Alven

Alven is an independent early-stage venture capital firm based in Paris, France, with a strong focus on backing European startups that demonstrate global potential. The firm manages over €2 billion in assets and has a successful track record spanning more than two decades, having invested in over 160 startups. Alven's investment strategy targets a diverse range of technology-related companies, including those in B2C/B2B marketplaces, productivity and development tools, artificial intelligence platforms, social and entertainment sectors, financial services, wellness brands, SaaS, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and climate technology.

The firm was founded in 2000 by Guillaume Aubin and Charles Letourneur. Both founders brought extensive experience from corporate financial advisory roles, which they leveraged to establish Alven with a mission to invest in and support fast-growing companies. Their vision was to create a venture capital firm that partners closely with entrepreneurs, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance and a commitment to long-term success.

Alven's portfolio boasts numerous notable investments, many of which have achieved significant milestones, including unicorn status and successful exits. Key portfolio companies include Akeneo, Dataiku, Algolia, Happn, MeilleursAgents, Birchbox, Qonto, Ankorstore, Stripe, Gorgias, Yubo, Stoïk, Neural Concept, Cardiologs, OpenClassrooms, Webhelp, JobTeaser, Typology, Kestra, and Cryptio. The firm actively participates in various financing rounds, from seed to growth stages, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing its portfolio companies through their development.

The Alven team comprises seasoned investors and functional experts with deep startup experience, enabling them to identify promising ventures and accelerate their growth effectively. The founders, Guillaume Aubin and Charles Letourneur, are graduates of prestigious French institutions, Sciences PO and École Polytechnique, bringing a robust academic and professional foundation to the firm. Alven emphasizes a philosophy of straightforward honesty and collaborative engagement, believing this approach provides the most valuable support to entrepreneurs in navigating the dynamic startup ecosystem.