Northzone launches Northstars network of 25 European tech operators

What the Northstars will do

During the programme's first year, Northzone will bring the ambassadors into its pipeline and investment process. They will help identify deals and will be able to co-invest alongside the firm in companies they source themselves. They will also provide advisory and mentoring services to Northzone portfolio companies.

The firm links the move to a shift in how startups are built. As AI allows smaller teams to take on work that once required much larger organisations, demand is rising for seasoned operators who can manage growth, develop products and lead teams.

A response to Europe's fragmentation

Sam Endacott, a Partner at Northzone, will lead the programme with Elena Pantazi, Partner and Head of Platform. He argues that Silicon Valley's edge is density, with capital and talent in one place feeding each other, whereas Europe's talent is spread across dozens of cities and ecosystems.

In his view, the best operators in Berlin, Stockholm, Zurich, Paris and London should be on speed dial with each other, sharing what best-in-class looks like in their fields. He described the group as a founding community for the next generation of founders who want to learn from people who have helped scale Europe's biggest AI platforms.

The 25 Northstars are the first operators chosen for an ongoing programme, so further names can be expected to join over time.