FSR x henQ | International Venture Capital Tour 2025

Are you interested in Venture Capital and startups? The FSR x henQ International Venture Capital Tour is your chance to deep-dive into the dynamic world of Venture Capital and entrepreneurship, guided by some of the best in the business.

This exclusive event offers students the opportunity to assess founding teams, tackle real-world business problems with real-life top entrepreneurs, and work directly alongside successful Venture Capital investors from henQ. The event is divided into two challenging rounds, and only the best participants will advance to the next stage.

Grand Prize: henQ Scholarship

The participant who impresses henQ the most throughout the event will be selected as the "Most Likely to Become VC Partner." henQ will refund their tuition fees + book expenses for the academic year 2025-2026, giving the winner a unique prize!

Round 1: AI Startup Freeday.ai

• Date: November 27
• Location: Freeday.ai HQ, Rotterdam

In the first round, 20 selected students will visit Freeday, an AI-driven startup focused on automating repetitive tasks in customer service, finance, and HR. You will work on a case with the founders, under the guidance of henQ partners. Participating in the case is your chance to learn how to assess the strengths and potential of founding teams, a key skill in the Venture Capital industry. The founders of Freeday.ai already had a successful exit and became multi-millionaires before turning 30.

Round 2: Wemolo, Münich, Germany (trip fully paid by henQ)

• Date: January 13 and 14
• Location: Wemolo, Münich, Germany

The top 10 participants from Round 1 will fly to Germany, fully paid by henQ, to visit Wemolo – Europe’s largest parking monitoring solution. Founded straight out of university by an extremely driven team, Wemolo is a highly profitable soonicorn and this year’s pick from henQ to give you a chance to work with billion euro level founders. You will work on a case with the founders, under the guidance of henQ partners, and learn how to support and challenge entrepreneurs.

About henQ:

henQ is a Venture Capital fund that backs the best European founders with €1M-€10M initial investments. The day-to-day work: identifying, meeting & selecting the best founders and startups in Europe, as well as spending time with portfolio founders to realize the performance required to become a world-leading company. What makes them unique: their partner team is on average 33 years old - making it one of the youngest partnerships in Europe, while having an excellent investment track record.

Event Details:

• Event period: November 27 - January 14
• Number of participants: 20 students for Round 1, 10 students for Round 2
• Target group: Bachelor 3’s and Master’s students interested in Venture Capital, entrepreneurship, and startups
• Selection process: CV
• Prize: Coverage of full tuition fee + book expenses for the academic year 2025-2026

Are you ready to challenge yourself, learn from successful Venture Capitalists, and connect with top entrepreneurs? Apply now for the FSR x henQ International Venture Capital Tour!

Application deadline: 16 November 2025

FAQ – International Venture Capital Tour

1. How does a Venture Capital (VC) fund work?
A VC fund invests in promising early-stage or growing companies in exchange for equity. The fund is managed by professional investors (partners) who raise capital from limited partners (LPs), such as institutions or high-net-worth individuals, and aim to generate returns through successful exits.

2. What exactly does the International Venture Capital Tour involve?
The Tour allows a select group of students to experience how VC funds operate. You’ll visit real startups, work on practical cases, and interact directly with founders and investors to learn how investment decisions are made.

3. What do VCs typically invest in?
VCs invest in startups with high growth potential, innovative products, or disruptive business models. These companies are usually in technology, software, or other rapidly developing sectors.

4. Who do Venture Capitalists work with?
VCs collaborate closely with startup founders and other investors. They provide not only funding but also strategic support, mentorship, and access to their professional networks.

5. How many portfolio companies does a typical VC have?
The number varies strongly, but most VC funds manage between 10 and 30 portfolio companies, depending on the fund size and investment strategy.

6. What is the goal of a VC, and how does it make money?
A VC aims to grow its portfolio companies so they can be sold or go public at a higher valuation. The fund makes money through equity returns — typically when a company is acquired or listed on the stock market.

7. How large is a typical VC fund?
Fund sizes can vary widely — from small early-stage funds of a few million euros to large funds exceeding €500 million. The size often reflects the fund’s investment stage and focus.

8. Does a startup need to be profitable to attract VC funding?
Not necessarily. Many startups attract VC funding before becoming profitable, as long as they show strong growth potential, a scalable business model, and, most importantly, an impressive team.

9. Who will we meet during the Tour?
You’ll meet successful VC partners, startup founders, and portfolio company teams. They’ll share insights about their work, their challenges, and what it takes to succeed in the VC and start-up world.

10. What kind of companies does henQ invest in?
henQ invests in European B2B software startups led by bold, unconventional founders. They seek founders building something real, not trendy.

11. How is henQ different from other VCs?
HenQ focuses on depth over breadth — only two / three investments per year. This allows them to commit fully to each founder’s journey.

12. What does “Funding for the odd ones out” mean?
henQ backs founders who don’t fit the mold. They believe the best companies are built by those who dare to be different AND better.

13. How big is a typical investment?
henQ invests €1–10M as an initial investment per company, with capacity for follow-ons. They commit to supporting founders beyond the first round.

14. What are henQ’s expectations of founders?
They value transparency, authenticity, and conviction. henQ wants to work with founders who truly believe in their product and purpose.