Today venture capital firm DN Capital announced the launch of its latest USD350 million fund, focusing on early-stage founders developing tech to boost the global post-Covid recovery. 

In an unprecedented global economic environment, the firm’s fifth fund will back early stage entrepreneurs across Europe, the UK and the US who are looking to create businesses built on the pandemic-accelerated surge in digital adoption, and developing tech critical to the global recovery.  

Founded in 2000 by Nenad Marovac and Steve Schlenker, DN Capital now manages USD950 million across five funds. The firm has a track record of partnering with some of Europe’s most promising startups – its portfolio includes the likes of Auto1, Shazam, happn, Hopin, GoStudent, Jobandtalent, and Hometogo. 

In other pandemic-related news, the rise of food tech deals that mark a shift towards the sustainable aspects of food and its environmental impact is causing food startups and brands all over the world to integrate alternative, local, produce and personalised nutrition structures into the very core of their operations. 

In an exclusive Q&A interview for Private Equity Wire we asked Christina Ulardic, partner at Astanor Ventures, some of our most burning questions regarding the future of food tech and her view on how it relates to the opportunities that private capital can provide in this space. 

The wellness theme continued with transatlantic growth-stage venture capital fund Blisce leading a EUR15 million round into home help and well-being services startup Wesaca, with participation from existing investors Serena and ISAI, as well as the co-founder of BlaBlaCar, Frédéric Mazzella. 

Wecasa offers ‘mobile wellness, beauty, and care services seven days a week, for you, your family, and your home.’ “Given the current context, it is essential to take time for oneself and to be able to count on talented home professionals,” said Antoine Chatelain, CEO and co-founder of Wecasa. 

Karin Wasteson
Editor, Private Equity Wire