Critical Ventures
ABOUT CRITICAL VENTURES
Critical Ventures is a Coimbra-based VC founded in 2011 that invests at seed and Series A in software, digital tech, medical technology, and genetics, with tickets of €2M to €6M. It focuses on deep tech spinoffs with research foundations, often working with University of Coimbra spinoffs across IoT, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Critical Ventures has made 11 investments and recorded one exit, Watchful Software in 2017. Its portfolio includes RunSafe Security, Critical Links, Hackurity, Rhizome, Almetra, Kirontech, and Twinzo. The firm is led by Managing Partner João Carreira, with partners Gonçalo Quadros and Pedro Murtinho and Managing Director Heitor Benfeito. Rooted next to one of Portugal's strongest universities, Critical Ventures channels academic research into commercial software and medical companies at the seed and Series A stages.
INVESTMENT THESIS
Backs deep-tech founders building critical systems — AI, robotics, defence tech, cybersecurity and industrial software — where getting it wrong is not an option. Leads or co-leads from seed to Series B.
INVESTMENT DETAILS
TEAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What stage does Critical Ventures invest at?
Critical Ventures invests at Seed, Series A, Series B stages.
What is Critical Ventures's typical ticket size?
Critical Ventures typically writes cheques of €500K–€3M.
What sectors does Critical Ventures invest in?
Critical Ventures focuses on Deep Tech, AI, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Defence Tech, Industrial Software, MedTech.
Where is Critical Ventures based?
Critical Ventures is a VC based in Coimbra, Portugal, founded in 2011.
Who are the partners at Critical Ventures?
Key people at Critical Ventures include João Carreira (Managing Partner), Gonçalo Quadros (Partner), Pedro Murtinho (Partner), Heitor Benfeito (Managing Director).
What companies has Critical Ventures invested in?
Critical Ventures's portfolio includes Hackurity, Rhizome, Almetra, RunSafe Security, Kirontech, Twinzo, Critical Links, Watchful Software, among others.
Can I invest in Critical Ventures's funds as an external investor?
Critical Ventures raises its funds from external investors (LPs). No open subscription window is publicly announced right now — prospective LPs are typically onboarded when the next fund is raised.
How do I contact or pitch Critical Ventures?
You can reach Critical Ventures via their website (critical-ventures.com). You can also run your startup through Portugal VC's AI matcher to get a ranked shortlist of the investors that fit.