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Freshmen Fund is an Antwerp, Belgium-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups operating primarily within the consumer and technology sectors. The firm provides early-stage capital alongside hands-on operational support, leveraging the managing partners' more than 30 years of combined consulting experience at McKinsey. The organization's investment strategy focuses on mentoring entrepreneurial teams through critical product development, human resources, financing, and expansion decisions by utilizing a broad network of industry advisors. The firm's leadership draws on direct operational background, notably from scaling the bicycle retail business Bike Republic to 200 employees and 50 million in turnover before its exit to Colruyt in 2016. Operating with capital from internal resources and an extended investor network, the firm actively guides portfolio companies toward sustainable commercial growth. Freshmen Fund was founded by former entrepreneur and executive Hendrik Winkelmans.
Key people at Freshmen Fund.
Freshmen Fund invests in B2C ventures within urban mobility, consumer artificial intelligence, and progressive niche brands. The firm focuses on companies developing solutions for the consumer market in these areas.
Freshmen Fund adopts a hands-on partnership approach, providing strategic support and resources beyond capital to help founders scale their businesses. They leverage a distinct network of advisors and investors to aid in development.
Freshmen Fund was founded by partners Hendrik and Steven. They lead the firm's investment activities and engagement with portfolio companies.
Freshmen Fund invests in B2C ventures within urban mobility, consumer artificial intelligence, and progressive niche brands. The firm focuses on companies developing solutions for the consumer market in these areas.
Freshmen Fund adopts a hands-on partnership approach, providing strategic support and resources beyond capital to help founders scale their businesses. They leverage a distinct network of advisors and investors to aid in development.
Freshmen Fund was founded by partners Hendrik and Steven. They lead the firm's investment activities and engagement with portfolio companies.
Key people at Freshmen Fund.
Freshmen Fund is a European boutique venture capital firm established in 2019, with its headquarters located in Leuven, Belgium. The firm is led by partners Hendrik and Steven, who emphasize a direct and engaged approach to venture capital. Freshmen Fund positions itself as an active investor dedicated to supporting emerging B2C businesses across Europe.
The firm's investment thesis is centered on specific high-growth consumer-facing sectors. Freshmen Fund actively seeks out and invests in companies operating within urban mobility, consumer artificial intelligence, and progressive niche brands. This targeted focus allows the firm to develop specialized expertise and a relevant network, aiming to add significant value beyond capital to its portfolio.
Freshmen Fund adopts a hands-on partnership model with the ventures it supports. The firm aims to provide more than just capital, offering strategic guidance and operational resources to help founders navigate challenges and accelerate growth. This collaborative approach is designed to foster long-term success and market leadership for its portfolio companies.
The partners, Hendrik and Steven, express a commitment to understanding the unique stories and visions of entrepreneurs. They aim to build strong relationships with founders, working closely with them to achieve their business objectives. Freshmen Fund leverages its distinct network of advisors and investors, which has been cultivated over 30 years, to further support its portfolio companies' development and expansion within their respective markets.
Freshmen Fund has 2 tracked investments across 2 companies. The latest tracked deal is $1.2M Seed in Runeasi in February 2026.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2026 | Runeasi | $1.2M Seed | Smarter Ventures | Gemma Frisius Fund, Kerstin Dittmar, Sean Gourley |
| Nov 15, 2023 | Levenue | $8.7M Series A | Patrick Lord | — |
