Unconventional Ventures

High-Level Overview

Unconventional Ventures is a European venture capital firm on a mission to close the persistent funding gap for underrepresented founders—particularly women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The firm’s investment philosophy centers on the belief that diversity drives innovation and that overlooked talent is a source of both outsized impact and strong financial returns. Unconventional Ventures focuses on early-stage (pre-seed and seed) startups in scalable tech sectors, with a strong emphasis on climate tech, health tech, education tech, and inclusive digital services. By combining capital, mentorship, and a purpose-driven network, the firm not only accelerates the growth of its portfolio companies but also reshapes the venture ecosystem to be more equitable and inclusive.

Origin Story

Founded in 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Unconventional Ventures was born out of a recognition that traditional venture capital systematically excludes diverse founders, despite their potential to build transformative companies. The firm was co-founded by Nora Bavey and Thea Messel, who set out to create a fund that would actively challenge the status quo. Over time, the team expanded to include Alexis Horowitz-Burdick as a general partner, bringing transatlantic experience and a broader operational lens. The firm’s focus has remained consistent: to back founders whose lived experiences position them to solve real-world problems, while embedding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of its operations.

Core Differentiators

• Explicit DEI Focus: Unconventional Ventures is one of the few European funds with a clear, measurable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, meeting the 2X criteria at both fund and portfolio levels.
• Impact-Driven Investment: The firm is an SFDR Article 8 fund, aligning its investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and prioritizing companies with impact at their core.
• Strong Network and Support: Portfolio companies benefit from a robust ecosystem of advisors, mentors, and industry connections, including notable figures from impact investing and tech.
• Proven Track Record: Nearly 90% of its first fund’s portfolio companies are led by all-female or mixed-gender teams, demonstrating the firm’s ability to source and support diverse talent.
• Transatlantic Reach: With team members based in both Europe and the US, Unconventional Ventures helps founders scale internationally and access global markets.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Unconventional Ventures is riding a wave of growing awareness about the importance of diversity in innovation. As the tech industry faces increasing scrutiny over its lack of representation, the firm is at the forefront of a movement to make venture capital more inclusive. The timing is critical: with rising demand for climate and health solutions, and a growing pool of underrepresented founders entering the ecosystem, Unconventional Ventures is well-positioned to capture both impact and returns. By proving that diverse teams can build scalable, high-growth companies, the firm is influencing the broader venture landscape and setting a new standard for what a successful fund looks like.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Unconventional Ventures is poised for continued growth, with its second fund targeting €80 million and a clear strategy to back diverse founders building global solutions. As the firm expands its transatlantic footprint and deepens its impact framework, it is likely to become a benchmark for inclusive venture capital in Europe and beyond. The future of tech will be shaped by those who have been historically overlooked, and Unconventional Ventures is ensuring that these founders have the capital, support, and networks they need to succeed. In a world where innovation is increasingly linked to diversity, Unconventional Ventures is not just investing in startups—it’s investing in a more equitable future.