R3i Ventures

R3i Ventures operates as a deeptech innovation advisory, specializing in solving humanity's pressing survival challenges. The firm focuses on applied artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to cultivate industry leaders, employing strategies in global acceleration, open innovation, and economic development. Their approach aims to establish new benchmarks in technological progress and societal influence.

Founded by Leesa Soulodre, R3i Ventures was established with the core insight of reorienting capital towards impactful deep technology, AI-driven solutions, and sustainable development initiatives. Soulodre brings substantial experience, having previously served in founder and CxO roles, successfully scaling companies from inception to considerable valuations and spearheading deep tech advancements across diverse markets.

The company collaborates with businesses, guiding them through rapid expansion, navigation of international markets, and the cultivation of robust economies. R3i Ventures’ overarching mission is to catalyze breakthroughs that tackle global challenges and foster an environment where transformative concepts can thrive, ultimately striving for enduring growth and profound societal improvement.

R3i Ventures is a woman-founded early-stage venture capital and advisory firm focused on investing in women founders and deep-tech startups, particularly in MedTech and emerging technologies with strong ESG and AI components. Their mission centers on backing disruptive innovations that deliver tangible impact, such as improving healthcare outcomes and advancing sustainable technologies. They leverage a global approach, connecting startups from Asia, Europe, and the US to scale internationally, with a hands-on investment philosophy that emphasizes commercialization expertise and strategic mentorship to accelerate growth and exits[1][4][6].

Founded in 2019 by Leesa Soulodre, R3i Ventures evolved from a deep-tech accelerator and innovation advisory into a venture capital firm that integrates foresight research, strategic procurement, and open innovation. The firm operates out of Singapore and leverages unique Smart City strategies from Singapore and Luxembourg, as well as EU deep-tech funding initiatives, to support startups. Their portfolio includes companies like StratifiCare, which delivers the world’s first severe dengue prognostic, exemplifying their focus on impactful healthcare solutions. The firm’s evolution reflects a commitment to nurturing women-led ventures and deep-tech startups with global scalability[1][4][6].

Core Differentiators

• Women-founded and women-focused: Dedicated to investing in women founders who disrupt traditional markets and create impact[1].
• Deep-tech and MedTech specialization: Focus on early-stage startups with patent-backed AI and ESG-driven technologies[3][4].
• Global scaling strategy: Exploits Singapore and Luxembourg’s Smart City initiatives and EU funding, with exit pathways via Silicon Valley[4].
• Hands-on operational support: Active involvement in commercialization, mentoring, and network facilitation to accelerate growth and exits[2][4].
• Strong network and ecosystem: Access to elite industry professionals, investors, and innovation ecosystems across multiple continents[2][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

R3i Ventures rides the rising trend of deep-tech and MedTech innovation, particularly those leveraging AI and ESG principles to solve pressing global challenges such as healthcare inefficiencies and environmental sustainability. The timing is favorable due to increasing government and institutional support for Smart City technologies and deep-tech funding in Asia and Europe. By focusing on women founders and emerging tech, R3i contributes to diversifying the startup ecosystem and accelerating the commercialization of breakthrough technologies. Their cross-border approach helps bridge innovation hubs, fostering a more interconnected global tech landscape[1][3][4].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, R3i Ventures is poised to expand its influence by deepening its investment in AI-driven and ESG-focused startups, particularly those led by women entrepreneurs. Trends such as increased emphasis on sustainable technologies, healthcare innovation, and global Smart City development will shape their portfolio strategy. Their unique positioning at the intersection of gender diversity, deep-tech, and global scaling suggests they will continue to be a catalyst for impactful innovation and cross-border startup growth. The firm’s ongoing development of mentorship programs and strategic partnerships will likely enhance their role as a key player in the emerging tech venture capital space[3][4].