CDTM Venture Fund

Overview

The CDTM Venture Fund is an alumni-backed venture capital fund that provides early-stage capital and support to startups founded by graduates of the Center for Digital Technology & Management (CDTM). Backed exclusively by over 300 CDTM alumni, the fund aims to empower the next generation of founders by offering financial resources and leveraging the extensive network of its alumni. This approach not only fuels innovation but also strengthens the CDTM community by fostering a cycle of support and growth. Operating primarily in Germany, the fund focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, fintech, mobility, e-commerce, edtech, SaaS, biotech, clean tech, media, entertainment, logistics, food & beverage, and real estate. It invests in startups at the seed and early stages, with investment sizes ranging from €100,000 to €5 million. The fund's strategy emphasizes quick, flexible, and founder-friendly terms, providing initial financing or co-investments alongside established venture capital funds and business angels. A significant portion of the fund's profits are reinvested into the CDTM educational program, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and support. This model ensures that successful founders give back to the community that nurtured them, contributing to the broader ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. The fund is operationally managed by Franz Waltenberger, a long-standing member of the CDTM management team, with an investment committee comprising CDTM alumni such as Dr. Sophie Ahrens-Gruber, Christian Deger, and Leon Szeli. The CDTM Venture Fund's unique structure and mission align with the CDTM's overarching goal to connect, educate, and empower the innovators of tomorrow. By providing not only capital but also access to a wealth of knowledge and connections, the fund plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of high-potential ventures and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the CDTM community and beyond.

Investment Focus

• Founders must be graduates of the Center for Digital Technology & Management (CDTM).
• Startups should be in the seed or early stages of development.