Founders Future, a venture capital firm based in Paris, is managing assets totaling €300 million (approximately $324 million). The firm has decided to open the capital of the holding company overseeing its funds and Sowefund. As part of this initiative, a 25% stake in the holding company has been sold to entities including MACSF, the Dassault family, and CMA CGM Group.
Since its inception in 2018, Founders Future has successfully invested in several early-stage companies such as Lydia, Alma, Taster, La Fourche, Riot, Swan, Yuka, and numerous other startups. The firm has extended its investments across 110 companies through two early-stage funds and a growth fund.
Founders Future has set a target to manage €1 billion in assets by the year 2030, necessitating swift fundraising efforts. According to founding partner Marc Menasé, in an environment where many venture capital firms are started by solo general partners or super angels, Founders Future is fostering a more structured company approach. The strategic re-opening of their capital is part of their roadmap for 2030, designed to provide the means to achieve their growth objectives.
The additional capital is intended to support the firm’s expansion into the United States, where Founders Future plans to establish two new offices, one on the East Coast and another on the West Coast. Menasé observed that European companies that find a product-market fit often see significant revenue growth upon entering the U.S. market. These companies tend to multiply their annual recurring revenue by two or three times within 36 months and often achieve higher valuations from American investors due to increased exit opportunities via acquisitions.
The firm’s strategy includes establishing a transatlantic presence, aiming to support European portfolio companies in their expansion efforts into the U.S. Founders Future also intends to launch a growth fund concentrating on American investments. This initiative will allow European limited partners to invest in U.S. tech companies through Founders Future.
Simultaneously, the firm aspires to assist American companies in expanding into Europe, leveraging its local expertise and regulatory understanding. Initial investment amounts are projected to range from $5 to $10 million for growth rounds between $50 and $70 million. Although fundraising for this new U.S.-focused growth fund has yet to commence, there is a possibility that entities like MACSF, the Dassault family, and CMA CGM Group may invest, alongside their existing stakes in Founders Future’s holding company.
Image credits: Founders Future.
