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Newfund Capital

Financing seed-stage startups that are driving global change
Newfund Capital
Leadership team

Patrick Malka (Founder)

François Véron (Founder)

Paul Buccheit (Founder)

Number of Employees
0 - 50
Headquarters
San Francisco, California, United States
Established
2008
Social Media
Summary

Newfund Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups with a focus on technology, digital transformation, and innovation. Founded in 2008 by François Véron and Patrick Malka, Newfund has become one of the leading venture capital firms in France and has expanded its operations to the United States.

Newfund's investment philosophy is based on the belief that startups have the potential to create significant value and drive innovation in various industries. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who are developing groundbreaking technologies and solutions that can address complex problems and create positive change in the world.

To achieve this goal, Newfund provides funding, resources, and expertise to help startups grow and succeed. The firm has a team of experienced investors and advisors who work closely with entrepreneurs to provide guidance, support, and strategic insights.

Newfund's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Some of the notable companies in Newfund's portfolio include Lydia, Ledger, and Evaneos.

History

Newfund Capital is a venture capital firm that was founded in 2008 in Paris, France. The firm specializes in early-stage investments and primarily focuses on European startups that are operating in the fields of software, internet, and mobile technologies.

The firm was founded by a team of experienced entrepreneurs and investors who had a strong track record of success in the technology industry. Its founding partners include Patrick Malka, François Véron, and Paul Buccheit. Paul Buccheit is a renowned entrepreneur who is best known for his role in creating Gmail and the now-defunct Google Buzz.

Newfund Capital has since expanded its operations to include offices in San Francisco and Tokyo, in addition to its original Paris headquarters. The firm has raised over $400 million in capital to date and has made investments in over 100 companies across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Some of the notable companies that Newfund Capital has invested in include Mirakl, a leading online marketplace platform; Algolia, a search-as-a-service company; and Teads, an online advertising platform that was acquired by Altice for $307 million in 2017.

In addition to its investments, Newfund Capital is also known for its entrepreneurial approach to venture capital. The firm has a team of entrepreneurs-in-residence who work closely with its portfolio companies to help them grow and succeed. Newfund Capital also hosts regular events and workshops to provide its portfolio companies with access to expertise and resources in areas such as marketing, sales, and product development. 

Newfund Capital has established itself as a leading player in the European startup ecosystem, and its success in identifying and investing in early-stage companies has helped to fuel the growth of the technology industry across the continent and beyond.

Investment criteria

Newfund invests in early-stage startups with a focus on technology, digital transformation, and innovation:

  • Market potential: Newfund looks for startups that have a large addressable market and the potential to disrupt or create a new market. They seek businesses that can scale globally and have a competitive advantage.
  • Team: Newfund places a high value on the team's experience, skills, and motivation. They look for teams that have a deep understanding of the market they are targeting, and that have a clear vision for their product or service.
  • Business model: Newfund invests in companies with a clear and sustainable business model that can generate revenue and profitability. They evaluate the company's pricing strategy, customer acquisition strategy, and distribution channels.
  • Technology and innovation: Newfund looks for companies that use technology to solve complex problems and create innovative products or services. They evaluate the company's technology stack, intellectual property, and competitive landscape.
  • Traction: Newfund prefers startups that have demonstrated traction, whether through revenue growth, user acquisition, or customer engagement. They evaluate the company's metrics and benchmarks against industry standards.
  • Exit potential: Newfund invests in companies with a clear exit strategy, whether through acquisition or IPO. They evaluate the company's potential to attract future investment and strategic partners.
Values
  • Entrepreneurship: Newfund is a firm that is deeply committed to entrepreneurship. They believe that entrepreneurs are the driving force behind innovation and progress, and they aim to support entrepreneurs in realizing their vision.
  • Partnership: Newfund sees itself as a partner to the entrepreneurs they invest in, and they believe that a strong partnership between investor and entrepreneur is critical to the success of a startup. They work closely with entrepreneurs to provide guidance, support, and resources to help them grow their businesses.
  • Innovation: Newfund places a high value on innovation and the ability to create new products and services that can have a positive impact on the world. They seek out startups that are at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields.
  • Diversity: Newfund is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in its investments and within its own organization. They believe that a diverse range of perspectives and experiences leads to better decision-making and better outcomes.
  • Impact: Newfund is dedicated to investing in companies that can have a positive impact on society and the environment. They seek out startups that are working to solve complex problems and create sustainable solutions.
  • Agility: Newfund recognizes the importance of agility and adaptability in today's rapidly changing business environment. They are nimble and flexible in their approach to investing and work to stay ahead of market trends.
Mission

"To support the vision of entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and progress, and to help them grow their companies into successful and impactful businesses."

This mission statement reflects Newfund's commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as its belief in the transformative power of startups. The firm sees itself as a partner to the entrepreneurs they invest in, working closely with them to provide support, guidance, and resources to help them achieve its vision.

At the same time, Newfund is also focused on creating value for its investors by making strategic investments in companies with high growth potential. By investing in startups that are at the forefront of innovation, Newfund aims to create positive change and have a significant impact on the world.

Portfolio

The following are some examples of companies in Newfund's portfolio:

  • Lydia: Lydia is a mobile payment and financial services app that allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and manage their finances from their mobile devices. Newfund was an early investor in Lydia and has supported the company's growth and expansion into new markets.
  • Evaneos: Evaneos is an online platform that connects travellers with local travel agents who can help them plan and book custom trips around the world. Newfund has supported Evaneos' growth and expansion into new markets, helping the company become a leader in the online travel industry.
  • Ledger: Ledger is a hardware wallet that provides secure storage for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Newfund was an early investor in Ledger and has supported the company's growth as it has become a leading player in the crypto industry.
  • Akeneo: Akeneo is a product information management system that helps businesses manage and distribute product data across various channels. Newfund has supported Akeneo's growth and expansion into new markets, helping the company become a leader in the e-commerce industry.
  • Owkin: Owkin is a startup that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate drug discovery and development. Newfund has invested in Owkin and has supported the company's growth as it has developed innovative solutions to help advance medical research.
References
Newfund Capital
Leadership team

Patrick Malka (Founder)

François Véron (Founder)

Paul Buccheit (Founder)

Number of Employees
0 - 50
Headquarters
San Francisco, California, United States
Established
2008
Social Media