Lisbon and London-based venture studio Creative Capital Ventures (CCV) has announced an €18 million fund aimed at advancing early-stage technology companies, IP acquisitions, and innovative consumer products.
The fund, launched with initial commitments from institutional and private investors, including Saratoga Capital and Anthill Ventures, is targeting a total raise of €50 million by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The initial funds are expected to support startups operating in sectors with significant growth potential, such as sports tech, media, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Just yesterday, we also reported about Peter Thiel’s VC that led Crusoe Energy’s $500M funding round. It’s an interesting story too.
Fund targets high-growth sectors with disruptive potential
Creative Capital Ventures has identified high-growth sectors where rapid innovation and disruptive technologies are creating new market opportunities. John Darling, a leading figure at CCV, explained, “We are excited to launch our new fund. It will provide critical capital and help scale innovative startups.
We aim to foster long-term success for ambitious entrepreneurs.” According to CCV, these industries are poised for growth, particularly as digital media, immersive entertainment, and consumer health and wellness continue to gain traction with modern consumers.
The venture capital firm has a history of success, with experience impacting over 150 startups, founding 20 companies, and overseeing six exits. Leveraging this experience, CCV intends to strategically invest in early-stage tech firms, particularly those working on intellectual property (IP)-related projects. The fund’s goal is to achieve venture-like returns while focusing on assets that present greater stability.
Focus on IP acquisition and immersive experiences
With the new fund, Creative Capital Ventures is placing particular emphasis on intellectual property acquisitions, especially in entertainment and media, which they see as high-potential areas for growth. Rich Britton, head of the fund’s creative investments, elaborated on the importance of IP in the firm’s strategy.
“Our fund is committed to supporting ventures innovating in IP-related fields, especially those creating immersive experiences and taking advantage of music rights,” Britton said. He explained that as demand for digital content increases, companies that capitalise on IP, particularly those offering unique entertainment experiences, stand to benefit from robust growth.
Britton’s perspective reflects recent trends in the media and entertainment industry, where innovations in virtual and augmented reality, as well as shifts in music and video content rights, are creating new business models and consumer engagement strategies. CCV’s approach to IP acquisition also aligns with the expanding scope of digital media, as the boundaries between content production and consumption continue to blur, opening up new revenue streams for content creators and rights holders alike.
CCV’s operational strategy: Leveraging pivotal venture studio
In addition to financial investments, Creative Capital Ventures will offer hands-on strategic and operational support through Pivotal, its in-house venture studio. This setup enables CCV to provide direct assistance to portfolio companies in areas such as strategic planning, marketing, and product development. Dominic Joseph, who oversees Pivotal’s operations, emphasised the studio’s role in supporting startups from an operational standpoint.
“With Pivotal, we’re bringing a hands-on technique to the startup acceleration process,” Joseph explained. “Our team will provide ongoing, tactical support that covers everything from strategic planning to operational execution, ensuring that we position our investments for real and sustainable growth.”
Pivotal’s integrated approach to startup support highlights CCV’s commitment to driving growth through a combination of financial backing and strategic guidance, a model that has been gaining traction in venture capital as investors seek more influence over portfolio outcomes.
Looking to raise €50 Million by early 2025
Creative Capital Ventures has secured €18 million in initial commitments, with a goal to reach €50 million by early 2025. This staged approach allows the firm to begin deploying capital immediately while working toward its longer-term funding targets. Initial investments from the fund will focus on 18 startups, with 11 follow-on investments planned, aiming to provide the resources necessary for rapid scaling and sustained growth.
The early commitments come from a combination of institutional and private investors, including the strategic input of Saratoga Capital and Anthill Ventures, both of whom bring experience in supporting high-growth startups. This backing is expected to further enhance CCV’s reach across Europe, especially in areas of digital media and consumer products innovation.
Potential impact on the startup landscape
The launch of CCV’s fund reflects a broader shift within venture capital toward more flexible investment models that combine traditional capital allocation with hands-on support. With its focus on technology, digital media, and consumer innovation, CCV’s fund aims to meet the needs of early-stage companies navigating competitive landscapes. As European technology startups continue to mature and diversify, the support provided by hybrid venture studios like CCV could play a crucial role in shaping market leaders across various sectors.
What do we think of the VC
Creative Capital Ventures’ €18 million fund represents a strategic effort to harness disruptive potential in high-growth sectors across Europe. By focusing on technology, digital media, and consumer products, and through a hands-on approach to venture support, CCV is positioning itself to help early-stage companies overcome market challenges and accelerate growth.
With an anticipated total of €50 million in funding and a focus on operational guidance, the firm aims to contribute to the development of next-generation technology companies in an evolving startup ecosystem. As the fund begins its deployment, it will be interesting to see how CCV’s model impacts the broader venture capital landscape and the startups it supports.
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