Patient. Principled. Founder‑centric. Today marks a defining moment for Lakestar. Our Founder and Chairman, Dr. Klaus Hommels, has shared a deeply personal letter announcing our sharpened strategy - a decisive step to return to the purest form of venture and double down on what has always defined us: building enduring companies alongside visionary founders. This is about more than capital. It’s about deep engagement, long‑term partnerships, and the conviction to help companies transcend market cycles and shape Europe’s future. Klaus, the entire Lakestar team is proud to stand behind this strategy. We are energised, committed, and ready to bring all our passion, expertise, and networks to the founders and investors who trust us. We’re excited for this next chapter - and to build it together. Read Klaus’s full letter below, or here: https://lnkd.in/ezeTBSh8 Johannes Reck, Jannick Malling, Leif Abraham, Naren Shaam, Alan Chang, Charles O., Andrei Danescu, Patrick Andrae, Mario Schlosser, Peter Smith, Florian Otto, Eiso Kant, Eldar Tuvey, Roy Tuvey, Nik Storonsky, Daniel Metzler, Daniel Ek, Hjalmar Nilsonne, David Nothacker, Torsten Reil, Lorenz Meier, Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve
Dr. Klaus Hommels thank you for sharing your belief so transparently, it's refreshing to read and I can see where yo you coming from. Over two decades ago when we were launching Skype you approached me with this mission and passion as you write about now, as an investor and also someone who want to be close to the founder and help them on their journey, fantastic to go back to those roots but with so much bigger toolbox. I am looking forward to the next chapter of collaboration. Thanks Klaus!
Dr. Klaus Hommels you are a key innovator in European VC, and your words embody the supportive spirit with which you've shaped the industry and supported founders over the years— We are proud to be part of the Lakestar portfolio.
Onwards and upwards! 🚀
Not sure 'patient' is the first adjective that comes to mind when I think of our past joint project Dr. Klaus Hommels 😊. But there is no doubt that you are a visionary and one of the greatest VC leaders in Europe, and for Europe. Maintaining full control of your own destiny, and that of Lakestar, through the decades and cycles is an achievement in itself, and your announcement is more evidence of both your vision and your control. What an impressive career - congratulations.
Few investors think entrepreneurially like you Klaus. Excited for the next stage of Lakestar. Let's build. In Europe, for Europe and beyond.
Chapeau! Some of the new industrials made it to where they are today because you, Dr. Klaus Hommels, made your decisions in exactly the spirit of these words when it was needed most. Very singular. Great to have you in Munich soon, hands-on :)
Klaus, like always you find the right words at the right time! Thank you for all your support thoughout the years and the endless energy you've put into helping your founders and strengthening Europe. Let's keep building!
Let’s go!!! 🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺
Truly inspiring. A return to founder-centric, conviction-driven venture is exactly what the ecosystem needs. Long-term partnerships, deep engagement, and patient capital are what build enduring companies and lasting impact. Excited to see this next chapter for Lakestar unfold.
Co-Founder at Prima Materia
15hAn absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Klaus Hommels closely over the last 18 years, first with our joint investment in Spotify in 2007 and then Helsing and now Neko Health , no investor has had the impact Lakestar have had on major European tech companies, and may that long continue with this new renewed focus and discipline.