Evertrue Capital has closed an oversubscribed $17 million debut fund to back early-stage startups across the UK and Europe. Founder Yvonne Bajela will focus on artificial intelligence and fintech companies, and the firm plans to invest in at least 20 startups over the next three years.
The Fund closed Tuesday, Nov. 3, exceeding its original target of approximately $13 million. Bajela, a venture investor with more than a decade of experience, declined additional commitments after reaching $17 million. She wanted to keep the fund manageable and avoid pressure to invest too quickly.
Evertrue has already backed seven companies. Its average investment will be approximately £350,000, reflecting its focus on businesses at the earliest stages of development.
Evertrue Capital Targets Early-Stage AI and Fintech Startups
The Fund will primarily support founders developing AI applications, financial technology and other emerging technologies. Bajela is particularly interested in founders with specialized knowledge, strong execution skills and ambitious plans beyond their initial products.
Evertrue’s official website describes the firm as a pre-seed investor focused on identifying promising founders early. It lists investments ranging from £250,000 to £500,000. The firm also offers access to a network of more than 50 experienced operators and former founders.
Bajela believes AI has reduced some financial and technical barriers to starting companies. Smaller teams can now develop products and test ideas with fewer resources. However, turning those ideas into sustainable businesses remains difficult.
Her strategy reflects broader investor interest in emerging technology companies. TechAmerica previously reported that Reach Capital raised $265 million for early-stage AI startups in education, healthcare and workplace technology.
Evertrue intends to look beyond London and other established European technology centers. Bajela expects promising founders to emerge from more diverse backgrounds and locations as development tools become increasingly accessible.
Institutional Investors Support the $17 Million Fund
Evertrue secured commitments from five institutional investors, including the British Business Bank and Basecamp. Basecamp is a fund-of-funds operated by Phoenix Court, which also houses Bajela’s former employer, LocalGlobe.
The British Business Bank supported Evertrue through its £400 million Investor Pathways capital initiative. The program aims to expand access to venture investment and support emerging fund managers. It allocated £90 million to 10 first-time fund managers, including Evertrue.
Approximately 80% of Evertrue’s limited partners are based in the UK. The remaining investors are located across Europe, Asia and the United States. Their participation reflects the international relationships Bajela developed throughout her investment career.
Raising the Fund was still challenging. Bajela said some of the hardest rejections followed months of discussions that ultimately produced no commitments. Such prolonged processes consume valuable time and create uncertainty for emerging managers.
PitchBook data cited in the original reporting shows that emerging UK fund managers raised approximately $7.4 billion through September 2026. That surpassed the $6.2 billion raised throughout 2025. Despite the increase, individual managers still face substantial challenges securing institutional backing.
Yvonne Bajela Brings Experience From Wise and Marshmallow
Bajela previously held investment positions at LocalGlobe and Impact X Capital Partners. Her investment experience includes fintech company Wise, digital insurer Marshmallow and mobility technology company Moove.
She began her career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. She later worked as a senior investment manager at Japanese trading company Mitsui. Those positions provided experience across financial services, international markets and technology investments.
Her investment philosophy emphasizes founders whose experiences give them unusual insight into specific problems. She also considers their ability to execute, overcome obstacles and build commercially viable products.
The strategy connects with broader venture investment beyond traditional technology centers. TechAmerica previously covered how Endeavor Catalyst raised $320 million to support startups outside Silicon Valley and other established technology hubs.
European Startups With Global Ambitions
Although Evertrue concentrates on Europe, its portfolio already has an international presence. More than half of its seven portfolio companies operate in the United States. This reflects the overseas ambitions of several founders the firm supports.
Bajela wants to identify promising founders before their businesses attract widespread investor attention. Her strategy favors a concentrated portfolio supported by capital, experienced operators and long-term relationships.
She also believes investment opportunities extend beyond founders with conventional professional backgrounds. Her approach considers personal experience, resilience and the ability to recognize problems others may overlook.
Evertrue has completed seven investments and intends to back at least 20 startups over three years. The firm has not disclosed its full capital allocation or a detailed deployment schedule. Its immediate priority is identifying additional early-stage businesses that fit Evertrue’s investment criteria.
