BETTINE SCHMITZ

Bettine Schmitz stands as a pivotal figure in the European venture capital landscape, serving as a Partner at Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund. Her work at Auxxo is driven by a powerful mission: to address the significant funding disparity faced by female founders and to foster a more inclusive startup ecosystem. As an early-stage investor, Bettine Schmitz is instrumental in identifying and nurturing high-potential companies led by diverse teams, primarily across Europe.

Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, under Bettine's leadership, focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, providing crucial capital and strategic guidance to startups with at least one female founder. This targeted approach not only aims to generate strong financial returns but also to create a lasting positive impact on the entrepreneurial community. Bettine's investment focus spans various sectors, looking for innovative solutions and scalable business models that have the potential for significant market disruption.

Bettine Schmitz brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to her role as an investor. Prior to co-founding Auxxo, she was a successful entrepreneur herself, having co-founded MyHammer, an online marketplace that went public. This firsthand experience of building and scaling a company from the ground up provides her with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage founders. Her journey from entrepreneur to angel investor, and now to a venture capital partner, underscores her deep commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators.

Her career background as a founder gives Bettine a unique perspective, allowing her to empathize with entrepreneurs and offer practical, actionable advice beyond just capital. She is known for her hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to help them navigate growth, overcome hurdles, and achieve their strategic objectives. While specific notable investments are part of Auxxo's confidential portfolio, the fund consistently backs groundbreaking companies in areas such as SaaS, fintech, health tech, and sustainable technologies, all with a strong emphasis on diverse leadership.

Through her work at Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, Bettine Schmitz is not just investing money; she is investing in a future where talent and innovation are recognized and funded, regardless of gender. Her dedication to fostering a more equitable and dynamic startup environment makes her a key influencer and a respected voice in the European venture capital community.