KLAUS HOMMELS

Klaus Hommels stands as a towering figure in the European venture capital landscape, serving as the Managing Partner at Lakestar. Under his leadership, Lakestar has solidified its position as one of Europe's premier early-stage and growth-stage technology investors, known for its strategic foresight and deep industry expertise. Hommels' vision has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment thesis, which centers on identifying and nurturing companies poised to disrupt established markets and create new ones.

His investment focus is broad yet discerning, primarily targeting innovative technology companies across sectors such as fintech, SaaS, healthtech, artificial intelligence, and consumer internet. Klaus Hommels has a particular knack for spotting nascent trends and backing founders with ambitious visions, often at the earliest stages of their development. He is a strong advocate for the European tech ecosystem, believing in its immense potential to produce global champions. Lakestar, under Hommels' guidance, provides not just capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to an extensive network, helping portfolio companies navigate the complexities of rapid growth and international expansion.

Hommels' career background is as impressive as his current endeavors. He is widely recognized as a pioneer in European internet investing, having been involved in the tech scene since its nascent days. Before founding Lakestar in 2012, he held significant roles at leading venture capital firms, including Benchmark Capital and Accel Partners, where he honed his investment acumen and developed a keen eye for disruptive innovation. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident even earlier, having founded and successfully exited his own company, Actebis, a technology distributor. This blend of operational experience and investment expertise provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by startups.

Throughout his illustrious career, Klaus Hommels has been associated with an impressive roster of successful companies that have gone on to achieve global prominence. His notable investments include early stakes in transformative platforms such as Skype, Facebook, and Spotify, demonstrating his ability to identify future titans. More recently, his portfolio at Lakestar features European success stories like Revolut, Klarna, Criteo, Delivery Hero, King.com, and Glovo, among many others. These investments underscore his consistent track record of backing companies that redefine industries and achieve significant market impact. Klaus Hommels continues to be a driving force behind European tech innovation, committed to fostering the next generation of global technology leaders.