Organization · Venture Capital
Passion Capital
Passion Capital is a London-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies across the UK and Europe. Established in 2009, it is recognized as the first operator-led VC fund in Europe.
Overview
What Passion Capital does
What Passion Capital is
Passion Capital is a London-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies across the UK and Europe. Established in 2009, it is recognized as the first operator-led VC fund in Europe.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2009
- Approximate age
- About 17 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
Official channels
Find Passion Capital elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Passion Capital as a funder
Investment thesis
Passion Capital is dedicated to supporting early-stage technology companies, particularly in AI, FinTech, and Risk sectors, with a focus on the UK and Europe.
Focus narrative
Passion Capital primarily invests in pre-seed stage startups across the UK and Europe. The firm typically invests between £400,000 and £500,000 in new opportunities and supports approximately 10 startups annually. Their flexible investment approach allows them to lead, co-lead, or participate in funding rounds.
Value beyond capital
Passion Capital adds value to its portfolio companies through operational support, strategic guidance, and access to a broad network of industry contacts. The firm leverages its team's extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurship to help startups navigate challenges and accelerate their growth.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $500,000–$625,000
- Sweet spot
- $562,500
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- EuropeUnited Kingdom
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 70
- Recorded notable exits
- GoCardless
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include: Monzo: A bank designed for smartphones. GoCardless: A platform that enables businesses to send and receive payments directly between bank accounts. Tide: Provides mobile-first banking services for small and medium-sized enterprises. Marshmallow: A digital insurance company that uses data to offer better car insurance to expatriates. Butternut Box: A subscription service delivering fresh, high-quality dog meals. Digital Shadows: An enterprise monitoring service for digital footprints and data vulnerabilities. PolyAI: A provider of AI-based voice assistants for customer solutions. Tray.ai: An AI-powered integration platform as a service (iPaaS).
Capability profile
Passion Capital as a publisher
Editorial focus
Passion Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, focusing on early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2009, it is recognized as the first operator-led VC fund in Europe. The firm primarily invests in pre-seed stage startups across the UK and Europe, with a flexible investment approach that allows them to lead, co-lead, or participate in funding rounds.
Audience value
Passion Capital provides flexible investment options and support for early-stage technology startups, helping them grow and succeed in competitive markets.
Format and cadence
- Content formats
- newsletter and blog
Availability
- Guest pitch state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and focus
- Audience
- Founders · Investors
- Regions
- EuropeUnited Kingdom
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
Passion Capital has a notable portfolio that includes companies such as Monzo, GoCardless, Tide, Marshmallow, Butternut Box, Digital Shadows, PolyAI, and Tray.ai.
Notable coverage
Eileen Burbidge, co-founder of Passion Capital, is recognized as one of the UK's most prominent VC voices, contributing to the firm's reputation in the venture capital landscape.
Common questions
What to know about Passion Capital
Upseed classifies Passion Capital under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.