Venture capitalist Yvonne Bajela has closed an oversubscribed $17 million debut fund for her investment firm, Evertrue Capital, targeting early-stage artificial intelligence and fintech startups across the United Kingdom and Europe. Announced on November 3, 2026, the fund has already invested in seven companies and plans to back at least 20 businesses over the next three years.
Evertrue Capital will make investments averaging approximately £350,000, focusing on founders developing AI, financial technology, and other emerging technologies. Bajela, who previously worked at LocalGlobe and Impact X Capital Partners, established the firm after spending over a decade investing in startups, including Wise, Marshmallow, and Moove.
Evertrue Secures Five Institutional Investors
The fund initially targeted approximately $13 million but attracted enough investor interest to close at $17 million. Bajela declined additional commitments rather than increase the fund’s size, explaining that she wanted to maintain a focused investment strategy.
Five institutional investors backed Evertrue, including the British Business Bank and Basecamp, the fund-of-funds operated by Phoenix Court, which also houses LocalGlobe. Other institutional backers include Better Society Capital, Allocator One, and Bootstrap 4F.
Evertrue also participated in the British Business Bank’s £400 million Investor Pathways capital initiative, which allocated £90 million to 10 first-time fund managers. Approximately 80% of Evertrue’s limited partners are based in the United Kingdom, with the remainder located across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Bajela acknowledged the difficulties of raising capital, particularly when potential investors declined commitments after months of discussions. She described fund size as a strategic decision, emphasizing the importance of investing selectively rather than deploying capital simply because it was available.
Investment Strategy Focuses on AI and Fintech
Evertrue will primarily support companies at the earliest stages of development, with an emphasis on AI and financial technology. Its existing investments include Revion, an AI company serving the automotive sector, Poindexter Labs, fintech infrastructure provider Zuba, and enterprise knowledge platform Zaro.
Over half of Evertrue’s portfolio companies already operate in the United States, reflecting its investment focus on businesses with international ambitions. Bajela said advances in AI have reduced some barriers to company formation, creating opportunities for investors to identify promising founders earlier.
Her investment approach prioritizes founders with distinctive industry knowledge, strong execution capabilities, and experience overcoming difficult circumstances. Bajela previously worked as a senior investment manager at Mitsui in Japan and began her career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs.
The fund closes amid increased fundraising activity among emerging venture capital managers in the United Kingdom. According to PitchBook data, these managers raised $7.4 billion through September 2026, exceeding the $6.2 billion raised throughout 2025.
Featured image credits: Yvonne Bajela
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