8eyes GmbH

8eyes GmbH is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups across Europe, and is headquartered in Hargelsberg, Austria. The firm operates as a sector-agnostic investor with a primary focus on pre-seed to seed-stage companies developing artificial intelligence, consumer products, healthcare, software as a service, and blockchain technologies. The organization currently manages an active investment portfolio consisting of 12 early-stage companies. Drawing on the partners' prior operational experience building and ultimately selling the fitness application Runtastic to Adidas, the firm provides strategic scaling support and mentorship to its investments. Notable portfolio companies backed by the firm include the pet tracking technology developer Tractive, the ski manufacturer Original+, and the loyalty platform HelloAgain. 8eyes GmbH was founded in 2012 by Alfred Luger alongside other members of the original Runtastic founding team.

High-Level Overview

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].

Origin Story

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].

Core Differentiators

• Founder-Centric Investment Approach: 8eyes invests primarily in teams, valuing strong personal relationships and collaboration over solo founders or ideas alone.
• Sector-Agnostic but Tech-Focused: While open to various industries, their portfolio currently includes mobile, software, and hardware startups, with openness to emerging fields like NFT, crypto, and blockchain.
• European Reach with Local Roots: Though based in Linz and Upper Austria, 8eyes invests across Europe, leveraging local industrial strengths and quality of life advantages.
• Entrepreneurial Experience: The founding team’s background in building and exiting startups provides practical insights and operational support to portfolio companies[1].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

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].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

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].