Serena

Serena stands as a premier European investment powerhouse managing assets worth €1 billion. Established in 2008 by the visionary trio of Xavier Lorphelin, Marc Fournier, and Philippe Hayat, the firm strategically deploys capital from pre-seed through Series A stages, offering initial investments ranging from €500,000 to €15 million. Their investment thesis centers on transformative sectors including artificial intelligence, Software-as-a-Service, Climate Technology, Internet Infrastructure, and Impact ventures, positioning them at the forefront of Europe's innovation ecosystem.

The fund boasts an impressive track record with nearly 100 portfolio companies and several notable exits that have shaped the European tech landscape. Their successful exits include The Fork's acquisition by Tripadvisor, Aramis Auto's purchase by Peugeot, Cheerz's integration with Cewe, and iBanFirst's acquisition by the Marlin fund. Dataiku represents another significant success story in their portfolio. Current investments showcase their continued market acumen, with stakes in high-growth ventures like Malt, Electra, Descartes Underwriting, Accenta, and Lifen.

What distinguishes Serena from competitors is their commitment to hands-on operational support. Founded on the principle that venture capital should actively serve portfolio companies, they've assembled Europe's largest operational support team comprising seven former high-level entrepreneurs. This team is complemented by the Serena Squad, an extensive network of 600 C-level executives who provide targeted expertise to address entrepreneurs' daily challenges. This approach has yielded tangible results, with Serena directly contributing to the recruitment of 40% of portfolio companies' management positions by 2023.

In 2023, Serena elevated their commitment to responsible investing by obtaining 'Société à Mission' status, formalizing their dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles. Environmental stewardship forms a core component of their organizational DNA, with 25% of their team serving as facilitators for Fresque du Climat, an initiative focused on climate education and action. This dual focus on building successful companies while advancing social and environmental progress positions Serena as a forward-thinking investment partner aligned with both financial returns and sustainable development goals.