Actarus Funds

ActiveVenture Capital

Updated: Mar 17, 2026 ·

About

Actarus Funds operates as a venture capital firm specializing in strategic investments within the internet and broader technology sectors. The firm primarily deploys capital into promising companies, focusing on internet service providers and various internet-centric businesses. It identifies and nurtures early-stage ventures poised for growth and disruption in the digital landscape.

Established in 2002, Actarus Funds was co-founded by Stephan Paternot, a notable figure recognized for his earlier role as a co-founder of theglobe.com, an pioneering internet community. Paternot's extensive background from the dot-com era provided the foundational insight: a belief in the enduring potential of internet-based businesses and the need for capital to fuel their development.

Actarus Funds serves nascent and evolving internet companies seeking crucial early-stage investment and guidance. The firm's vision centers on identifying the next generation of impactful technology enterprises, fostering their development, and ultimately contributing to the advancement and innovation within the global digital economy.

Financial History

Total Raised

N/A

Valuation

N/A

Investments Made

Date	Company	Round	Lead Investor(s)	Co-Investor(s)
Apr 1, 2015	Haystack News	$2.0M Seed	—	2048 Ventures, Altair Capital Management, American Express Ventures, Chloe Sladden, Digital Currency Group, Fyrefly VC, Garden City Companies, Hoxton Ventures, One Way Ventures, Richmond Global Ventures, rocketship.vc, Streamlined Ventures, Western Technology Investment, Larry Braitman, Lawrence Braitman, Michael Birch, Todd Ruppert
Sep 1, 2014	POWWOW	$3.0M Series A	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, CRV, FJ Labs, Founders Fund, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Y Combinator, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss
Nov 1, 2013	Paxos	$3.0M Seed	—	Alumni Ventures, Bascom Ventures, Comal Ventures, Commerce Ventures, DecentraNet, Digital Currency Group, Fifth Wall, Frontier Ventures, G20 Ventures, Highland Capital Partners, Hoxton Ventures, Peterson Ventures, Roble Ventures, RRE Ventures, Alain Hanover, Bobby Goodlatte, Erik Moore, Louis Beryl, Richard Titus
Mar 1, 2012	Disconnect	$600K Seed	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, Collaborative Seed & Growth Partners, CRV, FJ Labs, Floodgate, Founders Fund, Foundry Group, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Lead Edge Capital, Long Journey Ventures, Speedy Packets Inc., Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Y Combinator, Dharmesh Shah, Jason Henrichs, Mark Gerson, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss
Mar 1, 2012	Slated	$2.0M Series B	—	Digital Currency Group, Hoxton Ventures
May 1, 2009	WonderHill	$7.0M Series A	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, CRV, FJ Labs, Founders Fund, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Y Combinator, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss
May 1, 2009	DailyBurn	$530K Seed	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, Audrey Capital, CRV, Expa, FJ Labs, Founders Fund, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Lowercarbon Capital, Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Techstars, Y Combinator, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss
Jun 1, 2008	Sonico	$4.0M Series A	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, Astanor Ventures, CRV, DN Capital, FJ Labs, Founders Fund, Greylock, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Moonfire Ventures, Revolution, Staenberg Venture Partners, SV Angel, Team Global, Uncork Capital, Y Combinator, Jeff Pulver, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Mark Pincus, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss
May 1, 2008	LabPixies	$1.0M Series A	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, CRV, FJ Labs, Flex Capital, Founders Fund, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Y Combinator, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss, Yaron Carni
Mar 1, 2007	Xobni	$4.0M Series A	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, CRV, FJ Labs, Founders Fund, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Khosla Ventures, Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Y Combinator, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss
Sep 1, 2006	Imeem	$750K Venture Round	—	Alpha Capital Acquisition Company, CRV, FJ Labs, Founders Fund, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Staenberg Venture Partners, Team Global, Y Combinator, Mark Gerson, Mark Jacobstein, Oliver Jung, Tim Ferriss

Financial History

Total Raised

N/A

Valuation

N/A

Leadership Team

Key people at Actarus Funds.

