C4 Ventures, a European venture capital firm led by experienced technology operators, has announced the launch of its third investment fund. The new fund aims to raise approximately 100 million euros and will focus on early-stage investments in artificial intelligence and deep technology startups across Europe. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in the field of AI and advanced technologies.
Europe boasts a large and diverse market combined with considerable talent, research infrastructure, and entrepreneurial spirit. C4 Ventures sees these attributes as vital ingredients for developing a sovereign European ecosystem capable of competing on the world stage. The firm believes that a significant reallocation of investment capital towards regional startups will occur, supporting the continent’s ambition to emerge as a major player in artificial intelligence over the coming decades.
The firm considers artificial intelligence to be the most pivotal technological shift of the current era. Its impact is expected to extend beyond software applications—which currently dominate the industry—and into physical AI sectors, such as robotics and autonomous systems. C4 Ventures has been a pioneer in these areas since its inception, emphasizing its commitment to the hardware side of AI as well.
Recognized for its expertise in hardware innovation, C4 Ventures has invested in several notable companies, including five unicorns in the hardware sector. Its portfolio features pioneering firms like Neura Robotics, known for cognitive robots; Graphcore, which develops AI processors; Alice & Bob and PsiQuantum, both advancing quantum computing; and Arago, a company working on AI semiconductors.
What sets C4 Ventures apart from more traditional venture capital firms is its operator-led, founder-first philosophy. The firm was founded by former executives from major tech companies, including Apple and Microsoft, such as Pascal Cagni and Eric Boustouller. These founders have extensive experience scaling technology companies across Europe and internationally. Their approach involves actively supporting visionary entrepreneurs from the early stages of their ventures through to successful exits.
Additionally, C4 Ventures benefits from a global network of over 30 operating partners, drawn from leading technology companies worldwide. These experts offer strategic guidance, operational support, and valuable industry connections, further strengthening the firm’s investment ecosystem.
Since its founding in 2014, C4 Ventures has made investments in 54 technology startups, with 12 achieving unicorn status—an impressive track record that is relatively rare within the European venture capital landscape. The firm has experienced significant success with its investments, completing over 20 exits, including two initial public offerings on the New York Stock Exchange for Riskified and Via, as well as multiple mergers and acquisitions.
KEY QUOTES:
“The AI revolution is bigger than any previous technological shift we’ve seen since the Internet. We are at the forefront of a massive transformation that will redefine industries. With C4 Ventures III, we are doubling down on this moment, backing talented founders in AI, robotics, quantum computing and beyond”.
C4 Ventures Founder & CEO Pascal Cagni
“C4 Ventures was built on a vision of Operators backing Entrepreneurs with global ambition and strong involvement. Fund III will extend this vision into the AI era, combining our operating and investing experience with the determination of founders to build Europe’s next champions.”
C4 Ventures Co-Founder and Managing Director Boris Bakech
“The success of C4 Ventures II has strengthened our conviction to launch C4 Ventures III to seize the defining technological shift of our time: artificial intelligence. Technology’s next chapter is unfolding right now, in Europe as much as anywhere else, and we are committed to supporting the founders who will shape it.”
C4 Ventures Partner Eric Boustouller
