We are excited to announce our investment in specter sutomation, a trailblazer in construction tech. specter’s 3D-first platform is transforming how complex projects are managed, enabling teams to streamline workflows, reduce delays, and cut costs in one of the least digitized industries.

The construction industry, valued at $14.4 trillion globally, is set to grow to $26 trillion by 2032. With increasing pressure to improve efficiency, specter is well-positioned to address critical challenges, making their solution a vital tool for modern construction management.

specter’s innovative platform leverages 3D modeling to give teams unparalleled clarity and control over projects. This approach not only prevents costly overruns but also empowers better collaboration, unlocking the industry’s vast potential for digital transformation.

We are proud to back specter’s highly skilled founding team, whose deep expertise in business, technology, and construction sets them apart. Investing alongside renowned investors, such as TVF | TechVision Fonds, LBBW Venture Capital GmbH, Shilling VC and superangels, we’re thrilled to support specter’s journey and look forward to their continued growth and success!

In February 2025 PAWAO’s Chairman Hans and CEO Maren attended Web Summit Doha, gaining valuable insights into the current status of the venture capital ecosystem. The event reaffirmed our strategic focus on the MENA region as a thriving hub for innovation and investment. The atmosphere was very positive and dynamic, with a strong “get it done” mentality.

We attended insightful panels and keynotes, engaging with thought leaders shaping the future of VC. Insights on valuations, secondaries, and exits highlighted key industry trends. Meeting startup founders with groundbreaking ideas and impressive traction of their products and services further reinforced the region’s immense potential.

A key highlight was the excellent organization by the Web Summit team, especially the investor-founder matchmaking, which facilitated meaningful connections. Side events also played a crucial role, including an exclusive evening event with Qatar Development Bank that provided great insights around Qatar’s strategy in VC.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers and partners who made Web Summit Doha an outstanding experience. The MENA startup ecosystem is on the rise, and we look forward to deepening our engagement and investments in this exciting region. See you next year!

At PAWAO, we primarily invest in and support promising startups. However, we also selectively explore new business models ourselves. We identify market opportunities, analyze potential, and develop innovative solutions where needed. One such initiative is our latest exploration project, Lomora.

Lomora: transforming renovations in the UAE

The UAE is experiencing rising demand for high-quality home renovations. Under the working title Lomora, PAWAO is developing a technology-driven platform that redefines kitchen, bathroom, and surface renovations in apartments—offering a seamless, end-to-end customer experience.

Lomora integrates digital tools, 3D visualization, material procurement, and quality-controlled execution into a single platform. Customers can plan renovations effortlessly, visualize their homes before work begins, and benefit from efficient logistics and skilled craftsmen ensuring high-quality results.

Strategic partnerships & next steps

With strong market potential in cities like Dubai and Riyadh, we are leveraging partnerships to scale Lomora. Our LP, Lars Liebig, is based in Dubai and is actively contributing expertise in the region. As we explore market entry and operational challenges, we aim to build a scalable model that could expand beyond MENA. Stay tuned for updates!

AQUATY, a leader in technology solutions for private investments, is excited to announce its partnership with PAWAO, a global venture investment network based in Switzerland. Together, AQUATY’s platform and PAWAO’s network aim to simplify access to high-impact investment opportunities worldwide.

PAWAO, known for investing in companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Refurbed, connects investors with carefully selected startups. By focusing on ventures with early success in key markets and targeting industries driven by technology-based business models, PAWAO takes a global, research-driven approach to investing.

“We believe in the power of networks and collaboration,” said Maren Frey, CEO of PAWAO. “Our goal is to support the most promising tech-driven ventures. In the past, investing often required setting up separate entities or navigating complex structures. AQUATY’s solution removes these challenges, helping us save time and connect our investors with the best opportunities.”

Using blockchain technology, AQUATY’s platform streamlines the investment process. Its Multi-SVP framework allows PAWAO to manage multiple investments under one special purpose vehicle (SPV), eliminating the need to create separate entities for each deal. This approach reduces time, cost, and administrative complexity.

The AQUATY platform also enables investments to be divided into individual securities, offering flexibility while keeping them tradable. This digital-first approach provides greater transparency, flexibility, and liquidity. It also lowers financial barriers to entry, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios and spread risk through smaller ticket sizes.

