Elevator Ventures

What they fund

The firm targets Series A and B companies with an initial ticket size of 1-3 million EUR [1]. Investments are concentrated in Fintech and Beyond Banking sectors, specifically targeting companies based in the DACH and CEE regions that are ready for growth and scaling [1].

Investment thesis

Elevator Ventures operates as a corporate venture capital fund backed by Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) and regional Raiffeisen banks, deploying capital to accelerate the growth of technology companies in Fintech and Beyond Banking across the DACH and CEE regions [1]. The firm leverages its corporate sponsors' deep industry expertise, vast network, and end-user access to validate products and drive market expansion for its portfolio [2].

• Tech-Driven Transformation — The firm targets companies leveraging major tech shifts (AI, Quantum Computing, Open API, Biometrics) to transform industries and drive customer value [2].
• Strategic Corporate Backing — Backed by RBI and regional Raiffeisen entities, the fund provides portfolio companies with access to business insights, product validation from end-users, and credibility through large financial institution partnerships [2].
• Regional & Sector Focus — The strategy is tightly coupled with the DACH and CEE markets, focusing on Fintech, RegTech, Cybersecurity, and Beyond Banking sectors like Food & AgriTech, Mobility, and Commerce [2].
• Growth & Scaling — The team leverages widely tested experience in scaling companies to help portfolio companies expand regionally and internationally, often facilitating introductions to co-investors and sales partners [2].

Credibility: The thesis is explicitly defined on the firm's About Us and Home pages, detailing the corporate sponsors, target sectors, and the strategic value-add of leveraging the Raiffeisen network [1][2].

Value add

Elevator Ventures provides strategic guidance, access to a robust network of co-investors, and introductions to sales channel partners and media partners [2]. The firm leverages the expertise of its corporate sponsors for product validation and market intelligence [2].

Fit verdict: Ideal for Fintech and Beyond Banking companies in DACH/CEE seeking strategic corporate backing and regional expansion support.

Founder diligence script:

• How does Elevator Ventures facilitate introductions to RBI's end-user base for product validation?
• What specific sales channel partners or media partners are available to accelerate our go-to-market strategy?
• How does the firm structure follow-on investments given its €70m fund size and deployment pace?
• What is the typical decision-making timeline for Series A/B investments in the DACH/CEE region?

Portfolio focus

The portfolio clusters around Fintech enablers and Beyond Banking sectors, including e-signature (Autenti), post-quantum security (Wultra), AI-driven insights (SESAMm), and eCommerce infrastructure (CloudCart) [1].

Notable investments & exits

The firm has achieved seven successful exits to date, with three exits celebrated in 2021 following a portfolio of 15 companies [2]. Specific exit names are not detailed in the provided documents, but the track record is highlighted as a key metric of success [1].

Strategic implications

Elevator Ventures' edge lies in its deep integration with Raiffeisen Bank International, providing unparalleled access to end-user validation and regional market intelligence in DACH/CEE. The main risk is potential strategic misalignment if RBI's broader corporate priorities shift away from fintech innovation. A signal to watch is the deployment pace of the €70m EV II fund; rapid deployment would indicate a strong conviction in the current Fintech/Beyond Banking landscape.

Where they could go further

The firm could deepen its focus on AI-driven Fintech solutions, given the rapid adoption of AI in the sector and the firm's mention of AI as a key tech shift [2]. Expanding its network of co-investors beyond regional players like Uniqa and Speedinvest could provide portfolio companies with more global scaling opportunities [2]. The firm could enhance its value-add by creating more structured mentorship programs leveraging the extensive experience of its corporate sponsors' executives [2].