Last quarter, Blackfinch Ventures was named one of the most active investors in Europe – closing 18 deals in Q2 2025. It’s a milestone that placed us in the top five of Sifted’s latest report.

To some, that might look like we’re simply scaling up. But for us, it’s a reflection of something more valuable: strategic focus.

In this article, I’ll share what delivering high volumes of dealflow really looks like – and how we’ve built conviction around three key themes that underpin some of our recent activity and forward-looking approach: DeepTech, Energy Transition and Fintech.  

Each area presents distinct opportunities, but they all share one thing in common: the potential to make a meaningful impact while delivering long-term value.

What Does "18 Deals in Q2" Actually Look Like?

When the Sifted list was published, we were often asked, “How did you do 18 investments in just three months?”

The short answer? We’ve built the capability for it.

Following consistent year-on-year growth, we’ve refined how we work. That includes streamlining investment processes, running tighter Investment Committees, and enabling our team to build genuine conviction in their focus areas.

And we don’t just appear when a round opens. We're already in conversation with founders’ weeks – sometimes months – ahead of that point. That early engagement helps us move quickly but never at the expense of due diligence.

Many of the most promising businesses we’ve backed this year weren’t raising publicly. They came to us through relationships – from existing founders or trusted partners. That kind of sourcing doesn’t scale with online forms. It takes time, consistency and trust – and it’s at the heart of how we operate.

DeepTech: Eyes on the Sky

Earlier this year, we backed two standout DeepTech firms – Neuranics and Supercritical. Neuranics is pioneering next-generation magnetic sensing technology, while Supercritical – which also sits in our energy transition theme – is building green hydrogen systems with market-leading efficiency.

We’re also excited by developments in Space and Surveillance Infrastructure. One of our recent investments, Spaceflux, is building a global network of optical sensors to track space debris that could cause damage to expensive assets out in space. Already working with the UK Space Agency and Ministry of Defence, Spaceflux is quickly becoming a trusted partner in Europe’s evolving space ecosystem.

As Charles Horn, one of our Associates, notes:

“Europe is waking up to the importance of industrial resilience and technological sovereignty – and that’s creating new momentum for deep tech.”

We’re comfortable with complex technologies, but we’re equally focused on commercial relevance. The best DeepTech founders we meet aren’t just pushing scientific boundaries – they’re laser-focused on go-to-market strategy. And we’ve adapted our model to support them: co-investing with strategic partners, aligning with long-term industry needs, and staying patient on the path to scale.

Fintech: The Wealth 3.0 Opportunity

We’re seeing a shift in how wealth is managed – and it’s being driven by a new generation.

As control of capital changes hands, existing wealth platforms are showing their age. Legacy tools and models don’t always serve the needs of digital-first, values-led investors. This is what some are calling Wealth 3.0 – and we believe it presents a real opportunity.

Our focus in this area goes beyond consumer fintech. We’re looking at infrastructure: B2B tools, embedded advice, and intuitive interfaces that genuinely support Financial Advisers and reflect how younger investors want to engage.

As our Senior Associate, Hassaan Mehmood, puts it:

“There’s a mismatch in how wealth is managed for younger generations. Founders creating forward-thinking, accessible and tech-enabled solutions are well-placed to thrive.”

This thinking is shaping how we source and evaluate fintech opportunities. It’s not just about scale – it’s about alignment with adviser needs, intuitive design, and smart integrations that genuinely improve outcomes.

Energy Transition: Momentum Meets Commercial Reality

The energy sector has shifted. It’s no longer an emerging area for venture capital – it’s now a core focus.

We’ve backed a range of firms this year across energy efficiency, sustainable logistics, and advanced infrastructure. A standout is Supercritical, who we mentioned above, and we’ve also invested into:

• A wind propulsion firm helping reduce maritime emissions.
• A platform optimising smart heat pump systems.
• A logistics company focused on electrifying last-mile delivery.
• A start-up developing ultra-efficient electrolysers.
• A business deploying on-site, distributed power solutions.

As our Technical Ventures Analyst, Cameron McGee, explains:

“There’s a shift from cleantech hype to real deployment. Investors are seeing clear commercial returns – especially in retrofitting, smart buildings and logistics electrification.”

We’re looking for companies that don’t just rely on regulatory support, but those where scaling makes strong financial sense, known as unit economics. These are the opportunities that offer the strongest path to long-term growth.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About More Deals – It’s About Better Ones

The landscape is evolving. Founders are sharper. Capital is more considered. And investment managers need to bring more than just funding.

Our recognition as one of Europe’s most active investors isn’t just about volume. It’s a signal that our focus is working. That by going deeper – not broader – we’re supporting teams who are building with real clarity and purpose.

We’ll continue to back founders building in:

• DeepTech – advanced materials, imaging, manufacturing, and AI infrastructure.
• Energy Transition – deployment-ready electrification, decarbonisation and sustainable systems.
• Fintech – tools and platforms supporting advisers, infrastructure, and Wealth 3.0.

If you’re working with a founder in one of these areas – or if you are one – we’d love to connect.