Alexander Grimm, Co-Founder of AQUATY, added: “The partnership with PAWAO reflects our shared values of transparency, collaboration, and innovation. While AQUATY simplifies the legal and operational aspects, PAWAO excels at sourcing exceptional deals and fostering a community of shared expertise. Together, we are building a more inclusive and efficient private investment ecosystem.”

About PAWAO

PAWAO is a Swiss-based global venture investment and advisory network focused on funding technology-driven companies across industries. With a preference for B2B and B2B2C models, PAWAO supports ventures with strong founding teams, early traction, and high-growth potential in dynamic markets. Sector- and geography-agnostic, PAWAO operates on a deal-by-deal basis, offering curated investment opportunities, professional structures, and due diligence through its extensive network of innovative experts and investors.

About AQUATY

AQUATY is a fully digital platform built to streamline investment processes for asset and wealth managers in private markets. The company offers “Securitization as a Service,” making it easier for investors to conduct secure, compliant transactions in an efficient and seamless manner. The AQUATY platform provides everything needed to support securitization and supports a broad range of private assets, such as venture capital, private equity, real estate, and debt. The company is headquartered in Münster, Germany, and backed by renowned investors such as Berthold von Freyberg and Mirko Novakovic.

The MENA region, particularly the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia, is rapidly emerging as a global tech and startup hub. Our CEO, Maren Frey, recently spoke on the panel “Investing in the Underdogs: Real Data on the Potential of Emerging Markets” at the WMF – We Make Future Innovation Week, highlighting the region’s immense potential.

Emerging markets are brimming with opportunities—from world-class talent to groundbreaking innovations. As investor interest grows, MENA is experiencing a surge in technology adoption and startup success. PAWAO is excited about this transformation and actively seeking to invest in disruptive startups shaping the region’s future.

One key factor in MENA’s rapid growth is technology leapfrogging. Many of those markets skipped traditional phases of development, going straight to cutting-edge solutions. For example, mobile internet adoption outpaced fixed broadband, and fintech startups are leveraging blockchain and AI without legacy system constraints.

To stay connected with this dynamic ecosystem, we prioritize relevant tech and startup events in the region. In 2024, we attended Startups Without Borders in Cairo and will be at Web Summit Doha in February 2025. We believe these platforms are vital for fostering relationships and identifying the next wave of transformative startups.

We are thrilled to announce our investment in OpenAI as part of their latest funding round aimed at scaling AI’s benefits globally. This round included major backers such as Microsoft, a long-standing partner of OpenAI, along with other leading institutional investors.

OpenAI is at the forefront of AI innovation, with transformative technologies like GPT and DALL-E. Their mission to ensure AI benefits all of humanity resonates deeply with our values. This funding will drive research and expand safe, cutting-edge AI applications across industries.

Our participation was made possible through our trusted partners, allowing us to join this round on a larger investor’s ticket. We extend our gratitude for their collaboration and belief in our shared vision for the future of AI.

This investment marks a step forward in advancing technology responsibly and unlocking its potential to positively impact society at scale. We are always happy to include other investors into our pooled tickets. Feel free to reach out, in case you would like to be part of our future investments

In October 2024, PAWAO’s CEO Maren had the privilege of attending the Women’s Venture Capital Summit in Paris. The event provided a valuable platform for women in VC, fostering meaningful discussions and highlighting the importance of representation in this unfortunately still underrepresented field.

The summit agenda was filled with engaging topics, with highlights including private roundtable discussions on day zero and larger sessions on day one. Panels like “Deal or No Deal: Term Sheet Tactics” and “It’s More Than Money: How to Add Real Value” sparked insightful conversations among attendees.

Beyond the sessions, the summit was a wonderful opportunity to connect with inspiring colleagues from across the industry. A highlight was joining a dinner organized by a VC accelerator, which further strengthened connections and encouraged collaboration.

This event reaffirmed the importance of community and knowledge-sharing among women in VC. We are grateful to have participated and look forward to returning next year for another round of inspiration and exchange.

We are happy to announce our investment in JUNE, a leading provider of Legal AI and automation solutions. JUNE offers a comprehensive platform that streamlines legal and administrative processes for law firms, corporate legal departments, and various organizations.

JUNE’s platform integrates advanced AI technologies, including machine learning and natural language processing, to automate tasks such as document management, workflow optimization, and data extraction. This enables legal professionals to enhance efficiency and focus on strategic activities.

