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Daphni Ventures: A New Chapter in European Venture Capital

Daphni Ventures, a prominent French VC firm, has just announced the initial closing of its latest fund, Daphni Blue. With an impressive €200 million already raised, equivalent to about $215 million, the firm aims to secure up to €250 million, or $270 million, by the year’s end.

Over the years, Daphni has made notable investments in successful startups like Back Market, Swile, Hubcycle, and Pasqal, backing a total of 70 European startups since its inception in 2015.

Investing in Innovation

With the new fund, Daphni plans to further its support for entrepreneurship by investing in an additional 40 startups. Notable partners in Daphni Blue include Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, Bpifrance, the European Investment Fund, PRO BTP, and Swen Capital Partners.

According to Pierre-Eric Leibovici, a founding partner at Daphni, the focus is on supporting sustainable technologies and services that are poised for long-term success. Rather than blindly following trends like artificial intelligence, Daphni is looking towards science as the driving force for the next wave of innovation, encompassing disciplines such as life sciences, biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

Leibovici emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational principles behind cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and large language models. By delving into the fundamental aspects of these innovations, Daphni aims to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Diverse Perspectives

To bolster its team, Daphni is actively seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. By bringing on board profiles like PhD graduates and students, the firm is fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation.

Leibovici notes a shifting trend among researchers towards commercializing their work, spurred by the success stories of their peers who have ventured into entrepreneurship. This trend aligns with Daphni’s vision of supporting groundbreaking research that has the potential to transform industries.

A Commitment to Excellence

While the French academia is making efforts to attract American researchers, Daphni’s focus on fundamental science predates this trend. Leibovici clarifies that the firm’s strategic direction was established long before the emergence of this movement, showcasing its foresight and commitment to cutting-edge research.

Looking ahead, Daphni is poised to deploy its newly acquired capital efficiently, aiming to demonstrate a sound investment strategy that delivers substantial returns. Leibovici underscores the importance of not just raising funds but also ensuring that these investments translate into successful exits for all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, Daphni Ventures is at the forefront of driving innovation in Europe through strategic investments in transformative technologies and sustainable ventures. With a strong emphasis on foundational sciences and a diverse team, the firm is well-positioned to navigate the dynamic landscape of venture capital and contribute to the next wave of groundbreaking innovations.