What key criteria does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS use when selecting startups for investment?
At PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS, we evaluate projects across several key dimensions. First, we prioritise the projects and assess product readiness, requiring a functional MVP with validated market testing results and a comprehensive financial model demonstrating clear unit economics.
Team composition represents another critical factor—we seek partnerships with competent, results-driven professionals who demonstrate the strong execution capabilities and domain expertise. Finally, we evaluate scalability potential, targeting ventures capable of rapid growth across both domestic and international markets while offering innovative approaches that establish competitive market advantages.
Which niches are currently a priority for the fund?
Our investment priorities currently focus on five key sectors. In MarTech, we’re interested in traffic solutions, advertising agencies, and marketing tools targeting Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets.
In the FinTech space, we prioritize digital banking services, cryptocurrency projects, and payment systems. We also heavily invest in AI/ML technologies that enhance user engagement and retention. Finally, we’re interested in analytical platforms and operational solutions that optimize user acquisition, marketing performance, and business processes.
Does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS prefer to acquire and incorporate startups, or does it support their independent growth? What are the advantages of a startup joining the holding?
We maintain a flexible approach that adapts to each project’s unique profile and our mutual strategic alignment. While we support the independent growth trajectory of our portfolio companies, we also offer opportunities for in-depth integration into the PIN-UP Global holding when cooperation is beneficial.
The advantages of joining the holding include immediate access to our extensive user base for testing and scaling, integration with existing products and services, established marketing channels, and operational infrastructure. All that can dramatically accelerate market entry and substantially reduce costs. Portfolio companies also benefit from our regulatory expertise, particularly in navigating complex markets, alongside access to our global network of partners and clients.
What does the investment process look like from a funding application?
Our investment evaluation process guides promising tech ventures through a structured journey from initial review to final funding decision, ensuring thorough assessment at every step. The process begins with the review stage which involves a structured collection and verification of key information and data about the project, followed by the initial meeting stage where we conduct discussions to explore the project and potential cooperation points. We then progress to the internal assessment stage for in-depth evaluation of marketability, scalability, and alignment with our investment strategy.
The term sheet stage outlines the main terms and conditions of the proposed business agreement, leading to the due diligence stage where we conduct thorough examination of financial, legal, operational, and market factors to ensure informed decision-making. The process culminates with the Invest Committee stage, which consists of a comprehensive project review and final investment determination.
How long does it typically take for an investee to receive support?
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the business model and the project stage of development. Generally, the process from initial application to investment decision takes between 4-8 weeks. For early-stage startups with less complex business models, the process can be expedited.
Once the investment decision is made and terms are agreed upon, operational support begins immediately.
What type of financial and strategic support does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS provide?
Our financial backing ranges from pre-seed funding to later-stage investments, with flexible capital strategies designed to fuel sustainable growth. Beyond capital investment, we provide comprehensive support in the business model verification, where we help refine and validate MVP in real-world conditions.
Furthermore, we offer operational support, including legal, financial, and administrative assistance to reduce operational burdens. Additionally we provide access to our extensive network of potential clients and partners, development of effective growth strategies, and expert guidance in key business areas.
For many teams, the most valuable aspect is the potential integration into our holding, allowing them to test products in real business environments and accelerate their go-to-market strategy.
Are there specific milestones startups must reach to continue receiving support?
Yes, we establish clear, mutually agreed-upon milestones tailored to each project’s specific situation and growth stage. These typically include product development targets, market expansion goals, user acquisition metrics, and financial performance indicators.
We take a collaborative approach to milestone setting, ensuring they’re ambitious yet achievable. Our team works closely with the startup to provide the resources and support needed to meet these goals. We conduct regular progress reviews, and while we expect commitment to achieving milestones, we also maintain flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions or strategic pivots when necessary.
How does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS assess the risks associated with startup investments?
Our risk assessment process is balanced and multi-faceted. We evaluate market risks by analyzing industry trends, competitive landscapes, and regulatory environments. For technological risks, we conduct thorough technical due diligence, often involving our in-house specialists.
We assess team risks by evaluating experience, track record, and team dynamics. Financial risks are analyzed through detailed examination of unit economics, burn rates, and capital requirements. We also consider operational risks such as scaling challenges and potential execution bottlenecks.
What sets our approach apart is integration risk analysis – we specifically evaluate how effectively a startup can leverage our resources and capabilities.
What are the most common reasons businesses fail to receive investment from PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS?
Businesses typically fail to secure investment from PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS due to several critical issues.
Strategic misalignment with our investment focus areas prevents businesses from advancing through our evaluation process.
Insufficient market validation is a primary concern, where ventures lack the evidence of product-market fit or demonstrate limited user adoption.
Many founders present underdeveloped business models with unclear monetisation strategies or unrealistic financial projections that don’t withstand in-depth review. Team composition also frequently disqualifies promising ventures, particularly when the teams lack essential domain expertise, technical capabilities, or track records.
We often suspend projects with limited scalability potential, where the proposed solution lacks differentiation in a competitive landscape.
Finally, lack of documentation for due diligence or denial of access to critical information represents another significant barrier, as transparency is essential for our evaluation process. Without complete access to financial records, technical documentation, or legal agreements, we cannot properly assess investment risks.
Does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS focus more on early-stage startups or companies with a proven track record? What are the key factors that PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS takes into account when assessing ventures at different stages of development?
We maintain a balanced portfolio approach, investing across different stages from pre-seed to later stages. For early-stage startups, we look for exceptional teams with ready market-tested MVPs that show strong potential in our focus industries.
For more established companies, teams, technologies and projects, we seek proven business models with demonstrable traction and clear paths to profitability. What’s consistent across all investments is our evaluation of how our holding and expertise can accelerate growth, regardless of the company’s current stage.
What does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS expect from startups in return for investment? Are there specific commitments or KPIs that startups must meet?
We expect a strong commitment to execution excellence and transparency. While specific KPIs vary by project and industry, we typically track metrics related to user acquisition, retention, consistency of revenue and profit growth and operational efficiency.
Beyond financial returns, we value projects that actively engage with our holding, seek synergies with other portfolio companies, and contribute to innovation within the PIN-UP Global network. We establish a collaborative relationship with regular reporting and open communication about challenges and opportunities, facilitating proactive support and cooperation rather than purely results-based evaluation.
How does PIN-UP.INVESTMENTS help startups scale and expand into new markets?
Our approach to scaling and market expansion is multi-dimensional. We provide access to our established presence in multiple international markets, significantly reducing the time and resources typically required for market entry.
We offer regulatory and compliance expertise, particularly valuable in highly regulated industries like iGaming and FinTech. Our marketing and user acquisition capabilities help businesses quickly establish a presence in new territories. Additionally, we facilitate introductions to local partners, distribution channels, and potential clients in target markets.
For technological scaling, we provide infrastructure support and technical expertise to ensure products can handle increased user loads and market-specific requirements. This comprehensive support system allows teams to focus on product development and core operations while leveraging our established resources for expansion.