By providing tools for AI-driven data extraction, semantic search, and real-time reporting, JUNE empowers users to manage cases effectively and to collaborate seamlessly with internal and external partners. The platform’s flexibility makes it suitable for various legal disciplines.

Our investment reflects our confidence in JUNE’s innovative approach to legal technology. We believe that JUNE’s solutions will significantly impact the legal industry by enhancing productivity and enabling organizations to navigate complex legal landscapes more effectively.

We are excited to announce our participation in Cohere’s recent $500 million Series D funding round, which values the company at $5.5 billion. This round was led by PSP Investments and included notable investors such as Cisco, AMD, and Fujitsu.

Founded in 2019 by former Google researchers, Cohere specializes in large language models tailored for enterprise applications. Their technology enables businesses to deploy AI solutions for tasks like chatbots, search engines, and content generation.

Cohere’s focus on enterprise AI sets it apart from competitors, offering scalable and efficient models that integrate seamlessly into existing business workflows. Their commitment to data privacy and security aligns with our investment philosophy.

Our investment underscores our confidence in Cohere’s vision and the transformative potential of their AI solutions. We look forward to supporting their growth as they continue to innovate and lead in the enterprise AI sector.

We are thrilled to announce our investment in SpaceX, a trailblazer in aerospace innovation. Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX has achieved remarkable milestones, including the development of reusable rockets and the successful deployment of the Starlink satellite constellation.

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, aims to provide global high-speed internet access through a network of low Earth orbit satellites. As of November 2024, Starlink has launched over 6,000 satellites, delivering broadband services to users worldwide, including remote and underserved regions.

This ambitious project not only enhances global connectivity but also generates significant revenue for SpaceX, supporting its broader mission of reducing space transportation costs. Starlink’s success demonstrates SpaceX’s ability to innovate across multiple domains.

Our investment reflects confidence in SpaceX’s vision and the transformative potential of its technologies. We are proud to support SpaceX as it continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and global communication.

Our PAWAO team recently gathered on the beautiful island of Mallorca for our 2024 Strategy Retreat. Over three days, we focused on sharpening our investment criteria and refining our processes, ensuring we’re well-positioned to continue driving impactful venture capital investments.

One of the key outcomes of the retreat was conceptualizing our new tech stack to enhance our VC activities. This innovation will streamline our deal analysis, improve portfolio management, and support our data-driven approach to uncovering the next big opportunities in the startup ecosystem.

Of course, we also made time to enjoy Mallorca’s vibrant culture. From an afternoon at a beach club to sampling local tapas in Palma, we bonded over shared experiences. The highlight? A lively night at the famous MEGAPARK in El Arenal, where we danced the night away!

This retreat reinforced our commitment to growth, innovation, and collaboration. We return energized and inspired, ready to implement our refined strategy and take PAWAO’s vision to the next level in 2024 and beyond. Mallorca was the perfect backdrop for big ideas and great memories!

We are excited to announce our investment in RooflineAI, a pioneering company redefining edge AI deployment. Founded in 2024 as a spin-off from RWTH Aachen University, RooflineAI offers a software solution that simplifies deploying AI models across diverse hardware platforms.

Traditional methods often struggle with adaptability and performance in edge AI applications. RooflineAI addresses these challenges by enabling users to import models from any framework and deploy them with a single Python call, ensuring flexibility and efficiency.

Their next-generation AI compiler optimizes and quantizes models, generates code for specific hardware, and standardizes hardware-software interfaces. This approach unlocks system potential, offering up to four times less memory usage and 1.5 times lower latency without compromising accuracy.

We believe RooflineAI’s innovative solution will significantly impact the AI industry, particularly in edge computing. Our investment reflects our commitment to supporting technologies that drive efficiency and innovation in AI deployment.

In May 2024, the PAWAO team had the privilege of attending the Startups Without Borders event in Cairo. We were immensely impressed by the vibrant and innovative venture ecosystem in Egypt. Meeting founders who are developing cutting-edge technologies for the MENA region was truly inspiring.

We were able to provide valuable insights, drawing from our experiences with similar services that have been established in Europe for some time. This exchange of knowledge was mutually beneficial and fostered a deeper understanding of the regional market.

A highlight of the event was a panel featuring the investors from Shark Tank Egypt. Their discussion on how a TV show can foster the venture ecosystem was both enlightening and motivational and it was nice to reconnect at the Investors Dinner after the panel.

