Ventech, the French multi-sector early-stage VC agency, in the present day introduced the ultimate shut of its sixth flagship fund at €175 million – surpassing classic by 15% and marks the most important within the agency’s 26 yr historical past.
With the brand new fund, the agency bolsters its aim of supporting roughly 35 European tech startups of their Seed and Collection A stage all the best way to exit.
“We’re getting into a brand new cycle of disruption pushed by AI and deep technological shifts. Now’s the time to construct, and we’re thrilled to associate with formidable founders tackling the most important challenges and alternatives of our time,” mentioned Jean Bourcereau, Chairman and Managing Associate at Ventech. “With 5 places of work and a powerful community throughout Europe, we’re poised to assist the following era of category-defining corporations from day one.”
Based in 1998, Ventech is a VC agency that operates with a twin construction platform, providing devoted funds for Europe (Paris, Munich, Berlin, Helsinki and Stockholm) and Asia (Shanghai and Hong Kong).
Since its inception, Ventech has raised over €1.1 billion and has realised over 320 investments, (together with Vestiaire Collective, Prewave, Ogury, The Customization Group, Veo Applied sciences, Crossbeam, Speexx, Preserve) and 185 exits (Imagine, Arteris, FintecSystems, Withings, 4 Cease).
The agency says the fund’s launch comes at a pivotal second within the European tech ecosystem, as a brand new wave of technological disruption powered by AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented tempo. With AI driving transformation throughout sectors, Ventech is strategically dedicating 50% of its capital and time to AI-native vertical functions, backing category-defining corporations which might be shaping the longer term.
Past AI, the agency is doubling down on 4 extra funding theses that align with international technological shifts: Digital Well being, Industrial Software program, Cyber Safety and Sovereignty.
With 15 corporations already backed by Ventech Capital VI, that includes the German house visitors administration firm Okapi Orbits, the Finnish M&A SaaS agency Inven, the Swedish AI-driven IT service administration startup Starhive, the enterprise platform to construct AI brokers Vertesia and the French Omaha Insights for next-gen fairness analysis.
Bourcereau added: “Pleasant globalisation is struggling, to say the least. Europe is increasingly by itself. With 8 of the world’s 10 greatest corporations being US tech giants, Europe’s path is clear-double down on innovation. VC funds should step as much as drive the following wave of world leaders.”
Ventech’s crew of 17 individuals, spanning 6 nationalities, contains 10 buyers, 6 of them are Normal Companions with a mean of 17 years’ VC expertise, who lead offers, take board seats, and actively assist startups inside a flat, distributed partnership mannequin.
Ventech’s Founding Associate, Alain Caffi will probably be retiring on a excessive observe – the 36x a number of exit from Imagine. Bourcereau will probably be stepping up as Chairman and Stephan Wirries will turn out to be GP with Fund VI.
Ventech has additionally expanded its operational crew over the previous three years with key hires, together with a Head of Advertising and marketing, Head of Investor Relations, and an Impression & ESG Supervisor, to raised assist each the agency and its portfolio.
The agency has additionally launched an early-stage impression arm – AFI Ventures – in 2020. This pre-Seed and Seed impression fund has already backed over 40 impact-driven startups and deployed 60% of its fund dedication.
Bourcereau concluded: “We’re proud to have raised this sixth-generation fund with the backing of a various group of worldwide LPs. A 95% re-up charge speaks volumes concerning the belief in Ventech’s efficiency and core beliefs. We’re additionally honoured to see over a dozen former Founders return as buyers, one of many strongest endorsements we may obtain. The whole crew is deeply grateful for the continued belief of our LPs and the Founders who selected us to face by their aspect!”
