Nauta Capital has completed the first close of its 2015 fund at USD70 million, resulting in total assets under management (AUM) of USD260 million.
The final close is expected during the first half of 2016 with a total fund target ranging from USD115 to 175 million.
Nauta Capital, which has offices in London, Barcelona and Boston, backs entrepreneurs committed to creating global capital efficient software companies in large markets with limited previous technology impact. Areas of interest include B2B software, disruptive digital media and enabling technologies for mobile and the internet.
Nauta has led investments in 30+ companies including Scytl, Brandwatch, Fizzback, GreatCall, Eyeview Digital, Basekit, Rifiniti, ForceManager, Marfeel, Getapp, Incrowd, Privalia and Social Point.
The first close of the 2015 fund includes leading institutions in the UK and Continental Europe, as well as a number of large European and Latin American family offices. The VC Catalyst Fund, managed by the British Business Bank has also committed to the fund.
Nauta plans to lead approximately 25 investments in the next five years out of its new fund.
Carles Ferrer (pictured), General Partner, Nauta Capital, says: “Our passion is backing great entrepreneurs that share our desire to produce world-leading capital efficient B2B software companies and become global disruptors. We target businesses operating in large markets where technology has had limited impact to date but show strong prospects of rapid and material change.
These companies can grow substantially with the right backing and Nauta has a great track record in responsible investment at the right stage in a company’s life, avoiding conflicts between entrepreneurs, teams and investors. Our companies use our initial funding to grow very rapidly and will accelerate investment only when appropriate. This aligns interests across the board and maximises returns at all sizes of exits”
Ken Cooper, Managing Director, Venture Capital Solutions, British Business Bank, says: “The Nauta team has a proven track record in nurturing disruptive tech companies in the UK. The British Business Bank investment will allow them to grow their UK operations and back more of this country's promising technology businesses.”
