Founded in 2006 by Niklas Zennström, a co-founder of Skype, Atomico invests in innovative technology companies that are, or will become category winners. We have made over 50 investments over four continents, with an exclusive focus on the technology sector. Our sector expertise and deep network mean that we know, and have worked with, people across the world who can add value to our portfolio companies.
The world has now changed to be smaller, flatter and much more connected. Great companies can come from anywhere. As a result, venture capital firms must change, and the traditional stages of investment have been blurred by companies growing users and revenues with ever-increasing speed. Successful investors must now be able to identify and invest in potential category winners at all stages, and be able to add real value to companies.
To do this we operate with a single, international structure composed of two core teams; the market expansion team, and the investment team. They are close-knit and uniquely balanced, including people who have worked together for over 10 years as entrepreneurs and investors, and newer members who have brought additional skills onboard.
Our unique market expansion team is focused on adding value to our portfolio companies, and has an unrivalled business-development network, and outstanding track record, with deep relationships in the US and Europe, and an ability to super-charge growth in Latin America and Asia via our São Paulo and Beijing offices. We have highly-relevant operational experience at companies like Nextel, Openwave, Palm, and Skype.
Our London-based investment team has a wide range of backgrounds including deep operational experience including: founding and running Skype and Kazaa, years of venture capital experience, and experience in blue-chip investment banks, private equity and consulting firms including Goldman Sachs, Silver Lake, Robertson Stephens, Lehman and Bain. These backgrounds enable us to add value at all stages in a company’s lifecycle, from inception to exit.
We believe that to find the highest-quality deals you need an active approach to deal sourcing. Our flagship Open Office program exemplifies this view. Eight to ten times a year we travel to major cities and host events that extend our network of local angels, entrepreneurs, and other influencers. Recent locations include Amsterdam, Beijing, Copenhagen, Dublin, Helsinki, Paris and Tokyo.
Our investments range from small seed investments to larger growth investments. We look for outstanding teams that have a game-changing technology or a disruptive business model, and has the potential to become an international category winner. We want our portfolio companies to attack large and changing market opportunities, or potential opportunities.
Atomico (UK) Partners LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK.
