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Jeannette zu Fürstenberg is a Berlin, Germany-based Managing Director at General Catalyst, where she leads the firm's European early-stage investment practice with a focus on deep tech and climate sustainability. Prior to assuming this position in late 2023, she founded the European seed-stage venture fund La Famiglia VC in 2016, which she subsequently merged into General Catalyst to scale regional technology investments. Throughout her venture capital career, she has managed portfolios exceeding 20 companies and backed prominent European unicorns at the seed stage, including the Swedish electric battery manufacturer Northvolt. She recently directed a major 2024 investment in the solar energy startup Enpal, and she holds a PhD in Philosophy from Freie Universität Berlin. Her current professional focus centers on bridging early-stage artificial intelligence, industrial technology, and energy transition startups with established European mid-sized enterprises.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg stands as a prominent figure in the global venture capital landscape, serving as a Managing Director at General Catalyst. In this influential role, she is instrumental in shaping the future of technology by identifying and backing groundbreaking companies. Her work at General Catalyst underscores the firm's commitment to fostering innovation, particularly across the vibrant European startup ecosystem.
As a Managing Director, Jeannette zu Fürstenberg is deeply involved in General Catalyst's investment strategy and portfolio management. She focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and supporting high-potential startups, with a particular emphasis on the European market. Her investment thesis often centers on transformative technologies and business models in areas such as fintech, enterprise software as a service (SaaS), and consumer internet platforms. She is known for her founder-centric approach, providing strategic guidance and leveraging her extensive network to help portfolio companies scale effectively. Her insights are invaluable to entrepreneurs navigating complex market dynamics and seeking to achieve global impact.
Before joining General Catalyst, Jeannette zu Fürstenberg established herself as a formidable force in the European venture capital scene. She was a co-founder and Managing Partner at La Famiglia VC, an early-stage venture capital firm renowned for its strong network and successful investments in European tech. Her tenure at La Famiglia saw her play a crucial role in the growth of numerous innovative companies, solidifying her reputation as a keen investor and a trusted advisor to founders. Her career also includes a background in law, which provides her with a unique analytical perspective on business and investment opportunities. This diverse professional journey has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and operational challenges faced by startups.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg's contributions extend beyond capital allocation. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, actively working to support underrepresented founders and foster a more equitable ecosystem. Her vision for the future of tech is one where innovation is globally distributed, and entrepreneurs are empowered with the resources and mentorship needed to succeed. Through her leadership at General Catalyst, she continues to drive significant value for both the firm and the companies it invests in, reinforcing her status as a key influencer in venture capital.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg is a Managing Director at General Catalyst, a leading venture capital firm. She is a prominent investor known for her expertise in the European technology market, focusing on supporting innovative startups and founders.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg primarily invests in European technology companies across various sectors. Her investment focus areas include fintech, enterprise software as a service (SaaS), and consumer internet platforms. She supports companies from early stages through significant growth.
Jeannette zu Fürstenberg works as a Managing Director at General Catalyst. General Catalyst is a global venture capital firm with a strong presence and investment focus in the European technology ecosystem.
