In today’s world, marked by cultural, political, and geopolitical fragmentation, investors searching for high-potential startups face unique challenges. To navigate this complex landscape, Kompas VC has devised a strategically sensitive approach, bolstered by a newly launched €160 million (approximately $187.5 million) fund, as reported to TechCrunch.
According to Sebastian Peck, a partner at Kompas VC, the current global economy can be categorised into three main spheres: the U.S., Europe, and China. Each of these regions is following distinct trajectories in economic and political activities, leading to varied investment opportunities.
Kompas VC has established its reputation by supporting startups that address essential industrial challenges, including manufacturing, supply chain issues, critical infrastructure, and sustainability. While these areas remain significant, their prominence varies across regions. Peck noted, “Back in 2021, enthusiasm around these themes was high. In 2026, it’s all about AI and rapid growth, although we focus more on physical production.”
The firm centres its investments on startups involved in decarbonisation, productivity enhancement, and risk management, identifying a specific niche in the market. This niche is proving to be expansive, as the reshoring trend gains popularity across various sectors. With the new fund, Kompas aims to lead early-stage investments, typically investing between €3 million and €5 million per startup.
As a European venture fund, Kompas has access to a diverse pool of founders and startups. However, it must contend with the global fragmentation that can affect the potential for successful investment returns. For instance, while prefabricated housing is commonplace in Scandinavian countries, it remains uncommon in Germany and other parts of Europe, as well as the U.S. Peck highlighted that cultural norms, more than technological barriers, often dictate market acceptance of such products, posing key questions about addressable market size for certain industries.
The varying tides of sustainability resonate differently across regions, as well. While it continues to thrive in Europe, it has lost some of its appeal in the U.S. Over time, Peck remains aware of the pace of change in the investment landscape. “We invest with a horizon of 10-15 years, which encompasses multiple legislative cycles and often unpredictable shifts,” he noted.
Though smaller funds like Kompas VC face challenges due to market fragmentation, they also possess unique opportunities to specialise and lead investments in specific themes and among particular founders. Peck concluded, “There’s a valuable space for focused and specialised smaller funds like ours to be the pioneering investors and to embrace certain themes.”
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