Lisbon-based venture capital firm Faber has launched its third fund, securing an initial close of $34 million with a goal to reach $64 million. The Faber Tech Fund III is set to target early-stage startups, particularly in deep tech fields such as AI, robotics, and biotech, across Southern Europe.
This new fund has seen contributions from notable partners, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), the NATO Innovation Fund, and Portugal’s Caixa Capital, positioning it to fuel the region’s growing tech ecosystem. Faber’s focus reflects the increasing flow of scientific and technical talent toward Southern Europe, especially in hubs like Portugal and Spain, where education exchange programs are prominent.
Targeting Breakthrough Technologies for Resilience and Security
The investment will prioritize pre-seed and seed-stage companies in AI, data science, and robotics, with planned investments in emerging areas like photonic and analog chip design, and synthetic biology. These sectors not only promise growth but are crucial for Europe’s long-term technological resilience. Chris O’Connor, managing partner of the NATO Innovation Fund, commented on the importance of this focus, highlighting that “maintaining Europe’s technological edge is critical to ensuring the region’s security and resilience.”
Faber’s Continued Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Faber’s track record includes raising $24 million in its previous fund and establishing Faber Blue Pioneers, an initiative focused on ocean technologies. Its portfolio spans influential startups like Sword Health, Smartex, and MicroHarvest, and with this third fund, Faber is set to support even more transformative solutions.
As Faber seeks to reach its full $64 million goal, the firm’s expanded fund underscores its commitment to supporting emerging technologies that align with Europe’s strategic goals.