01
Invest
Pre-seed and seed investments in European technology companies. We look first at the problem, the technical edge and the people building it.
We are architects, builders, investors.
We don't predict the future. We back and build the companies that shape it.
- Venture builders since 2016
- Partner to European family offices
- DeepTech & AI
What we are
We back Europe's builders — and build alongside them. Our own capital gives us the freedom to move early, stay patient and remain involved for the long term.
Beyond capital, we build companies and develop our own software, data and research tools.
Based in Bavaria, investing across Europe, with a focus on DeepTech and Physical AI.
From Founders to Founders.
Three engines, one operator
Invest. Venture. Build.
02
Venture
We co-found and build companies ourselves. That means working through product, hiring, operations and go-to-market alongside the team.
03
Build
We develop software and data tools in-house, from market intelligence to research infrastructure, for our own investment work and, where useful, portfolio companies.
Where we focus
Intelligence is leaving the cloud.
AI is moving into devices, machines and physical infrastructure. We focus on technologies that are hard to build and hard to copy, from hardware and edge computing to proprietary data and scientific IP.
01
DeepTech
We invest in science and engineering-led companies across advanced computing and hardware, where technical depth creates lasting advantage.
02
Physical / Edge AI
AI embedded in devices, machines and infrastructure. We look for systems that sense, decide and act close to where data is generated.
03
AI-Native Software
Vertical software built around AI, with proprietary workflows, data and decision infrastructure that improve with every cycle of use.
The stack we run on our own capital
We don't just back technology. We build it.
Our internal stack supports sourcing, research, pricing and portfolio work. We build it for ourselves first, then use the same infrastructure where it can help our companies.
01Collectibles
Pricing Engine
SKU-level pricing and classification for graded collectibles, including daily marks, margins and liquidity.
02Signal
Network Intelligence
Maps companies, people and relationships to turn fragmented information into structured sourcing.
03Quant research
Volatility Models
Models used to stress-test positions and understand range, liquidity and downside rather than produce point forecasts.
04Patents
500+
patents across companies we have built and funded.
- In-house software & tooling — built by us
- Pan-European family-office network
- Multi-decade investment horizon
Entrepreneurial capital. European roots.
We think long term, not in fund cycles.
A.C. Ventures invests its own capital and co-invests with selected family offices across Europe. Without a fixed fund life, we can stay invested for as long as the opportunity requires.
For Family OfficesThe alternative edge
Alpha hides in unusual places.
Collectibles are one example. In 2021 we started building a data-driven investment approach to sealed and graded trading cards, including Pokémon.
We developed SKU-level pricing and classification models and manage the category with the same discipline we apply to other assets. Today we invest both in selected assets and in the infrastructure around the market, including marketplaces, grading, authentication and tooling.
- Asset class
- Data-graded
- SKU-level pricing
- Since 2021
Selected companies
What we back and build.
A selection of companies we invest in, build or operate across our core themes.
- LivingPacketsDeepTech / Physical AI
- NanoliveHealth / Life Science
- Wolf RadarDeepTech / Physical AI
- waipu.tvDigital Infrastructure
- PA.COTTEDeepTech / Engineering
- FuxamAI / Software
- DoNexusAI / Software
- PenguinDigital Infrastructure
- NerdbankCollectibles
- Recover SocietyHealth / Life Science
- AJS ImmobilienReal Assets
- Your company?Write us
CO.01DeepTech / Physical AI
LivingPackets
Physical AI infrastructure for logistics, combining connected packaging, edge intelligence and secure high-value shipment tracking.
- THE BOX — folds flat in 5 s (400 → 93 mm)
- Zero-power E Ink label — never disappears
- Senses temp · shock · humidity · pressure
CO.02Health / Life Science
Nanolive
Label-free live-cell imaging and analysis.
- Holotomography — no dyes, no phototoxicity
- 200 nm lateral resolution · 100-angle acquisition
- EPFL spin-off · 300+ units installed worldwide
CO.03DeepTech / Physical AI
Wolf Radar
Radar systems for surveillance, safety and critical infrastructure.
