Former Product Hunt CEO Josh Buckley Seeks to Raise $250 Million for Buckley Ventures’ Fourth Fund Amid Shifting Venture Landscape

Amsterdam, 21 October 2024 – Josh Buckley, former CEO of Product Hunt and founder of Buckley Ventures, is seeking to raise $250 million for his fourth venture capital fund, according to a recent regulatory filing. This new fund marks a shift in Buckley’s strategy, as it comes at half the size of the $500 million he aimed to raise in 2022 for his third fund. Despite the challenging venture capital market, Buckley raised $337 million for that fund, as per PitchBook data.
Buckley, known for offering competitive terms to startups, was part of the “solo VC” movement alongside investors like Lachy Groom. However, some of his high-profile bets, such as his co-led $85 million Series B investment in Pakistani logistics startup Airlift, didn’t yield the expected returns, with Airlift ceasing operations in 2022. Buckley has not commented on this latest fundraising effort.
Meanwhile, in a significant development for the biotech sector, leading European life sciences venture capital firm Forbion has raised over €2 billion ($2.2 billion) across two new funds, according to an announcement made today. This brings Forbion’s total assets under management to €5 billion ($5.5 billion), further solidifying its standing as a key player in the global biotech investment market.
The two new funds, Forbion Growth Opportunities III and Forbion Ventures VII, are poised to support around 30 portfolio companies. Forbion Growth Opportunities III, closing at €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion), will target later-stage biopharma companies in Europe and North America. Forbion Ventures VII, with €890 million ($980 million) raised, will focus on early-stage biotech companies, both existing and newly founded ventures.
Forbion’s team of over 30 investment professionals and 15 operating partners will work closely with portfolio companies, supported by strategic collaborations with industry giants such as Lonza, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Charles River Laboratories.
As Buckley gears up for his latest fund in a changing VC landscape, Forbion’s milestone fundraising highlights the growing opportunities within the life sciences sector. With offices in Naarden, Munich, and Boston, Forbion’s global footprint continues to expand, positioning it as a major force in life sciences investment.
About Buckley Ventures
Founded by Josh Buckley, Buckley Ventures is a venture capital firm known for its bold investments in high-potential startups across a range of sectors, including technology, logistics, and consumer goods. The firm is recognized for offering more favorable terms than traditional VCs, helping it secure coveted deals with emerging companies. Despite market fluctuations and challenges, Buckley Ventures remains a significant player in the venture capital space, with a focus on long-term growth and innovation. Buckley Ventures has backed numerous high-profile startups, although not all have met expectations, as seen with the closure of Airlift. Buckley’s latest $250 million fund reflects a more cautious approach as the firm adapts to current market conditions.
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