Alliance For Impact (AFI)
Alliance for Impact (AFI) is a European Day-One Impact Launchpad focused on bridging the gap between purpose and profits. They aim to fast-track the emergence of tomorrow's leaders and support the next generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs. AFI combines equity-free acceleration through AFI Factory with first-ticket seed funding through AFI Ventures. AFI Factory is a 6-12 month acceleration program for growth-stage impact startups seeking funding. AFI Ventures is a pre-seed & seed impact fund investing in 1 to 2 companies per month. AFI believes innovation is a tool for positive evolution, building a sustainable balance between economic growth and positive impact. They consider innovation as a source of opportunity for creating new, sustainable, and impactful business models that benefit society and the environment. The firm is powered by La Ruche, Ventech, and Abeille Assurances, indicating a strong network of partners and resources available to the startups they support. AFI focuses on supporting companies within specific sectors, aiming to create a positive societal and environmental impact alongside financial returns. The firm's manifesto emphasizes the belief in innovation as a driver for sustainable and impactful business models.
Altavia Adventures
We invest in early-stage Seed or Series A startups in our areas of expertise, with high growth potential and recurring revenues - Saas and Marketplace. We are Altavia Corporate Ventures, the investment arm of Altavia Group, the leading independent international group specializing in commercial communication for the retail sector. We firmly believe in creating mutual and shared value, thus we offer our portfolio startups tailor-made access to our best experts and to a targeted selection of the group's business units.
Blackfin Capital Partners
BlackFin Capital Partners is a European private equity firm focusing exclusively on financial services buyouts and FinTechs. Founded by industry entrepreneurs, they operate with two distinct strategies: buyouts and tech investments. Their buyout strategy targets asset-light financial service businesses, while their tech strategy focuses on cutting-edge FinTech companies. BlackFin aims to create value through operational transformation, organic growth, and buy-and-build strategies within its portfolio companies. With a strong emphasis on ethical standards, integrity, and transparency, BlackFin is committed to responsible investing and sustainable growth.
Cuir Invest
Cuir Invest is an investment fund focused on supporting the growth of young, innovative businesses in the leather sector. The fund aims to revitalize the French leather industry and prepare it for future challenges such as automation, digital transformation, customization, environmental sustainability, transparency, and the circular economy. They seek to offer long-term financial support to visionary entrepreneurs shaping the future of the sector, respecting values of passion, resilience, innovation, and excellence. The firm recognizes the importance of the French leather industry, which includes 9,400 companies, generates €25 billion in turnover, and employs nearly 130,000 people. Cuir Invest aims to facilitate the acceleration of growth in high-potential labels and businesses within the leather sector, including manufacturing, production, and distribution. They are particularly interested in startups that have identified their market and proven the value of their concept. Cuir Invest's approach emphasizes the creation of innovative labels and the support of new uses for leather, while embracing sustainability and circular economy principles. Their portfolio demonstrates a focus on companies that are rethinking traditional approaches to leather goods, footwear, and accessories. They provide capital to companies across a broad range of applications, from luxury goods to industrial applications of leather.
Epopée Gestion
Epopée Gestion is a regional investment fund focusing on supporting entrepreneurs and local economies in France. They invest across multiple asset classes, including innovation and digital, transitions for SMEs/mid-sized companies, sustainable real estate, and infrastructure and climate. Their investment approach is characterized by providing expertise in strategic acceleration and internationalization, leveraging an experienced and accessible team with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Epopée Gestion aims to foster the emergence of champions within their target regions, actively participating in the ecological transition while preserving the history and local character of the assets they invest. They appear to prioritize companies demonstrating collaborative approaches and innovative models, exemplified by their support for companies like Shopopop and Entech.
