Pan-European venture capital firm Samaipata has announced its third fund, targeting $127 Million to invest in early-stage, AI-driven technology startups. The fund has already secured $81 million, backed by institutional investors like Spain’s SETT and Germany’s KfW. This new vehicle underscores the firm's commitment to fostering innovation within Europe's burgeoning artificial intelligence ecosystem.
A Strategic Focus on Applied AI
Samaipata III will concentrate on AI-native businesses developing application-layer products with international scaling potential. The firm sees a significant opportunity in backing teams that translate complex AI into practical, B2B use cases. This approach is based on the belief that Europe is uniquely positioned to produce globally competitive technology champions in this domain.
According to founding partner José del Barrio, artificial intelligence is transitioning from an experimental phase to integration within critical business processes. This technological shift is expanding the software market and enabling new categories of applications to emerge. The firm aims to support European teams poised to capitalize on this rapid AI development and adoption.
Investment Strategy and Founder Support
The new fund will maintain Samaipata's established approach, planning to back 25 to 30 early-stage companies across the continent. The firm can allocate up to $11,6 million per startup over its lifecycle, providing sustained support beyond the initial investment. This strategy allows for deep engagement with a curated portfolio of ventures in key European tech hubs.
Beyond capital, the firm emphasizes its Founder Success platform, designed to accelerate growth through hands-on operational support. Founders gain access to a network of experienced operating partners from leading tech companies like Google, Spotify, and Anthropic. This ecosystem also includes strategic partnerships with technology giants like Nvidia and Microsoft to boost technical capabilities.
A Proven Track Record and Entrepreneurial Roots
Founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs José del Barrio and Eduardo Díez-Hochleitner, Samaipata brings direct operational experience to its investments. Del Barrio co-founded La Nevera Roja, a successful food delivery platform, while Díez-Hochleitner is Chairman of Másmóvil Group. This founder-led perspective is a core component of the firm's value proposition and informs its startup support.
With $290 million in assets under management, Samaipata has demonstrated strong performance across its first two funds. An impressive 80% of its Fund I companies advanced to Series A, with Fund II showing a similar trajectory. This success is highlighted by notable exits like Deporvillage, which achieved a significant valuation increase before its sale.
The Vision for European Tech
The firm's leadership believes AI is fundamentally altering the economics of building software, enabling smaller teams to develop powerful products faster. Partner Luis Garay noted that winning companies will be those that translate these efficiency gains into tangible client value. This environment creates an exciting opportunity for founders building innovative solutions across Europe.
Samaipata contends that productivity gains from AI allow European startups to compete globally from much earlier stages. The continent's deep pool of technical talent and sector expertise are key advantages in this new technological wave. The firm is confident that the next decade will see a new generation of globally significant companies emerge from the region.
The launch of Samaipata III marks a significant moment for the European tech landscape, signaling strong investor confidence in the continent's AI potential. By combining substantial capital with a robust support network, the firm is positioning itself as a key partner for entrepreneurs. This new fund reinforces the narrative that Europe is a fertile ground for the next wave of technological innovation.