Daphni

Daphni operates as a forward-thinking European venture capital firm specializing in investments for user-centric startups that maintain European roots while pursuing global expansion. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Paris, the firm has established itself as a distinctive player in the European investment landscape by combining traditional venture capital approaches with innovative community-driven methodologies. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying and nurturing companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit and scalable business models across various sectors including digital marketplaces, consumer applications, and technology platforms.

At the heart of Daphni's operational model lies the "daphnipolis," an extensive network comprising over 300 carefully selected professionals from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative ecosystem brings together entrepreneurs, corporate executives, academic researchers, creative professionals, and strategic advisors who collectively contribute their expertise, insights, and connections to support portfolio companies. This community-driven approach enables Daphni to offer value beyond capital, providing startups with access to industry knowledge, potential partnerships, and expansion opportunities across European markets and beyond.

The firm distinguishes itself through its commitment to technological innovation in the investment process. Daphni has developed a proprietary digital platform that enhances operational efficiency while maintaining complete transparency with investors and portfolio companies. This technology-enabled investment methodology allows for more streamlined deal flow management, due diligence processes, and portfolio monitoring, creating a more responsive and data-informed approach to venture capital. The platform also facilitates better communication and collaboration between startups and the broader daphnipolis community, creating a virtuous cycle of support and growth.

Since its inception, Daphni has built a diverse portfolio of innovative companies across multiple stages, typically focusing on seed and Series A investments with follow-on participation in later rounds. The firm typically invests between €1-5 million initially, supporting companies through their critical growth phases. With a pan-European investment strategy, Daphni maintains its French roots while actively seeking opportunities throughout the European ecosystem, particularly in markets demonstrating strong innovation potential and entrepreneurial activity. Their investment decisions are guided by both financial metrics and alignment with their vision of supporting companies that create meaningful user value while addressing significant market opportunities.