ZOHO.VC has completed the first closing of its inaugural fund, focusing on early-stage technology startups from the ZOLLHOF ecosystem, with an emphasis on deeptech and university spin-offs.
ZOHO.VC, the venture capital arm of ZOLLHOF – Tech Incubator, has completed the first closing of its inaugural fund, securing 70 per cent of its target volume ten months ahead of the final closing. The fund’s limited partners include entrepreneurial families and startup founders.
The fund focuses on pre-seed and seed investments in technology-driven startups and combines capital with technical expertise and access to ZOLLHOF’s network of corporate partners, technology experts, and co-investors. Its investment strategy targets early-stage companies connected to the ZOLLHOF ecosystem, including startups emerging from its incubation programme, designated a “Startup Factory” by the German Federal Government, as well as selected co-investment opportunities.
ZOHO.VC places a particular focus on deeptech companies and university spin-offs across both software and hardware. Alongside the fundraising process, the team has already completed five investments, including Merge Labs.
The fund’s current volume of approximately €7 million represents an initial milestone. In response to ongoing demand and a growing pipeline, partners Benjamin Bauer and Dennis Kirpensteijn, together with Principal Nicolas Sievers, plan to expand the fund beyond its original target in 2026, with the objective of supporting teams addressing significant technological and societal challenges.