Softline Venture Partners

Softline Venture Partners is the corporate venture fund of Softline Group, established in 2008 to invest as an independent investor in early-stage technology and IT companies with Russian roots that are seeking to expand into international markets. The firm operates across Russia and international markets, and invests alongside - but independently of - the wider Softline corporate structure, taking minority stakes rather than acquiring founders' products.

Investment range per deal runs from $300,000 to $10 million. Selection criteria are explicit: the fund targets companies with a ready IT product, demonstrated product-market fit and recurring revenue. Sector coverage is concentrated in artificial intelligence, MarTech, EdTech, HRTech, cybersecurity, cloud services, the Internet of Things and Big Data.

Portfolio companies gain access to Softline's relationships with global vendors and to a broad base of corporate customers, alongside sales channels and functional expertise in legal, finance and marketing. The stated approach is to support entrepreneurs building technology-led businesses while leaving operating control with the founders.