Five Seasons Ventures
Five Seasons Ventures focuses on investing in consumer brands that have the ambition to become category leaders and sustainability champions. They partner with companies in the food and beverage sector, with a particular emphasis on those addressing challenges like high sugar content, plastic consumption, and CO2 emissions. The firm is interested in companies offering nutrition, functionality, sustainability, and indulgence. They look for brands that are creating a new generation of snacking that caters to the evolving preferences of millennial and Gen-Z consumers, and that demonstrate a commitment to impact-driven practices. They aim to back purpose-driven founders with a strong vision to become leading next-generation food brands. They seem to be particularly interested in brands that leverage technology and innovation to disrupt traditional markets. This is evidenced by their investments in personalized nutrition, online grocery, and sustainable packaging solutions. Their investment in The Nu Co exemplifies their focus on companies tackling confectionary industry problems with innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability. They value companies that demonstrate the ability to sell online. Five Seasons Ventures seeks to support its portfolio companies' expansion and growth, as shown by their involvement in the extension round of KoRo's Series B investment. They emphasize helping their portfolio companies navigate to the top of their category fast and appear to be hands-on in assisting with organizational development, governance, and planning for refinancing and exits.
Neo Founders
Neo Founders is an exclusive network of serial entrepreneurs and early-stage investors focused on backing ambitious founders and helping them build market-leading companies. They operate as a club deal, mobilizing expert capital and networks. The firm invests in a highly selective portfolio of 15+ promising startups each year, with a focus on driving growth through go-to-market strategies, HR, CRM, and revenue generation support. Their objective is to prepare founders for subsequent fundraising rounds, attracting Tier-1 investors and achieving successful scale globally. Neo Founders provide access to non-dilutive financing and lead exclusive club deals. The firm supports future fundraising rounds from strategy to execution, provides board seat opportunities to actively accelerate the business and offer high-value, qualified business introductions to drive strategic partnerships and revenue. The firm aids talent acquisition, including direct access to top candidates through school partnerships, alumni network, and targeted talent sourcing. Giving back is also a core value, with 10% of the added-values generated will be donated to a foundation. The firm aims to turn ambition into results by providing funding, growth strategies and talent. Neo Founders focuses on building lasting relationships and supporting founders throughout their journey.
Omnes Capital
Omnes Capital is a European private equity firm dedicated to the energy transition, empowering entrepreneurs to address societal challenges and deliver growth. They aim to harness innovation and new business models to deliver returns and create value, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. Their investment approach is centered around partnering with high-potential companies and providing them with the resources and expertise to scale their operations and become leaders in their respective fields. Omnes focuses on integrating ESG criteria and responsible business practices into their investment processes. Omnes employs a unique approach in renewable energy, transforming developers into independent power producers (IPPs). They invest in real-asset joint ventures or at the corporate level in sustainable cities, securing minority positions with strategic veto rights. In Deeptech, they support startups and push the boundaries of innovation in energy transition, sovereignty and applicative AI. Their co-investment strategy involves taking minority positions in attractive deals in Europe and North America, alongside leading private equity firms, offering investors diversification and leveraging the experience of both Omnes' team and lead investors. Their Capenergie funds, under the Renewable Energy strategy, are designed for asset owners seeking financial returns and sustainable impact. For Sustainable Cities, the Construction Energie Plus strategy invests in new high-performance building projects, retrofitting existing structures, and mobility projects. Their Deeptech strategy focuses on early-growth capital to propel entrepreneurs towards success. Omnes co-invests alongside thought-leader GPs on ESG matters and ensures targets' ESG roadmap over the holding period. Omnes' approach includes building frameworks, knowledge sharing, and training for their portfolio companies, focusing on decarbonization, biodiversity, supply chain, and human capital and good governance. They integrate ESG at every stage of the investment process and operate with a commitment to stewardship and sustainable growth, aiming for a double return - real returns through real-world positive impact.
OpenCNP by CNP Assurances
Open CNP invests in European startups to build the future of finance and insurance, leveraging CNP Assurances' expertise and ecosystem to co-create products/services and accelerate growth.
