Julien Codorniou

Tomorrow I’m lucky to be hosting a panel with three exceptional founders: - Gilles Gaillard - Co-founder of Animaj, raised 100m EUR (in equity and debt) in 2023 to build an AI-powered animation studio that counts 𝗮 stunning 15 billion (!) YouTube views per year. Animaj acquires animation and cartoon franchises to turn them into digital-first content and amplifies their distribution using AI. - Baptiste Jamin - Co-founder of Crisp IM, 42 alumni, also can be called the “King of Bootstrap”. He started building chatbots in 2015, 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗹. Crisp centralises all customer interactions through live chat, chatbots, and a shared inbox. Today Crisp serves over 600,000 companies without raising any funds. - Vincent SIMON - Co-founder of Relationchips and founder of Simundia. Vincent is a serial entrepreneur & investor who founded a coaching platform that raised over 15m EUR & is currently working on a no-code sales workflow platform. What do they have in common? They started their career as freelancers and worked their way up to become highly successful entrepreneurs. 👉 Join us at Le Wagon tomorrow at 7pm to hear their story. We’ll also host a networking session for you to meet people from our community who are working on projects that might interest you. 🔗Link to register in the comments.

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A must read for every founder (and investor) in B2B marketplaces. ⤵️ All credits to Fabrice Grinda + FJ Labs 👏🏽 https://lnkd.in/eB7uGzyH #firstdegree #founders #investors #whyrelationshipsmatter
#alwaysbelearning #sharingknowledge

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Roosh Ventures is uniquely tailored to suit startup needs 🚀 I was delighted to contribute a piece to Maddyness UK’s #QVCS series recently about what separates Roosh Ventures from the VC pack — from our R&D and operational support to our access to a global network and partners. We have designed a comprehensive support system to address all facets of a startup’s growth. I shared what we look for in entrepreneurs at Roosh Ventures in the article linked below 👇What piece of advice would you give founders?

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A terrific conversation between our own Bill Cilluffo and Alexandra Piedrahita about the venture-backed fintech ecosystem in the UK, France and Germany, trends that we're seeing in B2B business models, and how QED thinks about building relationships with founders that are built to last. Listen to it on your afternoon commute or during your next workout and let me know what you think about Europe's fintech outlook. https://lnkd.in/dqiY37KR

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By accident, I re-watched a couple of episodes of Silicon Valley over the weekend. It premiered in 2014 and is still a perfect introduction to the crazy world of startups and venture capital. Anyone in the ecosystem can recognize themselves and/or all the weird characters occupying this space. Watching all six seasons should be mandatory before starting or investing in a tech company. It’s mind-boggling how the creators managed to showcase futuristic elements like self-driving cars, AI, robots, and VR headsets, even before they became mainstream topics of discussion. It’s only the bubble content that changes, not the actual way the bubble is inflating… Movie nerd comment: It would be fun to see someone use the Silicon Valley characters the same way Lemon uses the Thomas the Tank Engine characters in Bullet Train! https://lnkd.in/dsGqTRA3 #siliconvalley #startups #VC #techbubble #buzzwords #piedpiper

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French politics shake the tech landscape 🇫🇷 while... Mistral AI: Paris-based AI startup Mistral has secured €600m in new funding at a €5.8bn valuation. The round was co-led by DST Global and General Catalyst. ZELIQ: Paris-based sales engagement platform Zeliq raised $10m in seed funding. The round was led by Exor Ventures with participation from Resonance. kelvin: Paris-based kelvin, specializing in home energy renovation software, raised €5m. The round was led by Racine, with Seedcamp, Kima Ventures, and Motier Ventures also participating. Macron's tenure saw significant growth in the tech sector with increased funding and support for startups. However, the RN’s policies focus on digital sovereignty and protectionism, potentially impacting global talent and investment flows. 💥 There's a debate on whether the RN's approach can maintain the current momentum and ambition in the French and European tech landscape. Additionally, other countries like Germany and Austria have seen similar election results, indicating that this might not only be the case in France but across Europe, which has already been leaning towards a protectionist stance. #FrenchTech #Startups #AI #Investment #Politics #Innovation #Mistral #LaFrenchTech

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I couldn’t be prouder to be a Venture Partner at Isomer Capital (aka the best European FoF - at least for me) as we just announced the launch of our pioneering £100m secondaries fund. This fund is dedicated to acquiring stakes from LPs in various VC funds, tapping into a massive and largely unexplored market. 🌟 Key Highlights: - Focused Investment: Primarily targeting stakes in VC funds, with selective investments in private companies. - Robust Funding: Already over 20% funded, thanks to strong support from Nordic family offices and a German foundation. - Market Potential: With a growing number of private tech companies and a VC liquidity crunch, Europe's VC secondaries market is poised for rapid growth. - Track Record: This isn’t Isomer’s first foray into the secondaries market. As a firm we’ve done several secondaries deals with portfolio companies and VC firms, including early-stage VC Seedcamp (in 2021) and mobility giant Bolt (in 2023). - Expert Team: Welcoming the amazing Omolade (Rachel) A., formerly of Coller Capital, as a principal to lead this initiative. 💡 Investment Strategy: - 65-75% of the fund will buy "LP interest" stakes in VC funds. - 15-25% will be directed towards stakes in companies. - Up to 15% reserved for flexible investment opportunities. 📈 Looking Ahead: We're targeting returns of 2-3x, with significant distributions expected in the next 4-7 years. As one of the few players in this space, we're not just participating in the market—we're driving it forward. Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/dc7sbC3G #VentureCapital #SecondariesFund #EuropeanVC

