Yvonne Bajela raises $17M for Evertrue, a U.K.-Europe early-stage fund

Why Evertrue launched now

Yvonne Bajela has launched Evertrue, a $17 million fund targeting early-stage startups in the U.K. and Europe, with a focus on AI and fintech. The fund closed oversubscribed, exceeding its initial $13 million target. Bajela cited the AI boom as a key driver for launching now, arguing it has reshaped the economics of company-building and created new opportunities for early-stage investors.

According to TechCrunch, the U.K.’s startup ecosystem—particularly King’s Cross, a growing AI hub—has played a role in this timing. The fund will deploy capital into companies redefining scaling dynamics in the region, such as Revolut, Synthesia, ElevenLabs, and CuspAI, the latter backed by Jeff Bezos.

Investment strategy and backing

Evertrue plans to invest in at least 20 startups over the next three years, with an average check size of £350,000. The fund’s limited partners (LPs) are 80% U.K.-based, with the remainder spread across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

The fund secured backing from five institutional investors, including the British Business Bank and Basecamp, the fund-of-funds arm of Phoenix Court. Evertrue was also part of the British Business Bank’s £400 million Investor Pathways initiative, which allocated £90 million to 10 first-time fund managers. Bajela opted to cap the fund at $17 million rather than accept additional capital.

Bajela’s background and track record

Bajela brings over a decade of venture capital experience, most recently at LocalGlobe and Impact X Capital Partners. During her tenure, she backed unicorns like Wise, Marshmellow (now part of insurtech giant Mooves), and robotaxi startup Mooves. Her earlier career includes roles as a senior investment manager at Mistusi in Japan and an analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Her experience spans multiple geographies and sectors, reinforcing Evertrue’s focus on AI and fintech. The fund’s launch comes amid a broader surge in U.K. emerging fund managers, who raised $7.4 billion through September, surpassing the $6.2 billion raised in all of 2025.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Evertrue’s launch is a signal of confidence in the U.K. and European early-stage ecosystem, particularly in AI and fintech. For founders in these sectors, the fund represents a new source of capital—especially for those seeking checks in the £350,000 range—from a manager with a track record of backing unicorns. The oversubscribed fund also reflects strong LP appetite for emerging managers with sector-specific expertise, a trend worth watching for other first-time fund managers.

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