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Rockstart functions as an early-stage investor and accelerator for purpose-driven founders. It provides capital and comprehensive support, guiding startups from pre-seed through Series B with strategic planning, fundraising preparation, and market introductions. The firm specifically focuses on advancing innovation within the Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies sectors, fostering impactful growth through mentor-driven programs.
Co-founded by Rune Theill, Rockstart launched in Amsterdam in 2011 as a pioneering startup accelerator. The core insight addressed the need for structured guidance and early-stage capital. This empowered nascent companies with a robust framework, helping entrepreneurs navigate scaling complexities and translate groundbreaking ideas into viable, impactful businesses.
Rockstart serves ambitious founders creating solutions for a regenerative and sustainable future. Its mission is to empower these entrepreneurs to drive positive change globally. The firm envisions accelerating a sustainable future by cultivating lasting partnerships within its ecosystem of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, providing a launchpad for impactful innovation.
Key people at Rockstart.
Key people at Rockstart.
Rockstart has 20 tracked investments across 16 companies. The latest tracked deal is $1.2M Seed in Root Sustainability in January 2026.
Rockstart is an early-stage venture capital firm and accelerator that invests in purpose-driven founders focused on creating a regenerative and sustainable future. Their mission is to fund the transformation toward sustainability by supporting startups primarily in three key sectors: Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies. Rockstart provides tailored accelerator programs, mentorship, market access, and capital from pre-seed to Series B stages, helping startups scale rapidly and achieve commercial partnerships. Since its founding, Rockstart has invested in over 350 startups, fostering a global ecosystem with offices in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogotá, and has facilitated notable exits and significant startup growth[1][2][5].
Founded in 2011, Rockstart was co-founded by Rune Theil, who remains CEO. The firm evolved from a pure accelerator model into a hybrid seed investor and accelerator, emphasizing long-term support beyond initial acceleration. Its international team of over 45 professionals from 20 nationalities reflects its global footprint and commitment to empowering founders worldwide. Rockstart’s early focus on sustainability and impact-driven innovation has expanded to include corporate partnerships with major companies like Maersk and Shell, enabling faster co-creation and market access for startups[1][4][5].
Rockstart rides the global trend toward sustainability and regenerative innovation, addressing urgent challenges in energy transition, food systems, and emerging technologies. The timing is critical as governments, consumers, and industries increasingly demand sustainable solutions, creating favorable market forces for Rockstart’s portfolio companies. By bridging startups with corporates and investors, Rockstart accelerates the adoption of breakthrough technologies, influencing the broader ecosystem toward a greener, more sustainable economy[1][5].
Looking ahead, Rockstart is poised to deepen its impact by expanding its investment capacity and enhancing its corporate partnerships to drive faster innovation cycles. Trends such as decarbonization, circular economy, and AI-driven technologies will shape its portfolio focus. As sustainability becomes a central global priority, Rockstart’s role as a catalyst for purpose-driven startups will likely grow, reinforcing its influence in shaping a regenerative future and scaling solutions that address climate and societal challenges[1][5].
