First the Mega deal...🔥
What: Mistral AI, an open-source developer of foundational models for AI solutions (art generation, content creation, chatbots, virtual assistants, language translation, and customer service).
Chris O’Brien
Why: To provide an open approach to GenAI and create a credible alternative to Large Language Model platforms such as Open AI or Google AI.
Funding: €468 million (plus €132 million in debt) Series B
Who: Co-Founders Arthur Mensch, Guillaume Lample, & Timothee Lacroix
Investors: DST Global, General Catalyst, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Nvidia, Samsung Ventures Investment Corporation, Salesforce Ventures, Belfius, Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, Bpifrance, Cisco Connected Devices, Eurazeo, Headline, Hanwha, IBM, Korelya Capital, Latitude, Millennium Technology Value Partners, Sanabil Investments, ServiceNow, and SV Angel.
What's Next: The new cash will go towards accelerating the development of their advanced GenAI models, scaling their research and engineering teams, and enhancing their computational infrastructure. Additionally, the funds will support efforts to expand their product offerings and increase accessibility to their AI technologies across various industries.
What: YesWeHack, a cybersecurity platform that specializes in crowdsourced security testing.
Why: To help companies enhance security measures, ensuring their digital assets are better protected against cyber threats by leveraging the skills of ethical hackers.
Funding: €26 million
Who: Co-Founders Guillaume Vassault-Houlière, Romain Lecoeuvre, Manuel Dorne.
Investors: Wendel Growth, Adelie, Seventure Partners, Bpifrance, Open CNP, Eiffel Investment Group
What's Next: The new funds will be used to expand their global presence, enhance their platform capabilities, and invest in research and development to improve their security offerings.
What: Materup, a designer and manufacturer of low-carbon cement based on non-calcined clay sourced exclusively from waste.
Why: To help speed up the decarbonization of the cement industry and the construction sector
Funding: €26 million
Who: Co-founder twins Mathieu & Charles Neuville
Investors: Eurazeo, EIC Fund, UI Investissement, Aquiti, Irdi, Argiduna Capital
What's Next: The funding will go towards financing the roll-out of Materup's circular low-carbon cement CCC© technology based on non-calcined clay and boosting the deployment of its production units in France and Europe.
What: C12, a pioneer in the development of a carbon nanotube-based universal quantum computer
Why: to design and manufacture large-scale, error-tolerant quantum computers
Funding: €18 million
Who: Co-founder twins Pierre & Matthieu Desjardins
Investors: Varsity VC, EIC Fund, Verve Ventures, 360 Capital, BNP Paribas Développement, Bpifrance
What's Next: The new funding will be used to fuel the startup's R&D efforts.
What: Omi, an AI-powered visual generation platform.
Chris O’Brien
Why: To assist companies and brands in creating 3D visual assets.
Funding: €13 million
Who: Co-founders Hugo Borensztein & Paul Borensztein
Investors: Dawn Capital, Founders Future & various Business Angels
What's Next: The new funding will be used to expand into the US market.
What: Hero, a fintech specializing in deferred payment solutions for SMEs, freelancers, contractors, and self-employed individuals.
Why: To provide SMEs with financing solutions that allow them to unlock growth and compete on an equal footing with larger corporations.
Funding: €11.3 million
Who: Founder Roland Jais Nielsen
Investors: Valar Ventures, Square One
What's Next: The new money will go towards product development and expanding into key European markets.
What: Ramify, a wealth management and financial advice platform.
Why: To provide SMEs with financing solutions that allow them to unlock growth and compete on an equal footing with larger corporations.
Funding: €11 million
Who: Co-founders Olivier Herbout & Samy Ouardini
Investors: 13books, Fidelity International Strategic Ventures, Newfund, AG2R, Crédit Agricole & various Business Angels
What's Next: The cash will go towards accelerating its development and becoming the go-to investment solution for the new generation of affluent investors in France.
What: Zeliq, an AI sales solution provider.
Why: To make selling easy with a platform that hosts the entire sales tool stack.
Funding: €9.2m (including €3.2m debt)
Who: Co-Founders Dorian Ciavarella & Guillaume Cruz
Investors: Exor Ventures, Otium Capital (Resonance), Qonto, Alan & Resonance VC
What's Next: The funding will be used to fuel growth, expand product capabilities, and reinforce Zeliq's market presence, helping it to become what the founders hope will be the leading solution in the global revenue workspace market.
What: Onafis, a connected probe.
Why: To monitor the fermentation and production processes in alcoholic beverages.
Funding: €6 million
Who: Founder & President, Alexandre Ermenault
Investors: Cléry, Xinomavro Ventures, Sodero, Demeter, Atlantique Vendée Innovation, Bamboo, Holnest & various Business Angels.
What's Next: The funding will go towards accelerating the WineTech's growth in France and abroad.
What: Mercateam, staff management software.
Why: To help manufacturers remain competitive by attracting talent in a sector that is losing its appeal.
Funding: €5.2m (including €1.1m debt)
Who: Co-Founders Adrien Laurentin & Kévin Rouvière
Investors: Ternel (ex-Maif Avenir), Isai, Business Angels
What's Next: The funding will be used to boost the company's development and help position it as a key international reference in skills and production team management.
