Verb Ventures Launches £21m Second Fund To Revolutionize B2B Marketplaces
Deal News | Apr 29, 2025 | Business Cloud
Verb Ventures, a London-based venture capital firm, has launched its second fund, collecting £21 million to invest in late-seed to Series A deals focusing on B2B marketplaces and data platforms. The firm seeks to address inefficiencies like limited transparency and complex procurement processes within traditionally opaque markets. With intentions to expand its current portfolio from seven to fifteen platforms over the next three years, Verb Ventures recently invested £850,000 in AI-powered procurement platform SkySelect. Founding partner Alexander Chikunov and General Partner Igor Burlakov are leading the initiative. Verb Ventures’ strategy emphasizes supporting innovative companies poised to redefine global business landscapes.
Sectors
- Venture Capital
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Verb Ventures is based in London, and their fund announcement is relevant to the UK's venture capital landscape.
- Global – The firm's investing strategy aims to modernize trade and supply chains worldwide, underlining their global operational focus.
Industry
- Venture Capital – The article centers on Verb Ventures' announcement of a new £21m fund targeted at investments in B2B marketplaces and data platforms, a classic activity in the venture capital industry.
- Technology – The focus on B2B marketplaces and data platforms indicates significant involvement in technology sectors aimed at modernizing trade and supply chains.
Financials
- £21m – The size of Verb Ventures' second fund targeting investments in B2B marketplaces.
- £850,000 – The investment Verb Ventures made in SkySelect as part of its new fund launch.
- 32m – Raised by SmartCat, one of Verb Ventures' portfolio companies, mentioned as significant in 2024.
- $1bn – The trading volume overseen by Igor Burlakov in a previous investment role.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verb Ventures | Funding Company | Company | A London-based venture capital firm focusing on B2B marketplaces and data platforms. |
| SkySelect | Target Company | Company | An AI-powered procurement platform that recently received investment from Verb Ventures. |
| Lux Capital | Co-investor | Company | Participated in the funding round along with Verb Ventures. |
| Bain Capital | Co-investor | Company | Joined the investment in SkySelect with Verb Ventures. |
| FJ Labs | Co-investor | Company | Another co-investor in the SkySelect deal. |
| Initialized | Co-investor | Company | Participated in the SkySelect funding alongside Verb Ventures. |
| Alexander Chikunov | Founding Partner | Person | Co-leads the fund for Verb Ventures. |
| Igor Burlakov | General Partner | Person | Assists in leading and scaling Verb Ventures' operations. |
| O.R.I.S.I.S project | Other | Project | Referenced as a partner with BOW in an Innovate UK-funded project. |