HARRY NELIS

Harry Nelis stands as a distinguished Partner at Accel, one of the world's premier venture capital firms. Based in London, he plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of European technology leaders. His expertise lies in early-stage investments, particularly within the dynamic sectors of SaaS, FinTech, and B2B software, where he actively supports founders in building companies with global aspirations.

Nelis's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in identifying disruptive technologies and scalable business models. He has a keen eye for companies leveraging software to transform industries, from enterprise automation to financial services innovation. His portfolio reflects a strong commitment to the European tech ecosystem, backing entrepreneurs who are poised to challenge established markets and create new ones. Key areas of interest include cloud-native solutions, vertical SaaS, marketplace platforms, and companies that demonstrate strong network effects and robust unit economics. He is particularly drawn to ambitious teams with a clear vision for international expansion.

Before joining Accel in 2004, Harry Nelis brought a wealth of operational and financial experience to the venture capital world. His career began in software development at Baan, a Dutch enterprise software company. This hands-on experience was followed by an entrepreneurial venture, where he co-founded a company that was later acquired by Baan, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a startup. He then transitioned to the financial sector, working in Goldman Sachs' European technology investment banking group. This diverse background, spanning software engineering, entrepreneurship, and investment banking, provides him with a unique perspective and deep understanding of the technology landscape, which he leverages to guide his portfolio companies.

Nelis has an impressive track record of backing highly successful companies. Among his most notable investments are UiPath, a global leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Celonis, a pioneer in process mining technology, both of which have achieved significant scale and market leadership. Other key investments include MessageBird, a cloud communications platform; Sennder, a digital freight forwarder; and Vinted, a popular online marketplace for second-hand fashion. These investments underscore his ability to spot innovative companies with strong growth potential across various sub-sectors of technology. His guidance helps these companies navigate rapid growth, strategic challenges, and international expansion, solidifying their positions as market leaders.

Harry Nelis continues to be a driving force in the European venture capital scene, consistently identifying and empowering founders who are shaping the future of technology. His strategic insights and extensive network make him a valuable partner for entrepreneurs aiming for global impact.