Stephan Paternot

General Partner

Leadership Team

Key people at Actarus Funds.

Stephan Paternot

General Partner

Deep Dive

High-Level Overview

Actarus Funds, operating under Actarus Investments Group, is an alternative investment firm focused on value-oriented investments in private equity, credit, and real assets, with particular expertise in energy infrastructure, real estate, and sustainable infrastructure projects. Their investment philosophy balances traditional financial returns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) insights, targeting early-stage development projects in the renewables and energy transition sectors across Europe. By providing capital and management expertise during the early phases of project development, Actarus aims to de-risk and scale projects to meet institutional investment criteria, thereby generating superior long-term returns while supporting the green energy transition[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Actarus Investments Group was established by partners with deep experience in sustainable investments and alternative asset management. While the exact founding year is not explicitly stated in the available sources, the firm has evolved to focus on a multi-sector platform that integrates opportunity sourcing, acquisition, asset management, and liquidation. The team’s multidisciplinary expertise enables them to operate across the risk spectrum, from opportunistic to value-preserving/core strategies, particularly emphasizing early-stage renewable energy projects in Europe. This evolution reflects a strategic shift towards combining traditional investment approaches with environmental insights to capitalize on emerging green infrastructure opportunities[1][2][3].

Core Differentiators

Unique Investment Model: Focus on early-stage development projects in renewables and energy transition, bridging the gap between initial planning and investable assets.
Network Strength: Access to fragmented markets and regulatory environments in Europe, leveraging partners’ expertise to navigate complex authorizations and construction phases.
Track Record: Demonstrated ability to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns by reshaping and de-risking projects for institutional investors.
Operating Support: Provides not only capital but also management and financial expertise throughout project development, ensuring alignment with long-term ESG goals[1].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Actarus Funds rides the global trend of energy transition and sustainable infrastructure investment, a sector gaining momentum due to increasing regulatory pressure, climate change awareness, and technological advancements in renewables. The timing is critical as Europe intensifies its commitment to decarbonization, creating a fertile environment for early-stage green projects. By focusing on the early development phase, Actarus plays a pivotal role in scaling up the renewable energy ecosystem, facilitating the flow of capital from institutional investors into projects that might otherwise remain underdeveloped due to regulatory and market fragmentation. This bridging function enhances the broader ecosystem’s capacity to meet ambitious climate targets while generating financial returns[1].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Actarus Funds is well-positioned to capitalize on accelerating energy transition trends and expanding ESG investment mandates. As regulatory frameworks stabilize and markets mature, the firm’s expertise in early-stage project development will remain a competitive advantage, enabling it to identify and scale high-potential renewable assets. The increasing demand for sustainable infrastructure investment suggests that Actarus’s influence will grow, potentially expanding its geographic reach and sector coverage within green energy. Continued innovation in financing models and operational support will likely shape its journey, reinforcing its role as a key enabler in Europe’s sustainable energy landscape[1][2].

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Actarus Funds' primary investment focus and sector specialization?

Actarus Funds is a venture capital firm primarily focused on the internet sector. The firm specifically seeks to invest in companies operating as internet service providers (ISPs) and other businesses directly related to the broader internet industry.

When was Actarus Funds established and where is its primary operational base?

Actarus Funds was founded in 2002, marking its entry into the venture capital landscape. The firm maintains its primary operational base in West Hollywood, California.

What stage of companies does Actarus Funds typically target for investment?

As a venture capital firm, Actarus Funds typically targets early-stage companies that demonstrate significant growth potential within its specialized internet and ISP sectors. The firm aims to provide crucial capital to innovative businesses poised for substantial expansion and market penetration.

How does Actarus Funds identify investment opportunities within its niche?

Actarus Funds leverages its specialized focus on internet service providers and internet companies to identify promising ventures. By concentrating on these specific sectors, the firm likely utilizes deep industry knowledge and an established network to source and evaluate early-stage businesses with high-growth prospects.