La Famiglia

La Famiglia is a European venture capital fund focused on investing in technology companies that disrupt or enable large industries through early market access, impactful partnerships, and expert guidance. Its mission is to bridge the "old economy" and the digital world by leveraging a network of entrepreneurs, business angels, family businesses, and industry leaders to provide portfolio companies with operational knowledge, global reach, and capital. The fund primarily targets early-stage B2B startups across Europe, supporting them with deep expertise and connections to accelerate growth and industry transformation[1][2][3].

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Berlin, La Famiglia was established by Jeannette zu Fürstenberg and Robert Lacher, with Judith Dada joining as a general partner in 2017. Jeannette brings a legacy from the Krohne Group, an industrial manufacturing family business, which influences the fund’s unique positioning at the intersection of traditional industries and digital innovation. Since its inception, La Famiglia has evolved from a seed investor with a €45 million fund to managing multiple funds totaling over €250 million, including seed and growth-stage capital. In 2023, it was acquired by the US-based General Catalyst, enhancing its global reach and reinforcing its role in fostering cooperation between emerging digital disruptors and established market leaders[3][4][5].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Combines capital with operational knowledge from entrepreneurs and industry magnates, creating a trusted access platform that connects legacy industries with new technology ventures[1][2].
• Network Strength: Backed by a diverse group of world-leading entrepreneurs, family businesses, and conglomerates, providing portfolio companies with early market access and impactful partnerships[1][4].
• Track Record: Active early-stage investor in Europe with a portfolio including unicorns like Personio, Forto, Deel, and y42, demonstrating success in identifying and scaling disruptive tech companies[3].
• Operating Support: Offers hands-on guidance and leverages "old money" values and experience alongside digital expertise to help startups scale effectively[1].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

La Famiglia rides the trend of digital transformation disrupting traditional industries, particularly in Europe’s B2B sector. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for innovation in legacy sectors and growing investor interest in early-stage tech startups. By bridging established industrial players with emerging digital companies, La Famiglia facilitates knowledge transfer, capital flow, and market expansion, thereby influencing the broader ecosystem toward more resilient and scalable tech-enabled businesses[1][4].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, La Famiglia’s integration with General Catalyst positions it to expand its influence beyond Europe, leveraging global expertise to accelerate positive change in tech ecosystems worldwide. Trends such as AI, SaaS, and digital industrial transformation will likely shape its investment focus. The firm’s unique blend of traditional industry insight and digital innovation expertise suggests it will continue to be a key player in nurturing startups that disrupt large industries, reinforcing its role as a bridge between the old and new economy[4][6]. This strategic positioning ties back to its founding mission of seeking "hidden newness and disruptive force" at the intersection of technology and industry[2].