Today, he’s focused on Rosberg Ventures, a platform that combines a direct investment portfolio of 35+ startups with a Fund of Funds strategy to connect the families behind Europe’s leading mid and large cap companies with the world’s tier 1 venture capital firms and their portfolios. Recently, the company reached a significant milestone, surpassing $100 million in assets under management.

I spoke with Nico to discuss his journey from the world of motorsport to entrepreneurship.

What led you to starting Rosberg Ventures?

Rosberg Ventures was born from a desire to solve a specific problem for our investors. They often want exposure to the most innovative startups globally but may lack direct access to the top-tier VC firms and their funds in markets like the US. Our Fund of Funds strategy bridges that gap, connecting them with the best venture firms globally.

What makes it unique is the link we create between the startups these VC firms invest in and the companies of our investors. By facilitating and nurturing these connections, we help startups secure early revenue opportunities and give our investors a chance to collaborate with cutting-edge innovators to future-proof their companies. It’s a win-win model that generates tangible value beyond just financial returns.

What inspired you to transition from Formula 1 to entrepreneurship?

In Formula 1, I lived and breathed innovation – pushing boundaries and finding marginal gains to achieve the ultimate goal of winning races and championships. When I retired, I wanted to take that same mindset into business. Venture capital became my new passion because it’s dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on building the future. I wanted to work alongside entrepreneurs who are driving groundbreaking innovation and solving big challenges, and this transition has allowed me to do just that.

It’s been an exhilarating shift. The entrepreneurial world is as intense and competitive as Formula 1, but what sets it apart is the diversity of problems being tackled. Through our Fund of Funds strategy, I’ve been able to collaborate with leading VC firms across the globe, gaining insights into different industries and markets. At the same time, my direct investments allow me to connect with founders and their bold visions, which is both exciting and inspiring.

What are some of the key attributes from your time as a Formula 1 driver that you’ve brought to the business?

Discipline and focus are two key traits that have carried over, and they are the two qualities I see most often in great founders. In Formula 1, every decision is optimised for performance, and I bring that same mindset to evaluating VC funds and investment opportunities. Another is resilience – both motorsport and venture capital are high-stakes environments where success often comes after navigating challenges and setbacks.

Formula 1 is an intense masterclass in teamwork, precision, and strategic thinking – all qualities that are crucial in venture capital. F1 taught me the importance of data-driven decision-making and constant innovation. Success on the track depends on every team member performing at their best, and the same applies in business. I’ve also carried forward the principle of marginal gains – always looking for small improvements that, when combined, create a significant competitive edge.

What have some of the biggest challenges been for the company and you, personally?

One of the biggest challenges – and one of our greatest achievements – has been securing access to the world’s top-tier VC firms and their funds. Gaining a seat at the table with these firms is an incredibly difficult and competitive process. These funds are highly selective, often oversubscribed, and typically work only with long-standing institutional investors or partners with a proven track record.

This access is almost impossible for individual investors or even many institutions to achieve on their own, and it’s a key reason why we’ve been able to raise $100 million. Our investors recognise the unique value we bring by opening doors they otherwise couldn’t access.

It’s something we’ve worked very hard at, leveraging our network, reputation, and commitment to building trust with these VC firms.

On a personal level, transitioning from a career in Formula 1 to the venture capital space has also been a challenge. It’s required me to immerse myself in a completely new industry, develop new skills, and constantly learn. But just like in racing, the hard work is what makes the results so rewarding.

What has your favourite part of the journey been so far? What are you most proud of?

Reaching $100 million in assets under management for our Fund of Funds strategy is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a validation of our credibility, knowledge, and the trust we’ve been able to establish in a short space of time. Beyond that, I love seeing the transformative partnerships we’re able to create between my corporate network and startups. Just recently, we brought SAP and Secjur together and now SAP are rolling out Secjur compliance automation tools to their clients.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

I’ve made mistakes along the way, as every entrepreneur does, but I view them as learning opportunities. If anything, I would have started building my entrepreneurial network earlier and sought more mentorship when transitioning from motorsport to business. Having the right guidance can make a world of difference.

What is next, both for yourself and for your business?

Our immediate next step is continuing to deploy the funds we’ve raised. We’ll be following the VC fund model of two-year vintages, so for now, we’re in allocation mode, and then we’ll be raising again. On the direct investment side, I’ll continue supporting founders in areas where I can add value through my experience and network.

Personally, I aim to deepen my involvement as an investor and thought leader in the VC space.

Finally, what advice would you like to give other entrepreneurs?

My advice is to focus on building partnerships with the best. Whether it’s choosing co-founders, investors, or advisors, your success will be shaped by the people you surround yourself with. Don’t be afraid to think long-term – great companies and funds are built over years, not months.

Lastly, embrace learning as a constant process; whether you’re a founder or an investor, staying curious is one of the most powerful tools you can have.

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Startups Magazine. Click here to subscribe