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Emilia Capital
Joost de Valk and Marieke van de Rakt launched Emilia Capital in 2021 in Wijchen, Netherlands, following their exit from Yoast, the widely adopted...
Emilia Capital
Joost de Valk and Marieke van de Rakt launched Emilia Capital in 2021 in Wijchen, Netherlands, following their exit from Yoast, the widely adopted WordPress SEO plugin. The firm deploys the founders' operational and earned wealth, writing checks against what the firm's website describes as a commitment to companies that "make the world a better place by being who they are." The vehicle targets early-stage technology companies with a strong online component. Its disclosed deployment of €4 million into 11 portfolio companies spans open-source software, sustainability-focused technology, and female-led startups. The firm engages directly with the WordPress and open-source communities — it hosted a live pitch event at WordCamp Europe 2023 in Athens, fielding four company pitches at its booth for same-weekend investment decisions. While the full portfolio is not publicly listed, the firm emphasizes operator-backed capital and uses its blog and event presence to source deals. Emilia Capital operates from the Netherlands with no additional offices disclosed. The founders bring deep WordPress ecosystem expertise, and the firm's activities blend investment with community engagement, such as sponsoring WordCamp Europe. Its investment cadence remains selective and early-stage, with the most recent public note covering a mural project at its office building in June 2024. The firm's structural distinction lies in its operator-to-investor lineage within the WordPress and open-source ecosystem. De Valk and de Rakt did not raise outside capital; they invest personal proceeds from their company sale with a thesis tied directly to their domain expertise. This narrow, founder-funded model differentiates the vehicle from broader venture funds and family offices, positioning it as a concentrated vehicle for strategic web-technology bets.
General information
Firm type
Private Equity
Year founded
2021
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Europe
Country
Netherlands
City
Wijchen
Corporate office
Emilia van Nassaustraat 20, 6602 GW Wijchen, Netherlands
Principals
Joost de Valk
Founder
Marieke van de Rakt
Founder
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who makes investment decisions at Emilia Capital?
Joost de Valk and Marieke van de Rakt, as founders of the firm, oversee investments. They are former operators who built and sold the WordPress SEO plugin Yoast, and they personally engage with the open-source and web communities to identify opportunities. Their decision-making includes in-person pitch evaluations, such as the live session they conducted at WordCamp Europe in Athens in May 2023.
How does Emilia Capital source its deals?
The firm uses a public-facing, community-driven sourcing model. It actively sponsors and attends WordPress and open-source events like WordCamp Europe, where it invites startups to pitch for same-weekend investment decisions. Additionally, the firm accepts pitches directly through its website.
What is the firm's typical check size and investment stage?
Emilia Capital has disclosed a total of €4 million committed across 11 companies, implying an average deal size of roughly €360,000. The firm targets early-stage companies with a strong web-based or online component, consistent with the founders' backgrounds as WordPress entrepreneurs.
Is Emilia Capital open to co-investing with other investors?
The firm's website does not explicitly detail a co-investment policy. However, its community-driven events and direct-pitch portal suggest a preference for direct, often lead, engagement with founders rather than passive club-deal participation. Its size makes it a natural early-stage partner.
What is the relationship between Emilia Capital and Yoast?
There is no ongoing structural or operational relationship. Joost de Valk and Marieke van de Rakt founded and sold Yoast, the WordPress SEO plugin business, before establishing Emilia Capital in 2021. The firm is funded by their personal proceeds from that sale, making Yoast the source of the investment capital rather than a sister company.
Does Emilia Capital focus only on open-source and female-led startups?
The firm's stated investment criteria emphasize companies that are open-source, sustainable, or female-led, but it does not describe this as an exclusive filter. Its portfolio includes 11 companies across these themes, with the common requirement being a strong technology or online component.
Has Emilia Capital made any exits from its portfolio?
The firm's website notes one exit among its investments so far, but no further details about the company or transaction are publicly disclosed. The founders describe their capital as committed for the long term.
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