More Than Just Capital: Our Approach to Early-Stage Support

Building a company from the ground up is rarely a linear path. If you are reading this from a garage, a shared workspace, or a quiet corner in an Amsterdam cafe, you already know that the early days are defined by uncertainty. At Hello World Investments, we believe that navigating that uncertainty requires more than just a wire transfer.

Founded by Sam Renders—widely known as artist Sam Feldt—and myself, Nick Velten, Hello World Investments was built on a simple premise: early-stage founders need partners who are as invested in the "how" as they are in the "what."

The Philosophy: Time, Knowledge, and Capital

We operate as an angel investment firm based here in Amsterdam, focusing exclusively on pre-seed and seed stage ventures. When we look at a potential partner, we aren't just looking at the cap table; we are looking at the vision and the resilience of the team behind it.

Our philosophy is built on a triad of support. While capital is the fuel that keeps the engine running, we believe it is the investment of time and knowledge that helps steer the vehicle. Having co-founded Fangage together and navigating the unique hurdles of building digital products, Sam and I have learned that the most valuable advice often comes from those who have been in the trenches themselves.

Whether it is leveraging the background of Stimmt in digital strategy or applying the lessons learned from our collective journey in the creator economy and tech ecosystem, we aim to be active participants in the companies we support.

A Diverse Portfolio of Innovation

Our approach allows us to engage with the ecosystem in two ways: through direct investments in startups and through backing selected funds. We are proud to support a diverse group of companies and partners who are redefining their respective industries:

• WebSummit: A cornerstone of the global tech conversation.
• Update: Bringing innovation to the beverage space.
• Slingshot Ventures: A partner that shares our drive for high-growth potential.
• Curiosity VC: A forward-thinking fund investing in the future of B2B software.
• Madhappy: Pushing the boundaries of lifestyle and brand.
• Instant: Transforming how we interact with digital commerce.
• TrackBee: Providing the tools necessary for modern tracking and data management.
• AudioStack: Leveraging AI to change the way we produce and consume audio.
• Apollo HQ: Simplifying complex workflows.

Each of these partners represents a piece of the puzzle we are helping to assemble. By maintaining a concentrated portfolio, we ensure that we can provide the attention and resources our founders deserve.

Why Amsterdam?

Being based in Amsterdam provides us with a unique vantage point. It is a city that bridges international markets and fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. It is where we base our operations and where we stay connected to the founders who are building the future.

Whether we are discussing scaling strategies, product-market fit, or navigating a pivot, being an "active investor" means being available. We want to be the people our founders call when they hit a milestone or when they reach a crossroads.

Looking Ahead

If you are a founder at the pre-seed or seed stage and you feel that your mission aligns with our hands-on approach, we would love to hear from you. We aren't looking for every startup under the sun; we are looking for the right partnerships where our blend of capital, time, and experience can make a tangible difference.

The journey of a startup is never finished, and "Hello World" is just the beginning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What stages of companies do you invest in? Hello World Investments focuses exclusively on pre-seed and seed stage companies.

What kind of support do you provide beyond funding? We view ourselves as active investors. We invest our time and knowledge directly into our portfolio companies, drawing on our experience as founders of Fangage and our respective backgrounds in digital strategy and the arts.

Do you invest in startups outside of Europe? While we are based in Amsterdam, our primary focus is on the quality of the startup, the strength of the founding team, and the alignment of the vision at the pre-seed and seed stages.

How can I reach out for a potential partnership? If you are an early-stage founder and would like to connect, please feel free to reach out to us via email at hello@helloworld.amsterdam.

Do you manage your own funds or invest through others? We do both. We make direct investments in startups, and we also invest through selected funds like Slingshot Ventures and Curiosity VC to broaden our reach and support the ecosystem.