Pléiade Venture
Pléiade Venture positions itself as more than just a financial backer, emphasizing partnership and long-term commitment to innovative companies. Their evergreen fund model allows for flexible investment without a predetermined exit horizon, fostering alignment between entrepreneurs and investors. They focus on providing support and guidance to companies seeking excellence and growth, facilitated by a network of successful entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. This ecosystem allows them to address various business challenges with informed convictions. The firm aims to federate and accelerate action through alignment, sharing, and engagement, providing more than just capital; they provide an ecosystem of support.
Quadrille Capital
Quadrille Capital is an independent investment manager specializing in Venture Capital and Growth Equity. They invest globally in technology and healthcare assets through four complementary strategies: direct investments in growth equity companies, primary commitments to VC funds, secondary purchases in LP/GP-led transactions, and public equity. The firm has built its platform and team to leverage the synergies across these four strategies, aiming to gain a holistic investment approach that unlocks additional intelligence and opportunities. Their approach allows them to see the entire venture and growth equity landscape and capitalize on unique investment prospects. Quadrille positions itself at the heart of the global venture and growth ecosystem, with the intention of being a strategic partner to its portfolio companies and fund managers. The investment philosophy is based on a financial lens and a global scope, looking to support companies and funds throughout their lifecycle and various stages of their growth. By using a multi-pronged strategy, Quadrille attempts to maximize returns and navigate market cycles effectively. Their portfolio companies are in the technology and life science sectors.
Reflexion Capital
Reflexion Capital focuses on identifying, financing, and supporting high-growth, profitable technology companies. Their strategy emphasizes investing in companies that have achieved rapid profitability, a principle they champion through their "Bootstrap to the Moon" podcast, which showcases entrepreneurs who have successfully combined growth and profitability. The firm appears to target companies in the B2B, SaaS, and Marketplace sectors. They aim to foster a community of investors and entrepreneurs, encouraging expertise sharing and strategic discussions, suggesting a value-added approach extending beyond mere capital infusion. They appear to prefer companies that don't take huge amounts of outside capital, and prioritize a path to profitability.
Revaia
Revaia invests in European sustainable growth-stage companies that disrupt industries through technology and innovation, prioritizing high performance without compromising on values and ethics. The firm partners with mission-driven entrepreneurs to scale globally, leveraging a network of growth experts focused on sustainability and accountability.
SFINE - Société de Financement de l Innovation Numérique en Essonne
SFINE - Société de Financement de l Innovation Numérique en Essonne, focuses on funding the economy of the future by investing in innovative companies in France. Their strategy involves supporting startups through various stages, from incubation and early-stage financing to growth capital. Recognizing the limitations of traditional bank financing for startups, SFINE aims to provide tailored financial solutions that address the specific needs of early-stage companies, particularly those in the digital and technology sectors. They emphasize the importance of securing early-stage funding through sources like love money, public funding, and competitions before pursuing larger venture capital investments. SFINE distinguishes between the financing needs at different stages of a startup's lifecycle. They recognize the critical role of "love money" (friends, family, and fools) during the incubation phase (0-300K€), along with public aid and innovation-related competitions. In the seed phase (50-500K€), they seek business angels, public financing, seed funds, and crowdfunding options. The firm then looks at providing venture capital (500-2000K€) during the startup's launch and growth stages (+2000K€). SFINE acknowledges the increasing role of banks in financing innovation and adaptation of banking products suitable for startups. The firm's success is attributed to its team of entrepreneurs who guide innovative companies and the performance of its investors. SFINE's approach involves active participation during the incubation and seed stages, highlighting their commitment to providing resources for startups to overcome early challenges. While the emphasis is on digital and technological sectors, they remain open to exploring other sectors, contingent on a significant level of commercial maturity. SFINE aims to be a financing partner through each startup growth stage.
