Berlin, February 12, 2025 – Sam Eshrati, a prominent angel investor and advocate for the European startup community, has joined identity.vc as its newest Venture Partner. Based in Copenhagen, Sam’s appointment highlights identity.vc’s commitment to expanding its reach across Europe while reinforcing its mission to back LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Pioneering Representation in Venture Capital
As Europe’s first LGBTQ+ impact fund, identity.vc has positioned itself at the forefront of driving diversity in venture capital. The fund focuses on investing in startups with LGBTQ+ leadership, supporting early-stage ventures from pre-seed to Series A. Its vision goes beyond financial returns, aiming to shatter barriers in the startup world and foster opportunities for underrepresented founders.
Eshrati: A Catalyst for Change
Known for his dynamic contributions to Europe’s startup ecosystem, Sam’s influence has been significant. As the COO and Chief Engagement Officer at TechBBQ, he played a key role in shaping one of Europe’s most prominent tech events. Beyond this, his portfolio as an angel investor and his active participation in initiatives like the Danish Startup Group and the European Startup Nations Alliance speak to his dedication to the startup community.
“Sam’s expertise as an investor, community leader, and advocate for diversity aligns perfectly with identity.vc’s mission,” said Til Klein, Co-Founder and General Partner of identity.vc. “We’re thrilled to have him on board to help drive our vision forward.”
Building a Thriving Community for LGBTQ+ Founders
Identity.vc’s unique approach emphasizes community-building as a cornerstone of its strategy. The fund connects LGBTQ+ founders and investors through events and initiatives that span Europe’s major startup hubs. By creating a vibrant network, identity.vc not only invests capital but also empowers founders with the resources and relationships needed to succeed in competitive markets.
Sam shares this vision: “Joining identity.vc is an incredible opportunity to advance what I care about most—investing in transformative startups, building inclusive communities, and advocating for LGBTQ+ leadership. Together, we can shape a future where diversity fuels innovation.”
About identity.vc
“Born to Disrupt” is the slogan of identity.vc, Europe’s first venture capital fund backing LGBTQ+ founders. With a focus on early-stage investments across all sectors, the fund operates under the principles of the Art. 9 SFDR social impact framework, ensuring its work delivers measurable, sustainable impact. Founded by Til Klein, a former BCG partner and fintech founder, and Jochen Beutgen, a seasoned family office investor, identity.vc represents a bold step forward for inclusion in venture capital.
Find photos and logo here. For more information, visit identity.vc or contact:
- Til Klein: [email protected]
- Sam Eshrati: [email protected]
