-First Model
The new fund is managed by Jorge Dobón, who is supported by a team of seasoned founders and operators. This includes notable figures such as Álvaro Callejo, former CEO of Ritmo, and Julio Ribes, founder of Swipcar. Their collective operational experience is a key asset for the startups Mission supports.
Mission continues its talent-focused venture capital model, investing in exceptional individuals regardless of whether they have a team or a defined idea. The firm prioritizes execution ability, resilience, and speed, running a swift selection process to identify promising founders. This model allows for backing high-potential entrepreneurs at the very earliest stage of their journey.
A Decade of Building and Investing
Founded in 2013, the company has a long history of adapting to the needs of the startup ecosystem. After years as an incubator, it launched its first major venture fund in 2020 and fully transitioned to a direct investment model by 2023. This rebranding to Mission marks the final step in that strategic pivot.
To date, the firm has invested in over 250 Spanish startups, building an impressive portfolio that includes successes like Citibox, Voicemod, and Swipcar. The new Mission Fund I is already active and has begun deploying capital into its first new investments. This demonstrates immediate momentum under the new brand and reinforces its commitment to the market.
The rebranding to Mission and the launch of its dedicated $40 million fund mark a significant milestone for the firm and the Spanish tech landscape. This strategic evolution reinforces its position as a key player in nurturing early-stage talent and innovation. Mission is now poised to play an even more integral role in shaping the next generation of successful Spanish startups.