We are thrilled to share that Soulmates Ventures has been awarded Global VC of the Year at the largest independent startup competition, the Global Startup Awards (GSA)! This incredible recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to supporting startups that drive sustainable growth and long-term environmental and economic resilience across Europe.
Celebrating Success at the Global Grand Finale in Istanbul
The Global Grand Finale Days, hosted at the stunning Esma Sultan Yalısı in the heart of Istanbul, brought together some of the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem. With over 1,100 guests from more than 100 countries, including 90 venture capitalists, 14 embassy representatives, and members from over 1,000 companies, the event was a true showcase of global collaboration and entrepreneurial excellence.
One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of GSA Ventures, an initiative designed to connect top investors with high-potential startups. This venture perfectly aligns with our vision of fostering sustainable, forward-thinking innovation across Europe.
A Victory That Means So Much More
We did it! Winning the Best VC of the Year award at the Global Startup Awards is an incredible milestone for us. The competition was fierce, with 36,000 nominations from 120 countries. After securing our victory in Central Europe, we advanced among the best of the best, undergoing in-depth evaluation before the jury recognised our work and our unique approach as the very best.
At Soulmates Ventures, our mission is to make the world a better place by supporting sustainable innovation. This award brings us immense joy, but it also comes with great responsibility. It is proof that five years of hard work, relentless dedication, and an incredible journey have been worth it. But none of this would be possible without you—our partners, supporters, and believers.
Thank you for being with us, supporting us, and believing in what we do.
Why This Award Matters
Winning Best VC of the Year, sponsored by AWS, is a milestone that underscores the impact of our work. It reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to investing in startups that align with long-term sustainability goals and bring viable, future-proof solutions to the European market.
We are incredibly honoured to receive this award. It validates our mission of supporting startups that bring sustainable alternatives to outdated, unsustainable solutions. This recognition will enable us to amplify our impact and help even more visionary founders succeed,” – Hynek Sochor, Founder and Managing Partner, Soulmates Ventures
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
This award adds to an already successful year for Soulmates Ventures. Last year, we were recognised as Best VC of 2023 at the Central European Startup Awards (CESA), standing out among leading investors from 18 countries. These back-to-back wins highlight our ability to identify and accelerate startups that are shaping a more sustainable future.
Our focus remains on investing in startups that bring innovation to crucial industries such as: Energy & Mobility – Shaping the future of sustainable transportation and energy solutions. Healthcare & Well-being – Supporting technologies that improve lives and healthcare accessibility. Circular Economy & CleanTech – Driving solutions that minimise waste and maximise sustainability. Food & Agriculture – Transforming food production for a greener future. Education & Technology – Empowering the next generation with cutting-edge learning solutions. Water & Air Quality – Tackling climate challenges with scalable, sustainability-focused technologies.
What’s Next?
This award is not just a win for Soulmates Ventures—it’s a win for all the visionary founders and startups we support. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs scale their solutions and create real, measurable change.
Are you a sustainability-driven startup looking for the right investment partner—one that invests smarter, not just one that wears a vest? Connect with us at Soulmates Ventures and let’s build a sustainable future together!