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It was great to attend Viva Technology Paris 2024 last week and feel the pulse on the European tech ecosystem first hand. This is what I saw: The curve is starting to point back up again. VC firms are deploying again towards good companies. Family offices are looking for GPs. Plenty of growth Series A companies with good traction. AI is not a buzzword, it’s here to stay. (Especially now with the raise by #ElonMusk and #xAI) Early-stage founders still continue to try to raise without much proven traction though 😅 Corporates are actually moving somewhat fast in the AI adoption. I believe more and more we will see the workforce market blend into the software as service market as individual collaborators deploy their AI assistants. Big thanks to Laurent Boisselet, Augustin Sayer, Guy de Nicolay, Antoine de Nicolay, 🚀 Domenico Ranucci, Adrien CHALTIEL, Yahya Aqel, Rafael de Orleans e Bragança, Cristian Pinto, Gustaf Herslow for making this an even more delightful event. It was great to see you again, hang out with you, and talk about what we’re passionate the most - innovation. Looking forward to the next one. À bientôt. #Innovation #InnovationPerformance #Paris #VivaTech #Trimaran #InnovationROI

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💟 This is the kind of news that makes you love Venture Capital! 🦄🇫🇷 Some will only remember the €1.5 billion exit for a French company. It's not a UNICORN valuation, it's a real EXIT! 3️⃣ 6️⃣ Some will only remember the x36 multiple on investment. 💥 Some will only remember the €175 million proceeds returned to the funds with a single operation. 👑What I'll remember, is Denis Ladegaillerie's passion, vision, and ambition. These are the keys to success. Excited to share this fantastic news for Believe, for Ventech, but also for the entire Tech ecosystem! 🚀 #VentureCapital #SuccessStory cc France Digitale

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🚨 We did it again! We've created the ultimate Side Event List for this week's SuperVentures & SuperReturn and TOA Berlin. Plus, we're giving away Tech Open Air tickets and guest list spots for the biggest VC Party, organized by Join Capital, EUVC , Isomer Capital and others. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦👇 What is the Superventure / SuperReturn conferene? How Amy Lewin would describe it: "SuperVenture is the Berlin conference where VCs go to fundraise and catch up with their LPs". Kinda like the definition! And let me say this! The Side Event's this week are on fire 🔥. Here are my top 3 + 1 event from the 45+ Event List: - Diversity Drinks at the stunning Fotografiska space. Networking with a purpose! Organized by Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, the Evangelistas, Out Investors and identity.vc I Backing LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs - JOIN CAPITAL is doing it again, and is running the biggest VC Party this Wednesday. We have limited tickets available for FOMO Insider Subscriber. - Cherry Ventures & Felix Capital are coming together to run a networking event at the coolest flagship stores Berlin, at Highsnobiety - FOMO (fearofmissingout): HIT x Yoga meets Rooftop Session, Thursday, 8 am start. ​Amidst a busy week with Super Ventures, Super Return, and TOA, we're creating a sanctuary away from the typical networking and business noise. Link in the comments. Here’s how you can win: - 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 45+ 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: Subscribe to FOMO Berlin and comment below. - 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐂 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭: If you're in the VC, LP, EP, GP scene, comment below your favorite Berlin VC fund. - 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭: Comment below your favorite event and tag the event organizer & FOMO (fearofmissingout).

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Embarking on a New Chapter as Co-Founder / CEO of VitalPlay Two years ago, my personal and professional worlds converged in the most unexpected way—my 13-year-old son was diagnosed with #ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). This deeply personal journey has not only reshaped my family's dynamics but has also fueled my passion as the co-founder of VitalPlay, where we blend ADHD treatment with the transformative power of gaming. In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health therapy, the intersection with the immersive gaming world presents a promising frontier. Leveraging my extensive experience in gaming, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact gaming can have as a tool for engagement and therapy. Our latest venture, VitalPlay, taps into this potential, merging cutting-edge neuroscience with immersive #Gaming, #AI, and #Blockchain to deliver personalized, effective ADHD therapy. Our motto is "Play & Heal" 🧠 🕹️, and this initiative is more than a business endeavor—it’s a deeply personal quest to develop and expand therapeutic options for individuals like my son, providing them with the tools they need to thrive. Here is to new beginnings ✨ #therapeuticgames

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Europe's tech market has some catching up to do. #eu #techmarket #technology #techcompanies #marketvalue #financing #growthcapital #scaleups #commercialisation