- Advanced radar systems — RF/microwave modules built in-house
- AI/ML signal processing on real-time embedded systems
- Made in Europe · engineered onsite in Erlangen
CO.04Digital Infrastructure
waipu.tv
IPTV platform built on self-developed high-speed streaming infrastructure.
- 300+ channels in HD
- 40,000+ titles on demand (waiputhek)
- 2M+ customers · up to 4 devices at once
- 4K Stick · Dolby Atmos
CO.05DeepTech / Advanced Engineering
PA.COTTE
Ultimate high-tech luxury — Swiss group, French creativity, German reliability.
- Electronics · Mechanics · Design — AI to nano-physics
- Thousands of parts, assembled with utmost precision
- Lausanne · Nantes · Paris · Bavaria
- No advertising. Private presentation only.
CO.06AI / Software
Fuxam
Fully AI-built all-in-one platform for educational institutions.
- FuxamOne — replaces up to 15 software tools
- AI exams — creation, cheat-proof delivery, grading
- GDPR-compliant · servers in Germany
- Berlin · since 2021 · 30+ institutions
CO.07AI / Software
DoNexus
AI platform for property managers, turning fragmented workflows into proactive operations.
- High accuracy in AI-powered document extraction
- Automated pre-processing for most incoming inquiries
- Email, phone & WhatsApp — one AI-sorted inbox
- TU Munich · founded 2025
CO.08Digital Infrastructure
Penguin
Renewable-powered data-centre infrastructure for high-performance computing.
- 100 MW live · 500 MW pipeline
- 100% renewable — Itaipú hydro
- Immersion cooling · 1.05 PUE · 200 kW/rack
- Hernandarias, Paraguay · since 2019
CO.09Collectibles
Nerdbank
Commerce and infrastructure for the collectibles market.
- Amberg store + online shop · since 2021
- Magic · Pokémon · Yu-Gi-Oh! · Lorcana · One Piece · FaB
- Weekly in-store tournaments & events
CO.10Health / Longevity
Recover Society
Science-based recovery and longevity services.
- HBOT · cold plunge · photobiomodulation · heat
- Routines: Re:gain 60′ · Re:charge 90′ · Re:glow 150′
- Roomers Frankfurt · Baden-Baden · Berlin opening soon
CO.11Real Assets
AJS Immobilien
Residential real estate investment and management in Bavaria.
- Amberg · founded 2022 · ~80 residential units
- Rentals · refurbishment · portfolio development
- Energy-focused modernization in Bavaria
The people
Operators first.
Alexander Cotte
Partner
Alexander combines an entrepreneurial mindset with a deep curiosity for technology. He identifies emerging opportunities early and turns ambitious ideas into companies, investments, and long-term initiatives.
LinkedIn
Steffen Max Simon
Partner
Former BCG Partner and entrepreneur, Steffen combines strategic depth with hands-on execution and investment experience. He brings a sharp perspective on AI, technology and how they translate into sustainable business value.
LinkedIn
Julian Weishaupt
Partner
Julian focuses on strategy, partnerships and decision-making across the portfolio, with an additional focus on real estate. He works closely with founders and management teams on complex operating and growth topics.
LinkedIn
Béla Essinger
Investment Manager
Béla manages investments across the portfolio, from deal making to hands-on strategic support. He works with portfolio companies on strategy, GTM and financing, alongside broader family-office allocation.
LinkedIn
Lena Ruppert
Executive Assistant
Lena manages scheduling, coordination and day-to-day team operations, helping keep communication, meetings and internal processes running smoothly.
LinkedIn
Ludwig Stepper
Collectibles
Ludwig leads our work in collectibles, combining market knowledge with a data-driven approach to sourcing, grading and valuation.
Luna
Office Dog
Luna is our office dog and resident morale officer. She keeps the team grounded between deals, insists on regular fresh-air breaks, and greets every founder at the door.
Let's build
Building something the world says is too early? Good.
Founders
If you are building a technically ambitious company in Europe, we are happy to look early. Prior funding is not required.
founders@acventures.acFamily offices & co-investors
We co-invest selectively and share opportunities with a small network of family offices. Get in touch if there is a fit.
fo@acventures.ac