Ventures

Welcome to one of Poland’s leading VC funds.

Who we are and what we do

HardGamma Ventures has been at the forefront of technology investments since its establishment in 2011 after successful angel investments made by HardGamma Consulting.

We look for and invest in startups within the software, hardware, IoT and mobile environments which already have an existing product or a service and are proven to gain initial customer or revenue traction.

Our primary market is in Poland, but we also reach out across the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and further afield to the UK and US.

Our vision

We feel that HardGamma Ventures is a livewire in the regional tech ecosystem, and we continue to look for promising startups – no matter where they are based – which have matured and are gearing up for a serious funding round.

Do you need help getting your next big idea off the ground?

Our pedigree

HardGamma Ventures is based locally but driven globally. We are a fully privately-owned fund, meaning we are not held up by unnecessary bureaucracy. As a result we can make quick and informed decisions on all our activities and investments.

We have invested in two editions of the Springboard accelerator (Springboard London and Springboard IoT), and we are a current investor in Techstars London. We also run our own accelerator, GammaRebels, which also operates a number of pre-acceleration programs.

About Venture Capital

In the dynamic world of startups, a captivating narrative unfolds, known as the hype factor. This excitement swirls around stealth startups, shrouded in secrecy until the opportune moment. Yet, a startup’s success hinges on more than just hype—it relies on sustainable practices.

The burn rate, a vital metric, dictates the pace of spending and survival. Startups that disregard this risk disinvestment or worse, liquidation. Among the pillars of startup life are equity grants, which tie founders and employees to the company’s fate. Vesting periods and cliff vesting delay ownership, fostering loyalty and commitment.

Venture capital (VC) firms, the lifeblood of startups, rely on key metrics to assess potential and guide investments. With LPs and GPs at the helm, these firms navigate a complex fund structure to seek high returns. Amid this financial landscape, ISOs and NSOs emerge as forms of equity compensation, each with its perks.

In the midst of this fast-paced world, unicorns emerge—startups valued at over a billion dollars. These rarities captivate with their rapid growth and innovation. Yet, as startups scale, they encounter hurdles—pro rata rights and term sheets. Investors negotiate to retain ownership, guided by these crucial agreements.

Venture capital funding, a double-edged sword, bestows resources and mentorship but also imposes the pressure to scale. To become a venture capitalist, one must navigate a path paved with expertise, connections, and diligence. The distinction between venture capitalists and angel investors, despite funding similarities, lies in scale and involvement.

Accelerators and incubators offer shelter and nourishment for startups in their early stages. Disinvestment and liquidation loom as challenging choices when startups falter. Forward integration promises growth through vertical expansion, though challenges abound.

Within this realm, compensation discussions reign supreme. Startup success hinges on attracting talent through competitive packages. Yet, a startup’s journey is marked by evaluation metrics and founder’s syndrome. Striking a balance between control and innovation is paramount.

VCs walk a fine line, analyzing metrics to optimize investments. As the journey unfolds, hurdles emerge—anti-dilution protection safeguards equity, and right of first refusal opens doors. Term sheets serve as blueprints, guiding startups toward agreements.

Fund administration ensures smooth operations, while stock vesting aligns interests. Amid the financial labyrinth, Form 3921 aids ISO tax reporting, and LOIs pave the way for agreements. Qualified purchasers seize investment opportunities, and GPs drive fund management.

Amid the complexity, SPVs offer flexibility, and advisory shares welcome expertise. FoFs diversify portfolios, and post-money and pre-money valuations dictate worth. In the vintage dance, venture capital funds maneuver for success.

Private markets unveil untapped potential, as time horizons shape investments. DPI gauges performance, and accelerators and incubators nurture ideas. LPs invest, while TVPI and NAV guide value assessment.

Capital calls sustain momentum, and MOIC quantifies returns. Dry powder reserves seize opportunities, and in this journey, skills and profession intertwine. Venture capitalists and angel investors chart divergent paths, and the allure of venture capital funding comes with trade-offs.

Through the highs and lows, the startup landscape weaves a tapestry of innovation and risk. In this world, where possibilities and pitfalls coexist, the story of startups and venture capital unfolds—a tale of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness.