neoteq ventures is a Cologne-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020 by B.J. Park and Simon Schneider. The firm invests in technology startups from pre-seed through Series A across Germany, with a strong regional focus on the Rhineland, the startup ecosystem spanning Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, and surrounding areas. The firm's first fund backed 17 companies, approximately 80% of which are based in the Rhineland, and the second fund continues this strategy with an expanded mandate shaped by the AI transition.
neoteq ventures takes a technology-neutral approach, backing early-stage startups that solve a relevant customer problem with their product and have the potential to become market leaders in their segment. The second fund places particular emphasis on AI-driven or AI-adaptable business models, companies capable of responding flexibly to rapid developments in artificial intelligence and changing market conditions. Sectors covered by the existing portfolio include logistics, PropTech, energy transition, medtech, robotics, HR tech, and SaaS.
neoteq ventures Fund II announced a first close of ~$27.5M USD (€25M+) in May 2026, with a target total volume of ~$55M USD (€50M). The fund is expected to reach final close by April 2027, with further investors able to join through spring 2026. Anchor investors include NRW.BANK (~$11M USD / €10M), Kreissparkasse Köln, and Sparkasse KölnBonn.
Additional LPs include corporates, family offices, and private investors, a high proportion of whom are re-investing from Fund I, which the firm cites as a sign of LP confidence. NRW.BANK's participation forms part of its broader strategy to expand early-stage VC access for startups in North Rhine-Westphalia and mobilise private capital for the regional market.
Leadership
B.J. Park is Founding Partner, responsible alongside Simon Schneider for fund management across both fund generations. He has over 25 years of experience in the venture capital market and is internationally networked in the startup ecosystem. He studied at TIAS School for Business and Society.
Simon Schneider is Founding Partner, co-managing both funds. He also has over 25 years of experience in the VC market with a deep focus on the German and Rhineland startup scene.
Investment Strategy
neoteq ventures invests from pre-seed through Series A, targeting companies with a clear tech product, a solvable customer problem, and a credible path to market leadership in their segment. The firm is technology-sector agnostic but AI-aware, prioritising founders building models that can adapt and leverage AI developments as they accelerate. The Rhineland regional focus is strategic: the firm actively builds a local founder network through initiatives including Founders Dinners across Cologne, Bonn, and other cities, and the neobib knowledge resource for early-stage founders.
Notable Investments
Germany
