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C5 Capital Limited
C5 Capital is a London and Washington, D.C.-based venture firm founded in 2016 by Andre Pienaar, investing in cybersecurity, AI, and space technology.
C5 Capital Limited
C5 Capital was founded in 2016 by Andre Pienaar, a South African-born entrepreneur and former attorney. The firm is headquartered in London with an additional office in Washington, D.C., reflecting its focus on defense, intelligence, and government-adjacent technology sectors. C5 invests across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space technologies — three verticals it views as deeply interconnected. It primarily targets early-stage companies that sell to government agencies or large enterprises, often in NATO-aligned markets. Portfolio companies include Cybereason, a Boston-based cybersecurity firm; Cognition, an AI and data analytics provider; and Spire Global, a satellite data and space-based analytics company. The firm has also backed defensive cyber platforms and secure cloud infrastructure providers. C5 Capital does not publicly disclose AUM or fund sizes. Its team includes partners with backgrounds in intelligence, defense procurement, and venture capital. The firm maintains relationships with government end-users and system integrators as part of its sourcing model. Pienaar has served on the board of Cybereason and other portfolio companies. C5 Capital is structurally distinct for its single-thesis focus on the nexus of cyber, AI, and space — a combination that few venture firms address as a unified mandate. It builds portfolios designed for security and sovereign resilience, not purely commercial returns. The firm also operates with a small, specialized team, which limits its deal volume but deepens sector expertise.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital Firm
Year founded
2016
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
City
London
Corporate office
London, United Kingdom
Additional offices
Washington, D.C., United States
Principals
Andre Pienaar
Founder and Managing Partner
Jonathan C. M. Tan
Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at C5 Capital?
Andre Pienaar is the founder and managing partner, and leads investment decisions. Jonathan C. M. Tan serves as a partner. The firm maintains a small team with partners from defense and intelligence backgrounds.
What sectors does C5 Capital focus on?
C5 invests exclusively in three verticals: cybersecurity, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and space technologies. It views these as interconnected domains and backs companies that often serve government and defense clients.
Does C5 Capital invest in early or late-stage companies?
The firm invests primarily at the early stage, including Series A and B rounds. Its portfolio includes companies like Cybereason and Spire Global, which were backed during their growth phases.
How does C5 Capital source proprietary deal flow?
C5 Capital sources deals through relationships with government agencies, defense contractors, and system integrators, particularly in NATO-aligned markets. Its partner network includes former intelligence and cybersecurity professionals.
Is C5 Capital structured as a fund or as a family office?
C5 Capital operates as a venture capital firm with a dedicated fund structure. It is not a family office; it raises capital from institutional investors and family offices.
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