Founders Future, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Paris, has established some unusually ambitious targets. They plan to grow to €1 billion in assets under management by 2030. The firm is preparing to take its first US-based operations. Most importantly, it’s a bid to capture the profits most up for grab in the American market. The firm is clearly looking to max out its new fund, which has a $250 million target. To better fund and manage both itself and Sowefund, it is making the capital of its holding company available.
Future Founders Future already manages €300 million of assets. They already have a great track record on successful early stage investments such as Lydia, Alma, Taster, La Fourche, Riot, Swan and Yuka. To achieve its expansion goals, Founders Future has sold a 25% stake in its holding company to MACSF, the Dassault family, CMA CGM Group, and other investors. This shift is designed to give the company as much cash as possible to arm the firm to achieve its lofty goals.
The firm believes that U.S.-based startups often reach higher valuations due to more exit opportunities and acquisitions by larger companies. By building their own base in the U.S., Founders Future aims to help European startups grow to success on both sides of the Atlantic. The firm has committed to opening two new offices—one on the East Coast and another on the West Coast. They’ll be building a team to back up their new growth fund, which invests exclusively in American companies.
"We’ll start with humble goals, with investment tickets ranging between $5 and $10 million in growth rounds of at least $50, $60 or $70 million," said Menasé.
Its expansion into the U.S. is meant to serve the needs of its existing portfolio companies, which started their journeys in Europe. By having a European venture capital firm on their cap table, these companies can better navigate the European tech and policy landscape while expanding their reach across the Atlantic.
"We’re doing this first for our portfolio companies that were born in Europe so that they can expand over there," Menasé added.
Founders Future is riding a wave of expansion across the U.S. They further hope to create a transatlantic bridge by functioning as both a European and an American arm. This unique dual presence will allow the firm to provide a holistic, global approach to venture capital investment.
"So when you put all this together, we want to become a global company and make sure we have one European arm and one American arm, and create a transatlantic bridge," Menasé explained.
For Founders Future, quick access to fundraising is coupled with a clear plan for strategic expansion. So long as they are prepared to play a serious role in the global venture capital scene. The firm’s unique focus on both European and American markets further cements its commitment to fostering innovation and growth across borders.
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