HILLS Lab
Decoding tomorrow for teams that have to ship today.
Independent R&D studio delivering applied AI, blockchain, and commerce systems for EU companies that need more than slide decks.
Investment memo
Snapshot of the problem, solution, and capital plan. Full financials available on request.
Problem
Mid-market companies want AI/blockchain leverage but don't trust vendors who've never run production systems. They need partners who design, build, and operate in one loop.
Solution
HILLS Lab embeds senior engineers alongside leadership to run discovery, prototypes, and go-live. Boutique studio capacity with principal-level accountability.
Market
European digital transformation spend exceeds €150B. Carving out even 10 long-term innovation retainers is €7-10M ARR with strong margin.
Why now
Become the go-to applied research partner for CEE scale-ups tackling AI, advanced commerce, and Web3.
Traction
Signed lighthouse engagements in commerce and blockchain, plus inbound pipeline from ReneVerse, Tilt partners, and Croatian enterprise network. Bootstrapped to date.
Moats
- Founder-led team with track record scaling systems to billions of events
- Integrated research + delivery pods
- Transparent runway reporting and shared telemetry
- Trusted network for compliance, security, and go-to-market support
Use of funds
- 40% Senior engineering hires
- 25% Lab infrastructure + experimentation budget
- 20% Market development in DACH & Nordics
- 15% Operating buffer
Business model
Retainers (€18-25K/month) plus delivery sprints (€35K+) and venture co-build equity options.
Team & burn
Initial pod of 3 principals + ops ≈ €32K/month burn before client revenue.
Monetisation
Retainers (€18-25K/month) plus delivery sprints (€35K+) and venture co-build equity options.