Business Angels Des Grandes Ecoles

Business Angels Des Grandes Ecoles (BADGE) has established itself as a significant force in startup investment since its founding in 2004. The organization has channeled over €55 million into 229 innovative companies, effectively leveraging additional capital to generate more than €140 million in total investments. Comprised of members with distinguished professional backgrounds, BADGE demonstrated continued commitment to entrepreneurial growth in 2024 by participating in 29 funding rounds and contributing €4.1 million to high-potential ventures. This consistent investment approach reflects the organization's dedication to fostering innovation across technology and service sectors.

The investment portfolio maintained by BADGE showcases remarkable diversity across multiple sectors. In 2024, their capital allocations were strategically distributed among Health-Biotech (41%), Digital technologies (25%), Sustainable Development and Services (26%), and Industrial applications (8%). This balanced approach to sector investment demonstrates the group's comprehensive understanding of emerging market opportunities. Their funding strategy encompasses both initial investments, with €1.4 million deployed across 10 first-round projects, and continued support through €2.7 million directed to 19 follow-on rounds, ensuring sustained growth for portfolio companies.

What distinguishes BADGE is its professional approach to project evaluation and ongoing support, resulting in an impressive 80% survival rate for startups financed since 2010—significantly outperforming typical venture success metrics. The organization has developed sophisticated sourcing and due diligence processes that have enabled them to effectively screen over 8,000 projects throughout their history, selecting approximately 500 for further consideration. This methodical evaluation process, combined with hands-on mentorship from experienced investors, provides entrepreneurs with both financial resources and strategic guidance critical for navigating early-stage challenges.

The membership composition of BADGE represents one of its greatest strengths, drawing primarily from prestigious engineering and management schools while encompassing diverse professional experiences and expertise. This multidisciplinary investor base enables comprehensive evaluation of complex business models and technologies. Operating as a volunteer-driven organization since 2004, BADGE has grown to include more than 300 active members united by their commitment to innovation. Their collective expertise creates a powerful knowledge network that supports entrepreneurs beyond mere financial investment, offering valuable industry insights, operational guidance, and strategic connections that help transform promising concepts into sustainable businesses.