Paua Ventures

Paua Ventures, now rebranded as SquareOne, is a Berlin-based venture capital firm that focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments. Established in 2010, SquareOne primarily backs B2B tech startups, emphasizing sectors like SaaS, deep tech, and enterprise software. The firm is often the first institutional investor on the cap table, acting as a strategic partner for founders throughout the company's early development stages. SquareOne is known for offering more than just capital. The firm prides itself on being a hands-on partner, providing operational support, mentorship, and valuable connections within its extensive network of executives and industry experts. This proactive involvement helps founders navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses, and many of SquareOne’s portfolio companies go on to secure follow-on funding from top-tier European and U.S. investors. The firm has a strong track record, with notable investments including Pipedrive, Stripe, and Lesara. SquareOne typically invests in European startups but has a global outlook, supporting innovative companies that have the potential to lead in their industries. Christian Buchenau and Moritz Poewe are among the key partners at SquareOne, guiding the firm’s investment strategy and maintaining its reputation as a leading early-stage investor in Europe. By providing a combination of capital, strategic insight, and market access, SquareOne is positioned as a vital player in the European venture capital landscape, helping startups reach their full potential.