This event was particularly valuable for PAWAO, as we strategically aim to expand our business into MENA. We are seeking investment opportunities and potential investors from this dynamic region. The connections and insights gained in Cairo have set a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

Recently, the digital realm buzzed with the Data-Driven VC Summit—a virtual gathering boasting 29 speakers and 600+ participants over four engaging days. PAWAO was thrilled to be part of the event that aims to set the tone for a riveting discourse on the future of VC.

Automation and AI are reshaping the VC scene. From deal sourcing to screening and even predicting success, these technologies are becoming indispensable tools. Yet, amid the promise, challenges persist. Cutting through the noise and pinpointing the right tools and data sources remain key hurdles.

Reflecting on the event, it was a melting pot of expertise and a myriad of tools and solutions await validation, poised to reshape the VC landscape. At PAWAO, we’re relentless in our pursuit of innovation, continually exploring AI and automation’s potential for our VC ventures.

In essence, the event illuminated the trajectory towards a more automated and insightful VC ecosystem. With each stride, PAWAO remains steadfast, embracing the power of AI and automation. The future of VC is undeniably data-driven, and we are ready to seize the opportunities it presents.

We are thrilled to announce our investment in Rouvia, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing freight management for seamless hinterland transports. Rouvia connects freight forwarders with road and rail carriers, streamlining the booking and management of container transportation.

Rouvia is tapping into the vast EUR 110 billion European hinterland transportation market, with a potential EUR 2.3 billion SaaS ARR. Utilizing advanced technology, Rouvia transforms freight management by providing clear information on shipping costs and transport service availability.

We were especially impressed by Rouvia’s founding team, who bring extensive experience in logistics, SaaS platforms, and early-stage startups. Their deep industry knowledge and innovative approach convinced us of their potential to make a significant impact.

Other investors in this promising venture include Cavalry, Motion Ventures, and Dynamo Ventures. We are excited to join forces and look forward to growing Rouvia together, driving innovation in the logistics industry.

In March 2024, our Chairman Hans-Jörg Dohrmann and our MD Maren Frey attended the START Summit in St. Gallen, Switzerland. It was a pleasure to reconnect with startups and fellow investors, many of whom we had met at previous events like START Summit 2023, Bits & Pretzels, and SLUSH.

The event was a hub of innovation, showcasing cutting-edge ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. One of the standout highlights was the speeches and panels focused on the continuous optimization of VC investing through data-driven processes and AI. These discussions provided valuable insights into how technology is reshaping the venture capital landscape, making investments more efficient and informed.

Reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones, we were reminded of the strength and dynamism of the startup ecosystem. We could also see that both investors and founders see the future of venture capital more bright than in 2023, with more attractive startups starting to raise rounds again.

In November 2023, our Chairman Hans-Jörg Dohrmann and our MD Maren Frey attended the SLUSH event in Helsinki, Finland. It was a great opportunity to connect with rising startups and other investors from around the world.

We were impressed by what the SLUSH Team, driven by the University of Helsinki, has built. The event stands out as the most global venture event in Europe, bringing together brilliant minds and innovative ideas.

The side events added a unique touch to the experience. One highlight was the Finnish sauna and ice dipping experience, which was both exhilarating and memorable. These activities allowed us to bond with other attendees in a relaxed and informal setting.

SLUSH 2023 was not just about business; it was about creating meaningful connections and experiencing the vibrant Finnish culture. We left feeling inspired and excited about the future of innovation. Thank you to the SLUSH Team for organizing such a fantastic event!

We are thrilled to share that our MD Maren served as a jury member at the Cashwalk Meets Capital Day in Darmstadt. This prestigious event, a collaboration between Cashwalk, Technische Universität Darmstadt, START HUB Hessen, and hessian.ai, brought together innovative minds and industry leaders.

Maren joined a distinguished panel of investors, including Steffen Huth from bmh, Malte von Euen from Venista Ventures, and Frederic Martin from HV Capital. Together, they evaluated pitches from ten promising startups in the field of Consumer Technology.

The competition was fierce, but the standout was veli, a startup offering an innovative solution in elderly care. Veli’s technology analyzes smart meter data to monitor and ensure the well-being of elderly individuals living independently, highlighting a significant advancement in home care support.

This event was a fantastic opportunity to witness groundbreaking ideas and connect with the startup community. Congratulations to veli and all the participants for their inspiring contributions!