Merantix Capital Raises €103 Million Fund for AI Startups

Merantix Capital, a Berlin-based venture capital firm, has recently closed its €103 million AI Fund. The fund aims to invest in early-stage AI-native companies across various sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, energy, finance, healthcare, life sciences, robotics, enterprise, and physical AI.

The fund plans to make about 40 investments in European AI companies, with strategic limited partners including Union Investment, Jungheinrich, KPMG Germany, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Dr. Rasmus Rothe, co-founder and GP of Merantix Capital, highlighted Europe’s potential to produce AI champions and emphasized the need for stronger connections between industries and startups driving innovation through AI and machine learning.

In a competitive 2026 European VC market, Merantix Capital’s AI Fund faces competition from specialist funds targeting AI-native companies, deep tech, industrial systems, and AI-related infrastructure. Some comparable funds include Transition Ventures’ Fund II, Samaipata’s AI-native Fund III, DFF Ventures’ fund for software and AI, and Vanagon Ventures’ pre-Seed DeepTech and AI fund.

Merantix Capital has previously been involved as a co-lead investor in OutPost Bio’s pre-Seed round. Adrian Locher, co-founder and GP of Merantix Capital, emphasized the firm’s ability to provide early-stage teams with talent and traction, essential elements for success.

Established in 2016, Merantix Capital is part of the broader Merantix group and focuses on bringing AI applications to real-world sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, life sciences, and enterprise.

The founders of Merantix Capital, Locher and Rothe, bring a wealth of experience to the firm. Locher, a serial entrepreneur and investor, has been instrumental in scaling numerous companies across Europe. Rothe holds a PhD in computer vision and deep learning and is actively involved in the German AI Association.

Nicole Büttner, previously of Merantix Momentum, has joined Merantix Capital full-time as part of the new fund. The fund’s strategy combines venture studio incubations with direct investments at the pre-Seed and Seed stages.

Merantix Capital is actively investing from the new fund, supporting companies like Droidrun, Arqh, Outpost Bio, and other stealth ventures in various sectors. The firm aims to bridge the gap between Europe’s leading corporates and ambitious AI teams on the continent.

Corporate partners collaborating with Merantix Capital gain access to early-stage AI companies, pilot opportunities, and integration into the Merantix ecosystem. The firm’s founders have access to design partners, customers, and AI engineering talent through the Merantix AI community.

In conclusion, Merantix Capital’s new AI Fund represents a significant step in fostering AI innovation in Europe. The firm’s focus on early-stage AI companies and strategic partnerships with corporates sets it apart in the competitive VC landscape.