Creative Disruptors Fund I
As one of Europe’s few DeepTech Operator VCs, our founder-led team leverages each one’s decades of operational, technical, and financial experience to uncover untapped potential, reduce risk of failure and drive significant growth.
Aiming to defy the "accepted norm" model, flipping
70% failure, to 70% success rate
Our thesis
The Creative Disruptors Fund I represents a diversified venture fund primarily focused on Seed/Seed+ investments. The fund's overarching thesis revolves around identifying infrastructure and SaaS applications aimed at reducing friction and enhancing the sustainability of global commerce.
Sectors we invest in:
FinTech
We strategically invest in FinTech, fostering innovation and advancing digital financial solutions for global impact.
Narrow-Focus SaaS
Our focus lies in strategic investments in B2B SaaS, driving growth and innovation in enterprise software solutions.
Supply-Chain-Tech
We invest in Supply Chain Tech, optimizing logistics and revolutionising global supply chains through innovative technological solutions.
Operator VC Benefits
As an operator VC, our team's diverse experience as founders, operators, investors, and technologists provides a distinct strategic advantage. Our deep industry experience, market intuition, and understanding of emerging trends enables us to identify high-potential opportunities. HVL works in partnership with founders, providing the financial rigour and tech power needed to build profitable companies.
Tech/Finance Expertise
We leverage our in-house tech specialist team (100+) and have access to Europe's best tech talent pools.We have built proprietary AI tools to streamline due diligence and enhance the investment selection process.Our custom designed assessment matrix tool ensures consistency and removes bias. Our unique post-investment optimised operational and monitoring framework minimises risk.
92%of European VCs are not operator led!
Our Track Record
Our partners, each a seasoned entrepreneur with a blend of tech and financial acumen, hold an impressive track record as trusted custodians of capital, and in nurturing innovative companies to become industry pacesetters and driving exponential growth.
No. of deal per year
8
No. of follow on deals
3
Allocation Period
3 Year investment period
Management period
7 Years
Target Returns
3.28x MOIC
27.7% IRR
Estimated Fund Life
10 Years
Ireland, UK & Europe
Our operational scope encompasses key geographies, primarily concentrating on Ireland, UK, and Europe.
With a strategic focus on the UK & Ireland innovation ecosystems, we aim to cultivate a strong presence and generate impactful ventures within these markets.
This phased expansion strategy ensures a thoughtful and strategic approach to our geographical footprint, aligning with our overarching mission of fostering innovation and sustainable growth.
Services & Case Studies
Explore the ways in which Hibernia Venture Labs has already provided value to customers.
Wide Carousel of Services
HVL offers access to a diverse pool of Deep-Tech, GTM, and Product experts and domain SMEs to draw from.
Preferential Rates
PortCos enjoy preferential rates on essential services provided by HVL through the service co, enhancing their operational efficiency.
Optimized Framework
HVL's integrated approach streamlines operations for PortCos, with post investment real-time monitoring of cashflow, tech, sales milestones, and strategic direction.
Partnership Ecosystem
We have created synergistic, rich and varied ecosystem that supports our investments and internally incubated assets.
Social Engagement
- Rescued a failed startup resecured from near-insolvency.
- Complete company rebuild, restructure and initialisation done using CFO-as-a-Service.
- Extensive tech build for a social engagement platform, utilising HVL's CTO-as-a-Service.
- Tech-team built platform helping clientonboard 50 enterprise customers inthe US market.
- Raised $1.5m in funding from family office via the HVL network.
AdTech
- Extensive tech build for an AdTech Company, utilizing HVL's CTO as a Service.
- Partnered to increase revenues from €3m to €8m in 9 months.
- Utilized CFO as a Service to restructure and realise tax efficiencies.
- Raised €1m in funding from BlueChip institutions via the HVL network.
Asset Manger
- Responsible for systems that supported ~$2+ trillion AUM as head of Information technology.
- During the tenure of the engagement, AUM increased by ~30%
- Developed & documented technical plan for new near-shore technical team.
- Wholly responsible for all technical DDQ responses for external customer due diligence.
Dealflow Sources
Accelerators & Incubators
Our team are sought-after mentors and judges within the accelerator/incubator scene (e.g., Block Dojo, Dogpatch Labs), giving us unique start up insights and access to a pipeline of vetted, high-potential startups.
Universities& Spin-Outs
Our strategic relationships with top academic institutions (e.g., Trinity College Dublin and UCD) positions us to identify and invest in transformative companies before they hit the mainstream.
Advisory Board
With a history of successful investments and partnerships, our Advisory board has established a reputation for identifying and supporting promising startups and provides broad-ranging expertise and industry connections.
EcosystemService-Provider Referrals
We maintain strategic alliances with ecosystem service providers such as legal firms, accounting agencies, and consultancy groups. These partnerships enable us to receive high-quality referrals and recommendations for potential investment opportunities.
Partner Events & Programmes
Actively participating in industry events, forums, and networking platforms, our team engages with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry experts, fostering valuable connections and staying attuned to emerging trends and opportunities.
Investment Process
Apply
Evaluation of opportunities using codified AI Opportunity matrix DD tool.
Triage
Prioritization of potential investments based on strategic fit and viability.
Analysis
In-depth assessment of selected opportunities.
Memo
Compilation of findings & recommendations for the Investment Committee.
Committee
Presentation and discussion of investment proposals.
Due Diligence
Due diligence process to validate investment thesis and assess risks.
Invest
Execution of investment agreements.
Support
Active engagement and support for portfolio companies.
Exit
Strategically manage exits and maximize returns for investors.
General Partners
John has spent his career seeking to identify early stage, transformative opportunities.
Formerly Chairman and Co-Founder of Mont Lake and founder of TaraCapital in Geneva, John oversaw the growth of Mont Lake from $3 million in assets under management to more than $10 billion.
Cyril brings two decades of asset management experience, specialising in scaling financial services firms, especially in alternative investments and fund services.
As former CEO of Mont Lake and Global Chief Growth Officer at Waystone, he's adept at driving revenue growth and leading key business functions.
Colly is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with a multifaceted career spanning over 20 years in the technology sector, marked by groundbreaking ventures in telecoms, education, and FinTech. Beyond technology, he has left an indelible mark as one of the pioneers of the hospitality industry in Ireland, demonstrating his versatility and innovative spirit.
Gerard has spent 20+ years as a leader in commercial, risk and compliance functions across enterprise, medium and small sized companies.
He has extensive experience in regulatory governance, risk assessment, and management.
Iskren is a seasoned leader with 10+years of experience in telco, demonstrating a strong focus on delivery management and business development. He successfully drove growth and innovation as CEO andCo-Founder at the top Bulgarian start-up IT firm, DevTeam BG.
Gareth built and sold a group of manufacturing, distribution, and training companies before transitioning to a Portfolio Career in the innovation economy. He chairsThe LGC Heritage Foundation(£200mn AUM) and advises companies in the EV, FinTech,Blockchain, and EdTech sectors.
Martin is a technology thought leader and cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in the design, implementation, and governance of large-scale IT Architecture.
Martin has built a financial institution system with total assets of €200+billion.
Join us today!
Let's explore opportunities together – schedule a meeting to dive deeper into our investment deck and discover how we can collaborate for mutual success.