Europe’s next generation of technology companies could emerge from fields ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to enterprise software and deeptech. European venture capital firm Entourage is increasing its commitment to these opportunities after closing its second investment fund at €100 million, exceeding its original fundraising target as investors showed strong interest in its founder focused investment strategy.
Fundraising Target Surpassed in Two Weeks
Founded by Pieterjan Bouten, co founder and former CEO of sales enablement software company Showpad, Entourage launched its first €30 million fund in 2024. Its second fund initially targeted €75 million but surpassed that figure within just two weeks before reaching its final size of €100 million.
The new fund will support approximately 25 companies at the pre seed and seed stages across Europe and other markets. Initial investments will range from €1 million to €5 million, with additional capital reserved for follow on funding rounds.
Entourage aims to identify promising founders early, providing capital and operational support as they build companies capable of competing internationally.
Early Investments Deliver Strong Results
Since its launch, Entourage has backed several European startups that have subsequently attracted significant attention from international investors.
Its portfolio includes Aikido Security, a cybersecurity company that achieved unicorn status earlier in 2026, and Conveo, an AI powered research company that recently raised a $50 million Series A round. The firm also invested early in Lexroom, an Italian legal technology startup that reached €30 million in annual recurring revenue within 24 months.
Entourage says it backed these companies before they attracted larger international venture capital investors. Their progress has strengthened the firm’s belief that early partnerships with ambitious founders can create substantial long term value.
Bouten said the achievements of these companies had reinforced Entourage’s generalist, founder first investment approach. With Fund II, the firm intends to continue identifying entrepreneurs who can build category defining technology businesses.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Software
While Entourage’s first fund concentrated primarily on software companies, its second fund will pursue a broader range of technology opportunities.
Artificial intelligence, enterprise software, robotics, physical AI and deeptech will be among its key investment areas. The expansion reflects a shift towards technologies that combine digital intelligence with real world applications.
AI is creating opportunities to redesign business processes, automate complex tasks and develop new products. Meanwhile, robotics and physical AI are bringing intelligent systems into manufacturing, logistics and other industries.
Entourage believes these developments could create a new generation of influential technology companies, with European founders playing a significant role.
Venture Building Beyond Capital
Alongside its investment fund, Entourage operates Entourage Studio, a venture building business that combines entrepreneurial talent, capital and operational expertise to establish companies.
One example is Tekst, an AI powered enterprise process mining and automation company developed through the studio. Tekst recently raised a €10 million Series A round, demonstrating how the venture building model can help new businesses progress beyond their initial development stages.
Through this approach, Entourage participates not only in financing existing startups but also in helping create businesses from the ground up.
Expanding Across European Technology Hubs
Entourage has expanded its investment team under partners Pieterjan Bouten, Evert Beeckman and Maarten Mortier. The firm has added three investors, Erwan Gardelle, Sixtine Riescher and Illja Schiller, while opening an office in London and establishing a presence in Paris.
The expansion is intended to strengthen its access to founders and investment opportunities across European markets.
Entourage also follows a relatively hands off governance approach. Although it leads or co leads most of its investment rounds, the firm rarely takes board seats, preferring to give founders greater independence in running their businesses.
With €100 million available for its second fund, Entourage is positioning itself to back approximately 25 early stage companies and support their growth through additional investment, operational expertise and international connections.
