NP-Hard Ventures Launches €25M Fund to Back Europe’s Deep Tech Builders

Amsterdam-based NP-Hard Ventures has announced Fund II, a €25 million pre-seed and seed vehicle aimed at supporting Europe’s most technically ambitious founders — those building the infrastructure and computational foundations that underpin future industries.

Founded by Micha Hernandez van LeuffenDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Paul VeugenDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Anke HuiskesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, NP-Hard Ventures takes its name from “NP-hard” problems in computer science — challenges that appear unsolvable until a breakthrough makes them tractable. The firm’s investment philosophy mirrors that definition: to back founders who attempt to solve difficult, often fundamental problems in applied deep tech and infrastructure.

The new fund follows the firm’s €12 million debut fund, through which NP-Hard invested in 30 startups tackling complex technical challenges in fields such as encrypted computing, robotics, and distributed manufacturing.

Fund II has already closed 60% of its target, with participation from over 30 European entrepreneurs and investors. The firm’s previous portfolio includes companies such as Roseman LabsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (encrypted computing), Monumental (construction robotics), EngrateDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (energy APIs), and Isembard (distributed manufacturing operating systems).

In announcing the new fund, NP-Hard’s partners emphasised the need for Europe to take greater ownership of its technological base, especially amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence and changing geopolitical dynamics. They argue that Europe’s future competitiveness depends on developing — rather than merely adopting — the technologies that ensure resilience, productivity, and security.

With the new fund, NP-Hard Ventures plans to invest in around 30 early-stage companies across Europe, focusing on foundational technologies in robotics, AI infrastructure, and computational systems. The firm says it is particularly interested in supporting founders with a deep technical background and a product-first mindset.

Sources:
Anke Huiske's LinkedIn post
Paul Veugen's LinkedIn post

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