Target Global

Key Points

• Legitimate Investment Firm: Target Global is a reputable European venture capital firm managing over €3 billion in assets, investing in technology startups across fintech, healthtech, and mobility.

• No Direct Fraud Allegations: No specific allegations of fraud or cybercrime are directly tied to Target Global in the provided investigation or other sources.

• Potential Impersonation Risks: The firm’s prominence makes it a potential target for impersonation scams, where fraudsters may pose as Target Global to deceive investors or startups.

• Strong Industry Reputation: Recognized for successful investments in companies like Revolut, Delivery Hero, and Auto1, with a transparent operational history.

• Regulatory Compliance: Operates under strict EU regulations, with no reported violations or sanctions as of May 15, 2025.

Overview

Target Global is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, Barcelona, and Abu Dhabi. It manages over €3 billion in assets and focuses on early-stage and growth investments in technology-driven startups, particularly in fintech, healthtech, mobility, and software. The firm has backed notable companies such as Revolut, Delivery Hero, Auto1, and Zego, emphasizing digital transformation and innovation. Target Global operates multiple funds, including early-stage, growth, and mobility-focused funds, and is led by managing partners like Shmuel Chafets and Yaron Valler. Its transparent operations and registration with EU financial authorities, such as Germany’s BaFin, distinguish it from fraudulent entities. No evidence from the investigation or public sources suggests involvement in cybercrime or illicit activities.

Allegations and Concerns

• No Direct Allegations: The investigation source from May 8, 2025, does not link Target Global to specific fraud, cybercrime, or unethical practices. Unlike entities like Team Jorge or Moneta International, no accusations of election manipulation, hacking, or scam facilitation are reported.

• Potential Impersonation Risk: Given its high-profile status in the venture capital industry, Target Global could be targeted by  impersonating the firm to solicit funds or sensitive information from startups or investors, a common tactic in the financial sector.

• Industry-Wide Concerns: The venture capital sector is vulnerable to fraud, with scams like fake investment pitches or phishing schemes targeting firms. While not specific to Target Global, these risks highlight the need for vigilance.

• Limited Public Scrutiny: The firm’s low-key public profile (focused on B2B interactions) limits exposure to consumer complaints but may obscure minor operational issues.

Customer Feedback

• No Consumer Reviews: As a venture capital firm, Target Global primarily serves startups and institutional investors, not retail consumers, so no direct reviews exist on platforms like Trustpilot or Google.

• Portfolio Company Feedback: Founders of portfolio companies like Revolut and Delivery Hero praise Target Global’s strategic support. A TechCrunch article quotes a Revolut executive: “Target Global provided not just capital but deep industry insights that helped us scale.”

• Negative Feedback Absent: No negative feedback from portfolio companies or investors is documented. The firm’s reputation in the tech ecosystem is generally positive, with no reports of mismanagement or unethical behavior.

• Industry Perception: Analysts on Crunchbase describe Target Global as “a reliable partner for high-growth startups,” citing its track record in successful exits like Auto1’s IPO.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: Investors or startups engaging with Target Global face standard venture capital risks, such as investment losses due to startup failures, but no specific financial misconduct is reported.

• Reputational Risks: Impersonation scams could harm Target Global’s reputation if fraudsters misuse its brand, potentially eroding trust among partners or portfolio companies.

• Legal Risks: No legal issues are documented, but the firm operates in a heavily regulated EU environment, requiring compliance with BaFin and GDPR, which could pose risks if violations occur.

• Cybersecurity Risks: As a financial entity, Target Global is a potential target for phishing, ransomware, or data breaches, common threats to the financial sector, though no incidents are reported.

Business Relations and Associations

• Key Partners: Managed by Shmuel Chafets, Yaron Valler, and others, with a team of experienced venture capitalists. No controversial figures are linked to the firm.

• Portfolio Companies: Includes Revolut, Delivery Hero, Auto1, Zego, and Rapyd, showcasing a strong network in fintech and mobility.

• Industry Affiliations: Collaborates with European tech ecosystems, including Berlin’s startup scene and Israel’s tech hub. No ties to fraudulent  networks are reported.

• No Scam Associations: Unlike Tamir Borsuk’s Moneta International or Tal Hanan’s Team Jorge, Target Global has no documented connections to fraud networks or illicit actors.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• No Lawsuits or Debts: No lawsuits, unpaid debts, or bankruptcy records are associated with Target Global as of May 15, 2025.

• Regulatory Compliance: Registered with Germany’s BaFin and compliant with EU financial regulations, ensuring transparency in operations.

• No Fraudulent Activity: Unlike other investigated entities, Target Global has no history of facilitating scams or violating AML regulations.

• Financial Stability: Managing over €3 billion in assets with successful exits (e.g., Auto1 IPO) indicates financial health and stability.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Target Global stands out as a legitimate and reputable venture capital firm with a strong track record in technology investments, particularly in fintech and mobility. Its portfolio, including successes like Revolut and Delivery Hero, underscores its credibility in the European startup ecosystem. Unlike other subjects in related investigations (e.g., Tamir Borsuk, Tal Hanan), Target Global has no direct links to fraud, cybercrime, or regulatory violations. However, its prominence makes it a potential target for impersonation scams, a common issue in the financial sector.

Pros:

• Proven investment success
• transparent operations
• strong industry reputation.

Cons:

• Limited public profile may obscure minor issues
• vulnerable to brand misuse by scammers.

Cautionary Advice: Verify all communications claiming to be from Target Global through official channels (e.g., www.targetglobal.vc). Startups and investors should conduct due diligence to avoid falling for impersonation scams. Use secure communication and two-factor authentication to mitigate cybersecurity risks. For investment opportunities, consult directly with Target Global’s verified team.

Key Citations

Cybercriminal investigation:https://cybercriminal.com/investigation/target-global