The Art of the Dual Approach: Balancing Direct Investment and Fund Partnerships

At Hello World Investments, headquartered right here in Amsterdam, we have always believed that the venture landscape isn't just about cutting a check. When we founded this firm, Sam Renders and I (Nick Velten) wanted to build something that reflected our own journey as founders—specifically our time building Fangage. We realized early on that the most effective way to foster innovation is through a hybrid model: investing our time, knowledge, and capital directly into pre-seed and seed-stage startups, while simultaneously maintaining strategic partnerships with specialized funds.

The Philosophy Behind Our Dual Approach

The startup ecosystem is complex. For a pre-seed or seed-stage company, survival is the first milestone, but scaling is the true challenge. By operating as both an angel investment firm that engages directly with founders and a Limited Partner (LP) in focused funds, we get a 360-degree view of the market.

Direct investments allow us to get into the trenches. Whether it’s sharing insights from our digital strategy work at Stimmt or leveraging Sam’s experience in the creative and music tech space as Sam Feldt, we enjoy the hands-on nature of helping a founder navigate their earliest stages. However, we also know that we cannot be experts in every single niche. That is where our fund partnerships come into play.

Connecting the Ecosystem

Our portfolio is a reflection of this balance. By backing both individual startups and specialized investment firms, we create a network effect that benefits everyone involved.

When we look at our portfolio, you’ll see our commitment to this dual strategy:

Direct Investments: We are proud to support companies that are redefining their respective industries:

• Update: Bringing innovation to the beverage space.
• Madhappy: Shifting the conversation in lifestyle and apparel.
• Instant: Tackling efficiency and payments.
• TrackBee: Providing robust tracking and analytical solutions.
• AudioStack: Leveraging cutting-edge audio technology.
• Apollo HQ: Streamlining internal workflows and operations.
• WebSummit: Connecting the global tech community.

Fund Partnerships: To stay at the cutting edge of broader market trends, we partner with firms that share our vision for the future of technology and enterprise:

• Slingshot Ventures: Supporting ambitious entrepreneurs in the digital space.
• Curiosity VC: Focusing on software and data-driven startups.

Why This Matters for Founders

Why should a founder care about how an investment firm allocates its own resources? It comes down to reach. When a startup joins our direct portfolio, they aren't just getting Hello World Investments on their cap table; they are entering an ecosystem where we are constantly learning from the best-in-class funds we partner with.

We take the knowledge we gain from our fund partners and feed it back into our direct ventures. Conversely, the challenges we see on the ground with our direct investments inform how we interact with the broader venture capital community. It is a feedback loop that keeps our perspective fresh, relevant, and grounded in the realities of the Amsterdam and global startup scenes.

Staying Active and Engaged

For us, the work doesn't stop at the wire transfer. Being an angel firm means being present. Whether it's a quick call to discuss a pivot, a brainstorming session on digital strategy, or introducing a founder to a potential partner within our network, our capital is just the starting point. We view our involvement as a long-term partnership where our knowledge and time are just as essential as our financial commitment.

We are always looking for the next group of visionaries who are ready to build something that lasts. If you are a founder at the pre-seed or seed stage, we’d love to hear what you are working on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stages do you invest in? Hello World Investments focuses exclusively on pre-seed and seed stage startups. We believe this is the most critical time for founders to have access to both capital and strategic mentorship.

What do you bring to the table beyond capital? We bring time and knowledge. Between Sam Renders’ background in music tech and the creator economy through Fangage, and my experience in digital strategy with Stimmt, we offer hands-on guidance to help startups scale their operations and refine their vision.

Do you only invest in Amsterdam-based companies? While we are based in Amsterdam, our network and portfolio reach across the globe. We look for great founders and innovative ideas, regardless of their zip code.

How do I get in touch with Hello World Investments? If you are a founder looking for a partner who understands the pre-seed and seed journey, reach out to us at hello@helloworld.amsterdam. Please include your pitch deck or a brief overview of what you are building.

Can I pitch you if I am not in your specific investment sectors? We are always interested in meeting ambitious founders. While we have a preference for the types of companies found in our current portfolio, we are always keeping an eye out for exceptional talent and unique technological solutions. Drop us a line and let us know what you’re up to.