Auxxo

Overview

Auxxo is a Berlin-based venture capital fund primarily focusing on investing in startups with at least one female founder. It was co-founded in 2019 by Bettine Schmitz and Dr. Gesa Miczaika. Auxxo has distinguished itself as Germany's first VC fund dedicated to backing female-founded startups. The fund has raised a substantial amount over multiple rounds, including €26 million in its Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II as of July 2025.

Recent Developments

  • July 21, 2025: Auxxo announced the first closing of its new fund, the Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II, at €26 million. This latest fund aims to exclusively invest in startups with at least one female founder. The European Investment Fund (EIF) acts as a prominent anchor investor.
  • April 2025: Auxxo continued its active investment strategy, making notable contributions to sectors including Biotech and Health services.
  • July 2024: The fund achieved significant recognition by winning the Inclusive Tech Investor of the Year Award, signaling its growing influence in promoting diversity in the tech venture capital landscape.
  • 2024: Auxxo expanded its collaborative network by becoming a member of Out Investors, a global network focused on promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in the investment industry.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2019
HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
FoundersDr. Gesa Miczaika, Bettine Schmitz
RevenueNot disclosed
ProfitsNot disclosed
Key InvestorsEuropean Investment Fund (EIF), General Catalyst, Owl Ventures
IndustryVenture Capital
Number of EmployeesNot disclosed

Early History

Auxxo was established in 2019 with a mission to address the gender disparity in venture capital funding by focusing on female-founded startups. The founders, Dr. Gesa Miczaika and Bettine Schmitz, were already active participants in the investment ecosystem, with substantial experience as angel investors. Auxxo's early operations focused on building a formidable network of investors and startups, facilitating capital flow into burgeoning female-led enterprises. Within two years of its inception, the Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund I was launched, marking a significant milestone in their quest to empower female entrepreneurs.

Company Profile and Achievements

Auxxo operates as a venture capital firm investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across Europe, primarily in Germany and the UK. A prominent achievement was the successful launch and deployment of the Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund in 2021, which reached total investments of €19 million. Auxxo’s investment strategy includes supporting companies in diverse sectors like healthcare, fintech, and education.

Significant Achievements:

  • In 2021, completed investments in 25 companies with a focus on creating substantial societal impact.
  • The first fund focused on gender-lens investing, making it a trailblazer in Germany and across Europe.
  • Recognized for fostering inclusive investment practices and forming alliances with notable venture capitalists.

Current Operations and Market Position

Auxxo maintains a pivotal role within the venture capital sector by primarily targeting female-founded startups. It commands significant market presence by leveraging investments in software, wellness, and healthcare industries. It also embraces a collaborative co-investment model by partnering with established VCs for early-stage startups. The firm's impact is evident as it addresses systemic funding barriers, positioning itself as a catalyst for gender-parity in investments.

Conclusion

Auxxo has established itself as a key player in the European venture capital space, specializing in supporting female entrepreneurship. The firm has achieved significant traction and demonstrates potential for long-term influence in promoting gender diversity within the tech and startup ecosystems. Looking forward, Auxxo seems poised to expand its influence, further integrating cooperative ventures to promote more inclusive economic growth within global markets.

References

  1. EU Startups - Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II announcement
  2. Startbase - Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund News
  3. Silicon Canals - VC Fund Auxxo
  4. Auxxo About Page