Constructor Capital has announced the successful closing of its inaugural $110 million fund, created to bridge the critical funding gap for research-driven startups. Founded by physicist and serial entrepreneur Serg Bell, the Swiss firm is dedicated to nurturing deeptech, software, and edtech companies as they transition from academic labs to the global market. This new capital injection provides a vital lifeline for ventures often overlooked by traditional investors due to their high technical risk.
A Science-First Investment Philosophy
The firm champions a distinct science-focused strategy, leveraging an extensive network of over 50 premier universities like Harvard, MIT, and ETH Zurich. This deep academic collaboration allows for unparalleled technical due diligence on complex innovations that many venture capitalists are unequipped to assess. By embedding scientific expertise directly into its investment process, Constructor Capital effectively de-risks and validates groundbreaking technologies at their earliest stages.
The Constructor Ecosystem Advantage
Beyond providing capital, the fund offers unique support by operating within the global Constructor Group ecosystem. This integrated network includes Constructor University, specialized research laboratories, and an equity-free accelerator, creating a powerful support system for portfolio companies. This structure ensures startups receive direct access to scientific talent, advanced facilities, and strategic guidance essential for successful commercialization.
Strategic Investment Focus and Global Reach
Constructor Capital will concentrate on leading and co-leading seed and Series A rounds with a global mandate covering Europe, the US, the UAE, and Singapore. Initial investment sizes will typically range from $1 million to $10 million, with the firm capable of deploying up to $15 million for select opportunities. The fund has also reserved substantial capital for follow-on rounds, ensuring long-term support for its companies' growth trajectories.
Pioneering Leadership and Portfolio
The fund is steered by founder Serg Bell, a prolific inventor with successful exits like Acronis and Parallels, alongside Managing Partner Matthias Winter and a team of operator General Partners. Its initial portfolio already showcases a commitment to foundational technologies that are shaping the future of computing. Notable investments include Lumai, which is developing 3D optical computing architectures, and quantum computing leader QuEra.
Addressing a Critical Market Gap
The firm was explicitly created to address the "funding gap between scientific excellence and venture capital," a challenge its founders experienced firsthand. Many revolutionary breakthroughs remain confined to laboratories due to a lack of specialized investors who can navigate technical complexities. Constructor Capital’s mission is to combine academic rigor with practical, hands-on support to help these promising research projects become scalable companies.
Future Ambitions and Market Position
Looking ahead, Constructor Capital plans to continue investing from its new fund while strengthening its ecosystem through talent development and new partnerships. The firm positions itself against other deeptech investors like DCVC and Lux Capital by focusing on highly complex deals sourced through its unique academic network. Its ultimate vision is to cultivate a new generation of unicorns in the quantum, AI, and edtech sectors.
With its new $110 million fund and distinctive approach, Constructor Capital is strongly positioned to make a significant impact on the deeptech investment landscape. Its model of blending scientific validation with venture capital acumen directly addresses a persistent market need for specialized, patient support. The firm is set to play a pivotal role in transforming profound scientific research into globally influential and commercially successful enterprises.