Fueling the Future: Forward.One Launches €200 Million Fund III for Industrial Tech Trailblazers

Forward.One, investing in early-stage European startups, led by Riemer Smink, Paul Pruijmboom, Arjan Göbel, Beau-Anne Chilla, Robin van Boxsel, and others, has launched Fund III, targeting €200 million with a hard cap of €250 million. 

Fund III will target 25–30 early-stage industrial tech companies across the Benelux, DACH, Nordics, and other European innovation hubs, with initial investments ranging from €1–3 million and substantial reserves for follow-on rounds. The fund provides increased capacity to support Europe’s most ambitious founders, reflecting strong early backing and confidence in the opportunities emerging within industrial technology.

Fund I (2018) delivered a 41% net IRR and 2x DPI, with exits including Sensorfact (ABB) and Mayht (Sonos). Fund II (€145M, 2021) spans semiconductors, climate innovation, robotics, and hardware, and is on track for similar results. Fund III will continue the strategy of early investment, rapid scaling, and hands-on support to turn breakthrough technologies into impactful products while generating strong returns.

Europe’s strength in complex technologies, from chips to robotics, creates fertile ground for the next generation of industrial leaders. Momentum is growing, fueled by efforts in technological sovereignty, climate resilience, and competitiveness. Success comes from combining industrial expertise with disciplined, bold commercial execution.