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Paua Ventures was a Berlin-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments within European B2B technology. It provided capital and active operational support to identify and cultivate high-potential enterprises. The firm focused exclusively on B2B tech, leveraging hands-on engagement to foster market growth for its portfolio.
Established in 2010, Paua Ventures emerged as an early participant in Europe's venture capital landscape. Individuals like Felix Plapperer were instrumental; the firm initially invested its own capital. Their foundational insight centered on discovering "pearls" among nascent companies, driving a commitment to hands-on mentorship for emerging B2B entrepreneurs.
Paua Ventures supported early-stage B2B tech founders addressing complex problems in large markets. Functioning as a dedicated co-creator, the firm connected entrepreneurs with essential customers, talent, and advisors. Its vision was to empower these founders, helping them build future category leaders through comprehensive early-stage assistance.
Key people at Paua Ventures.
Paua Ventures was founded in 2010 by Christian Buchenau (Co-Founder, Managing Director & Partner).
Key people at Paua Ventures.
Paua Ventures, now known as SquareOne, is a Berlin-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage and seed investments, primarily in B2B technology sectors such as SaaS, enterprise software, Industry 4.0, robotics, and machine learning. Their mission is to partner with innovative founders who are ambitious enough to build disruptive companies, providing not just capital but also hands-on operational support throughout the company lifecycle. Paua Ventures focuses on startups with scalable products, clear unique selling propositions, and strong growth potential, aiming to build category leaders in Europe’s tech ecosystem[1][2][3].
Founded in 2010 in Berlin, Paua Ventures was established by a team of partners with entrepreneurial and investment expertise, including Christian Buchenau and Moritz Poewe. The firm initially funded itself with management money and gradually grew to become a leading early-stage investor in the Berlin tech scene. Over time, Paua Ventures evolved its focus to emphasize deep operational involvement, supporting startups beyond financing by helping with business development, HR, recruiting, and strategic partnerships. This evolution culminated in the rebranding to SquareOne, reflecting a sharpened focus on B2B SaaS and deep tech investments[2][3][6].
Paua Ventures rides the wave of digital transformation and the growing importance of B2B SaaS and deep tech solutions in Europe. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for enterprise software, automation, and AI-driven technologies, which are reshaping industries. By focusing on early-stage startups in these sectors, Paua Ventures helps bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready solutions, fostering a robust ecosystem of scalable tech companies. Their proactive support model influences the broader ecosystem by nurturing startups that become category leaders, thus driving innovation and competitiveness in the European tech market[2][3].
Looking ahead, Paua Ventures (SquareOne) is well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating adoption of AI, Industry 4.0, and SaaS platforms. Their hands-on approach and strong network will likely continue to attract high-potential startups, enabling them to scale rapidly. Trends such as automation, machine learning, and digital enterprise transformation will shape their investment focus and portfolio growth. As they deepen their operational involvement and expand their influence, Paua Ventures is expected to remain a key player in Europe’s venture capital landscape, helping to build the next generation of tech leaders[2][3].
This trajectory ties back to their founding ethos: supporting entrepreneurs who dare to dream and build disruptive companies with lasting impact.
Paua Ventures was founded in 2010 by Christian Buchenau (Co-Founder, Managing Director & Partner).
Paua Ventures has 25 tracked investments across 19 companies. The latest tracked deal is $20.0M Series A in Flinn in February 2026.
