Atomico, the London-based venture capital firm founded by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström, has announced the successful raise of $1.24 billion for two new funds. This significant fundraise marks the firm's largest ever, representing a more than 50% increase compared to its previous fund, Atomico V. The new funds—Atomico Growth VI and Atomico Venture VI—are tailored to support early and growth-stage startups across Europe, continuing the firm's mission to champion European technology and entrepreneurial talent.

A New Chapter for European Startups

The launch of these two funds reflects Atomico's commitment to Europe's rapidly evolving technology ecosystem, which now rivals major global markets. European technology has grown exponentially, with the region capturing close to 30% of global early-stage funding. This rise underscores the increasing number of startups being launched in Europe, positioning the continent as a fertile ground for innovation.

The larger of the two funds, Atomico Growth VI, has secured $754 million. This fund is designed to partner with entrepreneurs at later stages of growth, from Series B to pre-IPO. Atomico’s approach is to provide not just financial backing but also operational expertise to help companies scale up to a global level. The second fund, Atomico Venture VI, is a $485 million early-stage fund that focuses on Series A startups, with occasional investments in Seed rounds. This fund allows Atomico to continue its tradition of working closely with founders at the earlier stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Vision Behind Atomico's Expansion

Since its inception in 2006, Atomico has been dedicated to identifying and investing in ambitious tech entrepreneurs. According to Zennström, the firm was built on the belief that exceptional companies can emerge from anywhere. Over the years, Atomico has expanded its investment strategy, initially focused on Series A startups and later extending its reach to include growth-stage companies in 2011. The introduction of Atomico Growth VI and Atomico Venture VI formalizes this dual approach, with specialized teams now dedicated to different stages of company maturity.

Zennström expressed his enthusiasm for the European tech scene, stating that the region’s technology ecosystem is now “coming of age.” He emphasized that this progress presents an opportunity for founders who possess ambition, resilience, and a clear vision for the future. Atomico's goal is to partner with such entrepreneurs, providing them with the financial resources and expert guidance needed to scale their businesses on a global level.

Investments and Future Prospects

Atomico has already made 21 investments from its newly raised funds. Atomico Growth VI has backed companies such as Cologne-based DeepL, Copenhagen’s Corti, and London-born virtual clinic provider Pelago. Meanwhile, Atomico Venture VI has invested in several promising early-stage companies, including Stockholm’s Neko Health, London’s Ben and Dexory, Berlin’s Deeploi, Oslo’s Strise, and Zurich-based Lakera. These investments highlight Atomico’s focus on high-potential tech companies across various verticals, from health tech to artificial intelligence and software solutions.

One of Atomico's portfolio companies, Corti, a Copenhagen-based health tech startup, has been particularly vocal about the value Atomico brings beyond just capital. Andreas Cleve, co-founder and CEO of Corti, praised Atomico for being a true partner, offering deep operational support and helping to navigate the complexities of scaling responsibly in the healthcare sector. This hands-on approach is a hallmark of Atomico’s investment philosophy, distinguishing it from many other venture capital firms.

Atomico's Broader Impact on the European Tech Ecosystem

Since its founding, Atomico has made over 155 investments across 15 European countries, demonstrating its extensive reach and influence within the European tech landscape. The firm’s track record includes backing several notable unicorns, such as Klarna, Stripe, and Supercell, with one in six of its portfolio companies currently valued at over $1 billion.

As European technology continues to mature, Atomico’s dual-fund strategy is poised to play a critical role in supporting the next generation of game-changing startups. Zennström reiterated that Atomico’s mission is to partner with founders who are not only ambitious but also committed to driving positive transformation across society and the global economy. With a generalist approach, Atomico remains focused on sectors where it sees the most potential for disruptive innovation.

Atomico’s $1.24 billion fundraising marks a pivotal moment for both the firm and the European tech ecosystem. With two specialized funds—Atomico Growth VI and Atomico Venture VI—the firm is poised to support early and growth-stage startups in achieving global scale. As European technology continues to rise, Atomico’s expertise and capital will play a key role in shaping the next wave of innovative companies across the continent.