Barcelona-based CriteriaCaixa, the holding company that manages the business assets of “la Caixa” Banking Foundation, has announced a “reboot” of its startup investment business to facilitate the growth of science and technology-based emerging companies.

Through its two funds, Criteria Bio Ventures and Criteria Venture Tech, CriteriaCaixa plans to invest €300 million in innovative early-stage companies, to promote transformative therapies and technologies “that can have a positive impact on society, prioritizing long-term value creation.”

Investments will primarily be focused on Spain and Portugal, and selectively on Europe and North America.

Investments in Spain represent nearly 70% of the current portfolio’s value, reflecting the company’s strong commitment to developing the country’s business and innovation ecosystem.

Within the framework of its 2030 Strategic Plan, CriteriaCaixa also voted to rebrand its venture capital management company to better align with the current positioning of the company.

Caixa Capital Risc was founded in 2002 within ‘la Caixa’. In 2013, it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of CriteriaCaixa. It will now operate under the Criteria Capital Risc brand name, reinforcing its market positioning as CriteriaCaixa’s venture capital investment arm.

“This rebranding does not entail any changes to the structure or portfolio of the asset manager, which has been one of the leading venture capital investors in the Iberian Peninsula for over 20 years,” said CriteriaCaixa.

“Through its two specialized vehicles, Criteria Bio Ventures and Criteria Venture Tech, Criteria Capital Risc actively manages its investments by sitting on the boards of its portfolio companies and by focusing on helping them create value.

“It provides strategic support, expertise, financial strength and privileged access to leading national and international venture capital and private equity firms.”