Why Now Is the Perfect Moment for a New Fund
Europe’s startup ecosystem is buzzing, and the timing couldn’t be better for a fresh‑face VC. Yvonne Bajela, a veteran who helped back unicorns such as Wise and Mooves, just closed an oversubscribed $17 million Fund I for her new vehicle, Evertrue. “After more than a decade backing founders who bet everything on their ideas, it felt like time to make a bet of my own,” she told TechCrunch.
The AI surge has lowered the cost of building a product, but creating a lasting business still demands savvy capital and mentorship. Bajela sees this paradox as an opportunity: the “ability to build has been democratized,” yet the scarcity of enduring companies means early investors can capture outsized upside.
Evertrue’s Playbook: Small Checks, Big Impact
Evertrue will focus on seed‑stage opportunities across the U.K. and broader Europe, targeting roughly £350 k per company. With a goal of supporting at least 20 startups over the next three years, the fund’s modest check size is designed to stay flexible while still providing enough runway for founders to prove their concepts.
- Average investment: ~£350 k
- Geographic focus: U.K. and Europe
- Portfolio ambition: 20+ early‑stage deals in 3 years
So far, the fund has already placed capital in seven ventures, signaling a hands‑on approach that blends Bajela’s track record with a fresh, founder‑centric philosophy.
What This Means for Europe’s Next‑Gen Unicorns
The U.K. is emerging as a global AI hub—King’s Cross, for instance, rivals Silicon Valley’s ecosystems. Companies like Revolut, Synthesia, ElevenLabs, and Bezos‑backed CuspAI are proving that European founders can scale quickly and attract international attention. Bajela believes that “more globally significant businesses will emerge from a wider range of starting points,” and Evertrue aims to be the first institutional backer they encounter.
By backing founders early, the fund not only fuels product development but also cultivates networks that can accelerate growth, attract follow‑on capital, and ultimately shape the continent’s tech narrative.
In a market where capital is abundant yet truly strategic investors are scarce, Evertrue’s blend of experience, modest check sizes, and AI‑aware outlook could set a new benchmark for early‑stage European VC.
For founders, the takeaway is clear: a seasoned investor who understands both the hype and the hard work behind sustainable tech is now within reach.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels
