Smart Infrastructure Ventures, a venture capital firm from Leipzig, has introduced its second fund, SIVentures II, with €30 million following its first fund’s success. This firm focuses on early-stage startups in AI, IT infrastructure, and energy. After the first fund closed successfully in 2024, the target value of €30 million for the second fund is already more than 75% achieved, aiming to double its initial volume. The fresh capital is sourced from companies, banks, family offices, entrepreneurs, and fund groups in Germany, and new fund investments are now welcome.
Dirk Frohnert, Managing Director of SIVentures, highlighted past successful exits such as Leipzig-based digital health startup mementor’s sale to the US group ResMed, positively influencing the current fundraising efforts. Other beneficial investments include cybersecurity company Enginsight from Jena and customs startup traide AI from Berlin, with over 300 jobs created in Germany.
Focusing on innovative tech startups in the DACH region, the new fund targets B2B startups in pre-seed and seed stages, with four investments already in areas like AI and software development. It expects to invest in about 30 teams, primarily in the DACH area, with initial investments up to €500,000 each. Björn Bauermeister, Managing Director, emphasizes their role as both capital providers and proactive partners for startups.
With two decades of experience in investment and entrepreneurship, the SIVentures team includes founders Björn Bauermeister, formerly a trader at BNP Paribas, and Dirk Frohnert, a former fund manager at JPMorgan. Experienced companies and investment manager Falk Trietsch support the founding team. Additionally, SIVentures collaborates closely with the SpinLab group, which runs prominent accelerator programs in Germany and boasts an extensive partner network.