Thilo Schmalz

N.vest is an active manager which invests in seed, start-up and existing technology SMEs in the life sciences, material sciences, industrial technologies, environmental technologies and information and communication technologies sectors in Lower Austria. In select cases, they also invest in companies in adjacent provinces or neighboring countries. The firm seek to invest EUR 0.1-1.5 million in companies with a large potential market, an existing or soon to be achieved innovative process or product, a USP allowing them to achieve above-average growth and a cooperative management team. They raise additional funds through investment syndicates, co-investing with management, business angels or other financial institutions. N.vest takes significant minority stakes in their investee companies, partnering with management to provide support including strategic direction, implementing controlling and reporting systems, structuring further financing rounds, selecting and manning management positions, implementing incentive schemes and orienting organizational structures. They typically hold investments for four to eight years.