RAISE

RAISE is a distinctive French investment group established in 2013 by Clara Gaymard and Gonzague de Blignières, setting itself apart with an innovative and socially conscious investment model. A core tenet of RAISE's philosophy is its commitment to philanthropy, where 50% of the carried interest generated from its investments is systematically donated to the RAISE Endowment Fund. This fund, in turn, is dedicated to supporting young, innovative companies and fostering social impact, creating a virtuous cycle where financial success directly fuels entrepreneurial growth and societal benefit. Beyond its unique structure, RAISE operates across several specialized investment vehicles, including private equity, venture capital, impact investing, and real estate.

The venture capital arm, RAISE Ventures, is particularly focused on high-growth technology startups across various sectors. Its investment thesis targets companies in deeptech, SaaS, fintech, healthtech, greentech, new mobility, and foodtech, reflecting a broad yet strategic interest in transformative industries. RAISE Ventures actively participates in Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, aiming to support companies through critical early and growth stages. The firm recently demonstrated its strong market position by closing its second venture fund, RAISE Ventures II, at an impressive €240 million in early 2023, significantly exceeding its initial target.

For companies seeking initial capital, RAISE Ventures typically provides first cheques ranging from €1 million to €10 million. This substantial range allows them to accommodate a diverse set of startups, from those just beginning to scale to more established Series B companies. Their approach emphasizes long-term partnership, often providing follow-on investments to support portfolio companies through subsequent growth phases. RAISE's blend of strategic financial backing, sectoral expertise, and a unique philanthropic mission positions it as a significant and impactful player in the European venture capital landscape, appealing to founders who value both capital and a commitment to broader societal good.