Cavalry Ventures

Overview

Cavalry Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed stage investments across European enterprise and consumer software startups. Founded by entrepreneurs with operational experience, the firm manages over €260 million in assets under management and has invested in more than 50 companies. The firm distinguishes itself through hands-on operational support, connecting portfolio companies with a network of over 200 angel investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to facilitate growth toward Series A funding.

History

Cavalry Ventures was founded in 2016 by Rouven Dresselhaus, Claude Ritter, Stefan Walter, Markus Fuhrmann, Marcel Hollerbach, and Dominik Matyka. The firm was created by founders who had previously started and run their own companies, seeking to build the early-stage venture fund they wished had existed when launching their first ventures. By 2021, Cavalry received the "Hottest Seed Fund" award at The Europas Tech Startup Awards. The firm has grown to manage multiple funds with a portfolio including notable investments such as Forto, McMakler, REKKI, BRYTER, PlanRadar, Aleph Alpha, Flip, Spread, and Usercentrics.

Notable Products

• Pre-seed and Seed Investment Fund - Early-stage capital deployment for European software startups at pre-seed and seed stages
• Platform Team Network - Curated network of 200+ angel investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry experts providing advisory and operational support
• Portfolio Company Support Services - Operational guidance in strategy, product development, sales, international expansion, recruiting, and marketing

Reputation

Cavalry Ventures is recognized as a leading early-stage investor in European software startups with strong operational expertise derived from founder experience. The firm earned recognition as the "Hottest Seed Fund" at The Europas Tech Startup Awards in 2021, reflecting credibility within the venture capital community. The firm is perceived as hands-on and entrepreneur-focused, though as a relatively specialized seed-stage investor, its impact is concentrated in early-stage European markets rather than later-stage or global venture capital circles.