Silicon-Valley based MS&AD Ventures and Redstone are extending the partnership bringing in Redstone as a partner across the full venture capital value chain. The Redstone team will support MS&AD Ventures in all aspects of their operations including deal sourcing, portfolio management and business development, working closely as a trusted partner. As the Redstone team will work from Switzerland this will bring new opportunities for Swiss start-ups.
While Switzerland is renowned for its innovative ecosystem, there remains a gap in investment to further propel its startup landscape. One way to overcome this challenge is international collaboration between US-based investors and European partners, who are familiar with the local markets. Redstone VC, in partnership with MS&AD Ventures, is taking the first step. Operating from Switzerland, the organizations plan to invest in fintech, insurtech, and deep tech startups across Europe.
Redstone VC is an early-stage European investor known for its data-driven investment approach and sector-specific strategies. With offices in Berlin, Zurich, and Helsinki, Redstone focuses on sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, Health, the Built World, Social Impact, Sustainability, and Venture Debt. With 14 funds in operation, Redstone is considered one of the top 20 data-driven VCs, alongside firms like Sequoia, Lightspeed, and SignalFire.
Since 2019, Redstone has been collaborating with MS&AD Ventures, the corporate venture arm of MS&AD Group, based in Silicon Valley. MS&AD Ventures was founded in 2018 as the first corporate venture capital initiative of a Japanese insurance company, focusing on early-stage investments across a broad range of sectors. The group aims to enhance profitability, enter new markets, and create new business opportunities through startup collaborations. Recently, MS&AD Ventures increased its fund size by USD 100 million, bringing its total assets under management to USD 400 million.
Redstone and MS&AD Ventures are expanding their partnership to cover day-to-day operations. MS&AD Ventures will continue with its existing structure, while Redstone will play an integral role across the entire venture capital value chain, supporting activities such as deal sourcing, portfolio management, and business development. This collaboration will also strengthen Redstone’s presence in the US and globally.
As part of the latest agreement, Redstone will operate from Switzerland to access the country's vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, and adjacent verticals like Mobility, Digital Health, and Sustainable Finance. Marco Stutz, Partner at Redstone Switzerland, explains, “Our decision to run this mandate in Switzerland is rooted in our team’s expertise and proven track record. Switzerland offers a robust financial sector, an international investment landscape, and access to high-quality deal flow in our key sectors.”
Redstone seeks to invest in startups with scalable business models, strong technological differentiation, and potential synergies with the financial services and insurance industries. “While our outlook is global, we are actively scouting for high-potential Swiss startups that align with our investment themes,” adds Stutz.
Samuli Sirén, Co-founder and CEO of Redstone, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are honored to deepen our collaboration with MS&AD Ventures. This partnership expands our reach and strengthens our capabilities, creating mutual benefits for both parties.”
(Press release/RAN)
Picture: Team MS&AD Ventures & Redstone VC
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The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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