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Benedikt Franke is an angel investor and Principal at Picus Capital based in Berlin, Germany. He previously co-founded the home services marketplace Helpling in 2014, successfully scaling the platform internationally and raising over €100 million in global venture funding. Before transitioning to his current investment roles, Franke gained extensive operational and scaling experience working within the Rocket Internet ecosystem to build consumer technology companies. As a venture capitalist, he previously served as a Principal at Earlybird Venture Capital and has built a portfolio of more than 25 early-stage investments, including Trade Republic. In early 2025, he led Picus Capital's investment in the artificial intelligence startup Synthetaic and joined the accelerator High-Tech Gründerfonds as an advisor. Franke currently focuses on funding pre-seed to Series A startups across the deep tech, climate tech, and B2B software sectors.
Benedikt Franke stands as a pivotal figure in the European venture capital landscape, best known as the CEO and Co-Founder of Project A Ventures. Based in Berlin, Project A has established itself as a leading early-stage investor, distinguished by its unique operational venture capital model. Franke's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Project A's strategy, which combines significant capital investment with hands-on operational support from a team of over 140 in-house experts.
At Project A Ventures, Benedikt Franke oversees a diverse investment portfolio spanning various high-growth digital sectors. The firm's primary investment focus areas include B2B software, e-commerce, fintech, health tech, proptech, and deep tech. Project A typically targets companies in their seed to Series B stages, primarily across Europe, with a strong emphasis on scalable business models and innovative technologies. Franke's vision ensures that portfolio companies not only receive funding but also benefit from comprehensive support in areas like marketing, sales, business intelligence, product development, and human resources, significantly accelerating their development and market penetration.
Franke's career background is deeply rooted in building and scaling digital businesses. Prior to co-founding Project A Ventures in 2012, he held key positions at Rocket Internet, a renowned internet incubator. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the rapid development and internationalization of internet companies, which he later leveraged to create Project A's distinctive approach. His time at Rocket Internet honed his skills in identifying market opportunities, executing ambitious growth strategies, and assembling high-performing teams.
Under Benedikt Franke's guidance, Project A has invested in numerous successful ventures, contributing significantly to the European tech ecosystem. While specific individual investments are often a collective effort of the firm, the overall success and growth of Project A's portfolio companies, such as Voi Technology, Kry, sennder, and Trade Republic, reflect his strategic direction and the firm's operational excellence. His commitment to fostering innovation and providing robust support has made Project A a preferred partner for ambitious founders seeking not just capital, but also strategic guidance and operational expertise to scale their businesses effectively.
Benedikt Franke is the CEO and Co-Founder of Project A Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Berlin, known for its operational venture capital model.
Through Project A Ventures, Benedikt Franke invests in early-stage digital businesses across various sectors, including B2B software, e-commerce, fintech, health tech, proptech, and deep tech, primarily in Europe.
Benedikt Franke works at Project A Ventures, where he serves as the CEO and Co-Founder, leading the firm's investment strategy and operational support for portfolio companies.
