Venture Capital - Strategy and positioning
One of the leading names in venture capital in France
Comprising 11 investment professionals, Crédit Agricole Private Equity’s venture capital team acquires minority stakes in young companies with high growth potential. Its main areas of interest are financing innovative business ventures in the information technology and life sciences sectors.
For 10 years, Crédit Agricole Private Equity has managed FCPI mutual funds (French regulated mutual funds investing in innovative companies) sold to individual clients of the Crédit Agricole Group networks. Since 2008, it has offered a range of FCPI funds eligible for wealth tax reductions for high net worth clients of the Regional Banks, Crédit Agricole Private Banking and LCL. Thanks to the strength of the Group’s networks, Crédit Agricole Private Equity regularly tops the rankings for FCPI fund raising.
A clear investment strategy
Our priority target is to provide equity financing for fast-growing innovative companies with potential for international expansion, managed by talented entrepreneurs. Our investment policy covers all stages of venture capital, from seed capital to later phases in the following two sectors:
- NICT: new information and communication technology(electronics, telecoms, software, internet, e-commerce)
- Biotech: Life sciences (drug development, diagnostics, medical devices, bioproduction).
A high quality deal flow
Our investment policy is based on a network of members of the investment management team and their close relationships with business incubators, seed funds, research laboratories, fund raisers and even the Crédit Agricole Regional Banks and LCL.
Aware that the success of a company depends above all on the people that manage it, we pay particular attention to experience, complimentary skills and cohesion within the management team, as well as its ability to manage the growth of a high quality business venture.
Venture capital: A partnership approach
We always have a seat on the Board of our investee companies, which helps us develop real partnerships with the management team, make an effective contribution to their strategy and support them in their expansion plans over a period of two to six years.
We listen to their needs and work closely with the management team to provide the benefit of all our expertise in organization, recruitment, investment strategy and business development. This strong commitment to our investee companies has become our trademark.