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The future of venture is about direct partnerships between founders and private investors. This leads to more flexibility in business model and timeline, opening the doors to innovation. This new paradigm requires new financing channels that understand the unique needs of private investors. Their theses, incentives, and strategies are not as standardized as those of VC. The key driver of founder-investor partnerships is trust and authentic relationships, which naturally lead to collaboration and partnership. This can not be achieved through digital marketplaces or fundraising platforms alone. It requires eye contact and hand shakes (and ideally hugs). This is why SVRN is fostering a venture building environment through the format of a social club. We know that when we get a vetted network of founders and investors into consistent, curated social experiences, friendships are formed, and over time, companies are built and investments are made. Check out the article for more on how SVRN is connecting founders, angels, and family offices to drive the new paradigm in venture building. https://lnkd.in/gJRUinMK

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https://lnkd.in/epFgH79T You’ve probably read tons of articles about the different rounds of VC funding and all the associated terms, but how often do you come across something that really breaks down the numbers? Ever wondered how to keep track of your startup’s equity as you grow? Dive into our hands-on guide to cap tables, where I break down everything from your first seed round to that exciting exit moment.  By walking you through various scenarios and terms with comprehensive examples and visual aids, I offer a solid foundation for managing equity financing in startups. While real-world cap tables can be intricate, this primer ensures fair ownership and proceeds distribution, helping you maintain investor confidence and support your startup’s long-term growth.Let’s get your cap table game on point!

📣 Major Update for French Founders and VC Firms! 🚀 Versible eu We have built a full database of all the private funds investing in #Seed, #SeriesA, and #SeriesB across nearly every sector in the #French ecosystem. As part of our mission, we are developing the next generation of venture capital management software. Our goal is to streamline the fundraising process and enhance investor relations for founders and investors throughout Europe. Each of our initiatives aims to shine a spotlight on the hardworking individuals who are shaping the future of the world. Stay tuned for Monday 27th. #Venturecapital #Seed #Lafrenchtech #LegalTech #Agriculture #Mobility #Deeptech #FoodTech #InsurTech #BioTech #HealthTech #Realestate #Web3

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Last week, Suno announced $125M in funding, marking a significant milestone in their journey to reshape the music creation landscape. On this week's episode of Unsupervised Learning, we caught up with Suno's founder, Mikey Shulman, to hear the latest (and workshop some new intro music for the pod 👀). Some of my favorite take-aways 👇 Non-text based prompting While text-based prompting has been an effective approach so far, Mikey argues that it’s a sterile way to describe what you’re really after. Users should be able to really pour themselves into a song, which might require expressing themselves through a montage of visuals or recorded sounds from every-day life, belting out a melody or tapping on the table to create a beat. Everything multi-player Picture musicians jamming together in real-time shooting musical ideas back and forth—it's all about making music creation as natural as having a conversation. Mikey’s really into the idea that these collaborative sessions can be just as fun for someone who's just starting out as they are for seasoned pros. It's about opening up music making to everyone, no matter their skill level, and creating a community vibe that lets everyone contribute their own flavor. This way, making music becomes not just more enjoyable but a shared experience that anyone can be a part of. One of the coolest night’s of Mikey’s journey Mikey got a kick out of seeing a popular Twitch streamer use Suno for a digital concert that pulled in a football stadium’s worth of people. It wasn't just about the size of the crowd though—the cool part was how viewers could use micropayments to interact directly with the performer. This takes your usual digital concert and turns it into something super interactive.   How Suno does model eval Mikey shares how tricky it is to evaluate models in music compared to other fields. Suno looks at things like audio quality, but those metrics are far from perfect. At Suno, they believe that aesthetics really matter—so much of this comes down to how the music feels, which is super subjective. Unlike text AI, where you can measure correctness, music doesn't have one right answer. It's all about whether the music resonates with users and gives them the control they want over the creation process. A lot of it relies on human judgment and that's probably not changing anytime soon for Suno. Check out the full episode to hear more from Mikey about the future of music with AI. YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ghh_qhnd Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3WXvkDN Apple: https://apple.co/4aCIOrz

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🌱 New seed round 🌱 We are thrilled to share that Sopht, one of our Axeleo Capital (AXC) portfolio companies, has raised €3.3 million in seed funding! 🚀 Congrats Jérémie VEG Julien Rouzé Gautier Levert! Sopht is on a mission to decarbonize corporate IT, tackling the significant environmental impact of digital infrastructure. Their cutting-edge solutions help companies reduce their carbon footprint while staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. This fresh funding will accelerate their growth across Europe, aiming to triple their client base and manage 1 million tons of CO2 in the next four years. We couldn't be more proud to support their journey towards becoming Europe’s leading Green ITOps solution by 2026. Check out our latest blog post for more details on Sopht's promising path: https://lnkd.in/g5drZgpj Join us in celebrating this milestone and looking forward to a greener future! 🌍💚 #SustainableTech #GreenIT #ITDecarbonization #SeedFunding #AxeleoCapital #frenchtech #B2B #SaaS

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My angel investment ContentRadar is coming out of beta today. They use AI to make content marketing and social media easier and less time consuming. As a happy beta customer I am very excited for them to release their product to the public. Onwards and upwards team! Katia Yakovleva Riccardo ♦︎ Buzzotta with kind support of superangels 😇 #angelinvestment #contentmarketing #ai

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