Daphni Raises $215M for Innovative Third Fund: Driving the Future of Investment
French venture capital firm Daphni has officially announced the first closing of its latest fund, Daphni Blue, successfully raising €200 million (approximately $215 million). With plans to reach a total of €250 million ($270 million) by year-end, Daphni continues to solidify its position in the European startup ecosystem.
Notable Investments by Daphni
Since its inception in 2015, Daphni has made significant strides in the venture capital landscape, investing in over 70 European startups. Some of its most notable investments include:
- Back Market – A marketplace for refurbished electronics.
- Swile – A platform offering employee benefits and services.
- Hubcycle – An innovative startup focused on sustainable practices.
- Pasqal – A company specializing in quantum computing technologies.
Future Investment Plans with Daphni Blue
With the launch of Daphni Blue, the firm aims to invest in an additional 40 startups. The fund has attracted a diverse group of limited partners, including:
- Crédit Mutuel Arkéa
- Bpifrance
- The European Investment Fund
- PRO BTP
- Swen Capital Partners
Focus on Sustainable Technologies
As stated by founding partner Pierre-Eric Leibovici, the firm is keen on distinguishing itself by supporting sustainable technologies and services. “We need to ask ourselves how we can both differentiate ourselves and support technologies that are sustainable when investing in new projects,” he noted.
A Shift to Fundamental Science
While many venture capital firms emphasize artificial intelligence, Daphni is shifting its focus towards fundamental sciences, which include:
- Life Sciences
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Leibovici elaborated, “When you talk about quantum computing, it is fundamentally about physics combined with hardware and software.” This emphasis on scientific breakthroughs positions Daphni uniquely in the VC landscape.
Team Expansion and New Trends
To further bolster its investment strategy, Daphni is actively recruiting diverse talent, including PhD graduates and current PhD students to join its investment team. Leibovici highlighted a new trend where researchers are increasingly open to commercializing their fundamental and applied research.
Investment Strategy and Future Goals
As Daphni prepares to deploy its newly raised capital, it aims to demonstrate an effective investment strategy. “Raising funds is not an end in itself; the ultimate goal is to distribute returns and achieve successful exits,” Leibovici emphasized.
For more information on Daphni and its investment strategies, visit Daphni’s official website. Additionally, explore the European Investment Fund’s role in supporting innovation at EIF.