SIDE Angels
SIDE Angels is a French early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2016. They focus on supporting ambitious founders of tech and digital startups in their early stages. Their approach involves being the sole investor in seed rounds, providing financing between €300K to €600K. SIDE emphasizes a fair and agile deal-making process, prioritizing speed and equity for founders. Beyond capital, SIDE commits to actively supporting founders through coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, assistance with team structuring, process and governance development, strategy definition for marketing acquisition, defining relevant KPIs and reporting metrics, and preparing companies for subsequent funding rounds. They aim to be a benevolent partner in the growth journey of the startups they invest. SIDE seeks to be an active participant in the French innovation ecosystem by validating its model and solidifying its presence. The firm prides itself on a "SIDE by SIDE" approach, indicating a close working relationship with its portfolio companies. This approach goes beyond just providing capital; it actively involves entrepreneurs and experienced individuals who join the board to provide guidance and support. The firm was founded by Renaud Guillerm, who has extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor. Guillerm co-founded Videdressing.com and has invested in numerous startups since 1999. SIDE was created with the involvement of about thirty experienced entrepreneurs. This background gives them a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies, allowing them to offer relevant and impactful support. Their investment strategy since inception has been focused on backing start-ups with capital and relevant mentorship. The firm states that as of 2023 they have invested in over 37 companies with a total of 35M€ invested.
Scientipole Capital
Scientipôle Capital invests in innovative tech startups rooted in the Paris-Saclay ecosystem, leveraging its deep local expertise to support founders across finance, operations, and strategic growth. Focused on Industry 4.0, green tech, and health/medtech (non-drug), the firm provides hands-on governance and specialized advisory via its network of experts.
Technofounders
Technofounders is a Startup Studio focused on investing in technology to build impactful ventures, specifically in the DeepTech ecosystem. They aim to multiply the impact of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs by funding and orienting technological innovation towards practical solutions that address major global challenges. Their strategy involves identifying disruptive technologies, primarily stemming from research institutions, and structuring investment vehicles to fund and develop innovative projects into successful industrial companies. They have a comprehensive team-based approach, ensuring startups have access to the right expertise at the right time, from pre-seed to exit, including Venture Partners for initial evaluation and interim CEO roles, Operating Partners for operational and strategic support, and Managing Partners for strategic guidance and board participation. Technofounders aims to drive positive impact through deeptech innovation across various sectors. Their investment approach is stage-specific. In the feasibility phase, Venture Partners assess technologies and commercialization paths. During the pre-seed phase, Venture Partners act as interim CEOs, building initial products and teams. Seed acceleration involves Operating Partners providing operational support and Support Services handling administrative tasks. Finally, in the growth phase, Managing Partners offer strategic guidance through board participation, focusing on strategic priorities, funding strategies, and exit planning. Technofounders emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners to transform research projects into viable businesses. They actively engage with major research institutions in France, such as CEA and CNRS, to identify and commercialize innovative technologies. Their team structure is designed to provide comprehensive support throughout the startup lifecycle, from initial technology assessment to successful market entry and growth. They prioritize investments with the potential to address pressing societal challenges and create sustainable solutions.
Otium Capital
Otium Capital is a private investment holding company founded in 2009 by Pierre-Édouard Stérin. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and their projects to unlock their potential for value creation, emphasizing people, boldness, and innovation. Otium acts as a Private Equity investor, active across all stages of company development, from seed to growth capital, up to LBO transactions on mature companies. They take both majority and minority stakes without constraints on holding periods. Otium's mission is to create and invest alongside bold entrepreneurs to develop tomorrow’s leaders. They believe entrepreneurs are the driving force behind progress and invest alongside them for the long term. They aim to select projects that provide attractive returns, contribute to collective well-being, encourage innovation, and address social, economic, and environmental issues. In addition to traditional private equity investments, Otium operates Otium Studio, an incubator that creates and launches startups in partnership with ambitious entrepreneurs. This dual approach allows Otium to both identify and cultivate innovative businesses from the ground up. Otium favors close and personalized collaboration with each entrepreneur. The firm values freedom to innovate within a supportive framework to allow each project to grow under the best conditions. Otium has a 'BBB' Investment Grade by rating agency EthiFinance Ratings, with a 'Stable' Outlook.