
Giuseppe Lacerenza
Defence Tech Investor, Ex-McKinsey, INSEAD MBA, and Entrepreneur
glacerenza
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Joined May 2025
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Summary
Giuseppe is a dedicated Defence Tech investor and Partner at Keen Venture Partners, playing a pivotal role in establishing Europe's largest dedicated DefenceTech venture capital fund. He co-led the first close of the fund, securing over €150 million, and is focused on backing companies developing dual-use technologies and critical capabilities for defense, particularly in cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and deterrence. keenventurepartners+1
As a serial entrepreneur, Giuseppe founded Tourscanner, a meta-search engine for travel activities, and co-founded Random Break and Smartway.work. His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates a strong inclination towards identifying market gaps and building innovative solutions, particularly in travel tech and business services. keenventurepartners+3
Giuseppe has extensive experience in venture capital and AI, notably leading the Venture Team at Slimmer AI where he invested in and built AI-driven B2B SaaS companies. His strategic investments include Sentinels and Biller (both acquired), Hadrian, and Vesper, showcasing his acumen in identifying and nurturing successful AI ventures. keenventurepartners+1
Before his entrepreneurial and investment career, Giuseppe was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company for five years, advising clients in Defense, Financial Services, and Digital Transformation. This background provided him with a solid foundation in strategic consultancy and an understanding of complex industry landscapes. keenventurepartners+1
Educated with a Master of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and an MBA from INSEAD, Giuseppe combines a strong technical foundation (with a thesis on Radar and Electronic Warfare) with advanced business acumen. His early education at the Italian Navy School Morosini also highlights a disciplined and structured approach to his career. keenventurepartners+1
Work
Education
Hobbies
Has a background in coding and hacking, starting at age 10. keenventurepartners
Has an interest in travel tech, having founded two startups in the sector. keenventurepartners
Notes
TKTies Klinkhamersaid they've seen
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
create real positive impact through something they founded.Mar 5, 2026
RVRobert Verwaaijensaid that if they were looking for a strong co-investor from pre-seed through growth,
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
would be a top pick.Mar 3, 2026
BVBerend Van Hessensaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is one of the top decision makers they've seen successfully help Series B+ tech companies tackle tough growth and go-to-market challenges.Feb 18, 2026
DSDaniel Smitssaid they've seen
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
make a big positive impact by backing B2B SaaS or financial technology startups early.Feb 4, 2026
DSDaniel Smitssaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is one of the top partners they know investing in Series A rounds in Europe.Feb 4, 2026
DSDaniel Smitssaid that if they were raising a new VC fund,
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
would be among the first people they'd approach as a potential investor.Feb 4, 2026
TMTommaso Moracasaid that if they were building an AI-driven company in the tax or accounting space,
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
would be one of their first choices to reach out to for investment.Jan 23, 2026
DGDhruv Ghulatisaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is one of the most impressive early-stage founders they've come across in the last few years.Jan 20, 2026
DSDaniel Smitssaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is one of the sharpest early-stage investors they know in defense tech.Jan 20, 2026
TKTies Klinkhamersaid they would consider
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
a go-to person for building and executing go-to-market strategies in fast-paced SaaS startups.Jan 13, 2026
TKTies Klinkhamersaid that if they were founding a defense startup,
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
would be at the top of their list of investors to approach.Dec 13, 2025
EGEdoardo Gavasaid they would rate
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
as someone who's helped a VC fund stand out by backing exceptional deeptech startups.Dec 7, 2025
EGEdoardo Gavasaid that if they needed someone to lead the technical side of due diligence for an AI company,
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
would be among their first picks.Nov 29, 2025
TKTies Klinkhamersaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is well known among founders for backing pre-seed AI companies quickly and decisively.Nov 3, 2025
DGDhruv Ghulatisaid they've seen
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
move faster than most investors in getting capital to promising pre-seed AI founders.Nov 1, 2025
DDDjoni de Vossaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is one of the most respected founders or investors in the Amsterdam games or interactive entertainment scene.Oct 27, 2025
DDDjoni de Vossaid
GLGiuseppe Lacerenza
is one of the sharpest VCs they've seen when it comes to investing in defence startups.Aug 12, 2025