Michael Benabou

Michael Benabou, a co-founder of the e-commerce giant Veepee (formerly Vente-Privée.com), is a highly influential figure in the French venture capital landscape. Operating primarily through his Paris-based family office, Financière Saint James, he has transitioned from a successful entrepreneur to a prolific investor, leveraging his deep operational experience to identify and nurture promising startups. As President of Financière Saint James, Benabou has established a reputation for strategic investments in innovative companies, contributing significantly to the growth of the European tech ecosystem.

Financière Saint James adopts a founder-centric approach, seeking out disruptive business models led by strong, visionary entrepreneurial teams. The family office's investment thesis spans a diverse range of high-growth sectors, including B2B SaaS, fintech, healthtech, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Benabou is known for his hands-on involvement and long-term commitment, often providing strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive network to support portfolio companies beyond mere capital injection. His investment philosophy emphasizes sustainable growth and market leadership.

By 2020, Financière Saint James had already built a substantial portfolio, having invested in over 30 startups, demonstrating a consistent and active presence in the early to growth-stage funding rounds. The typical initial investment from Financière Saint James ranges from €1 million to €5 million, which translates to approximately $1.08 million to $5.4 million USD, based on recent exchange rates. While this range represents their preferred ticket size for first cheques, the firm demonstrates flexibility for particularly compelling opportunities or larger funding rounds, with an capacity to deploy up to €10 million, or roughly $10.8 million USD, in certain instances.

Michael Benabou's transition from building a multi-billion dollar e-commerce company to becoming a dedicated investor underscores his enduring passion for entrepreneurship. His unique blend of operational expertise and financial acumen makes him a valuable partner for founders navigating the complexities of scaling a business. Through Financière Saint James, he continues to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of European tech leaders, reinforcing Paris's position as a vibrant hub for startup activity.