8eyes GmbH
ActiveVenture Capital
Updated: ·
About
Technology company
Financial History
Total Raised
N/A
Valuation
N/A
Leadership Team
Key people at 8eyes GmbH.
Technology company
Key people at 8eyes GmbH.
Key people at 8eyes GmbH.
8eyes GmbH is a European investment firm founded by experienced entrepreneurs who previously launched and successfully exited the startup Runtastic. The firm operates with a sector-agnostic investment philosophy but currently focuses on mobile, software, and hardware technology startups. It emphasizes investing in strong founding teams rather than just ideas, prioritizing personal rapport and teamwork. 8eyes supports startups across Europe, with a base in Upper Austria, leveraging the region's industrial reputation while aiming to scale ventures beyond smaller local markets[1].
Founded around 2014, 8eyes was created by a team including Alfred Luger, who had prior success with Runtastic, sold to Adidas. Motivated by a desire to give back to the tech and startup ecosystem, the founders pooled their expertise to support new ventures. Their experience with Runtastic shaped their focus on investing in people and teams, fostering strong relationships with founders as a key to success. The firm has evolved to maintain a broad, sector-agnostic portfolio while remaining rooted in Austria’s industrial heartland[1][3].
8eyes rides the wave of European startup growth, particularly in tech sectors like mobile and hardware, while positioning itself to capitalize on emerging trends such as blockchain and crypto. Their timing aligns with increasing European interest in homegrown tech ventures and the need for experienced investors who understand both local ecosystems and broader market dynamics. By supporting diverse startups with a team-oriented approach, 8eyes contributes to strengthening the European startup ecosystem, especially in regions outside major hubs like Berlin or Paris[1].
Looking ahead, 8eyes is likely to deepen its support for current portfolio companies and expand into new technology sectors, including blockchain and NFTs. Their emphasis on teamwork and founder relationships positions them well to nurture startups through scaling phases. As European tech ecosystems mature, 8eyes’ blend of local industrial insight and pan-European reach could enhance its influence, helping startups grow sustainably while fostering innovation beyond traditional centers. Their continued focus on quality of life and regional strengths may also attract founders seeking alternatives to larger metropolitan areas[1].
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2023 | Shadowmap | $1.0M Seed | — | Eka Ventures |
| Feb 1, 2022 | Karla | $4.0M Seed | — | — |
| Dec 1, 2021 | Yolda | $5.0M Seed | — | Klaus Hofbauer |
| Jun 1, 2021 | Yolda | $2.0M Seed | — | Klaus Hofbauer |
| May 1, 2021 | Paired | $4.0M Seed | — | Eka Ventures, MMC Ventures |
| May 1, 2020 | Yolda | $830K Seed | — | Klaus Hofbauer |
