Fundraising Fox

Daphni

Venture capitaloperating company · company profile

Paris · Seed–Growth · 38 people tracked

Find your way into Daphni

3,005 people in our graph share verified history with the Daphni team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Hannah Sealunlockedknows Paul Bazin · together at Ankarai (overlapped)
knows the team · via Bird & Bird
knows the team · via Mistral AI
×2knows the team · via Lyft
knows the team · via UBS
×2knows the team · via HEC Paris
Fox Verdict
Sign up to see your fit

Investment thesis

Daphni positions itself as a venture capital firm that rejects rigid formulas and algorithms in favor of people, vision, and deep engagement. It emphasizes a human-driven, community-powered, and tech-augmented approach, building tools, conviction, and a community to keep learning quickly and to drive long-term, systemic change rather than chasing short-term trends.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 11, 2026.

Stage
Seed–Growth
Check
$540K – $6.5M
HQ
Paris, FR
Leads rounds
Follows
Instruments
Equity
Founded
2016
Last 12 months
3 investments
AUM
$756M
Tracked investments
116

Team · 38 people

from the firm's website & public directories
Mathieu Daix· Co-founder

Co-founder of Daphni involved in overseeing portfolio companies of the Purple fund.

Willy Braun· Co-founder

Co-founder of Daphni involved in overseeing portfolio companies of the Purple fund.

What they invest in

from 86 of 116 portfolio companies

AI & Machine Learning ×35SaaS ×27Enterprise Software ×14Deep Tech ×12E-commerce ×12Fintech ×12Climate Tech ×10Cleantech ×9

HQs:France×38United States×6United Kingdom×3European Union×2Austria×1Brazil×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 42 portfolio companies
52%
solo founders
22 of 42 mapped founding teams
49%
repeat founders
of 61 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×222 founders×123 founders×44+ founders×4

Where their founders studiedfrom 61 founders with education data

ESCP ×5CentraleSupélec ×4École Polytechnique ×4HEC Paris ×4Télécom Paris ×4KTH Royal Institute of Technology ×3Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro ×3RWTH Aachen University ×3

Where their founders worked beforefrom 61 founders with career history

DeepMind ×3Facebook ×3Liligo.com ×3Babyshop Group ×2Backtrace Capital ×2BNP Paribas ×2C3 AI ×2Engagedly Inc ×2

Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program

Entrepreneur First ×2Techstars ×2

8 founders hold a PhD · 5 hold an MBA (of 59 with degree data)

Investments · 116 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2026 · 22025 · 42022 · 12021 · 12017 · 19 dated

Backtrace Capitalbacktrace.vcin𝕏✓ verified

KERYS Software develops a secure virtualization platform that enables multiple isolated environments on a single physical machine with near bare-metal performance, targeting organizations requiring digital resilience and DORA/NIS2 compliance.

AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingCybersecurityData & InfrastructureDeep TechDeveloper ToolsQuantum Computing

Pavlo Baron(Co-founder)inZachary Schneider(Co-founder)inCésar Rodríguez Rosario(Founder & CEO)inThomas BrethoméinSébastien DomergueinSylvain Cassierin

Co-investorsbacktrace capitalESSENCEQAI VenturesAspire11Peak

Pasqalpasqal.comin𝕏✓ verified

Pasqal is a quantum computing company that develops high-performance quantum systems using neutral atom technology and software for optimization, simulation, and artificial intelligence applications across industry, science, and government sectors.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareQuantum ComputingFrance, FR

Alain Aspect(Founder)

Co-investorsIsaiQuantonationRuna CapitalEni NextTemasekDunamu & Partners+3 more

World Fundworldfund.vcin𝕏✓ verified

Lithosquare is an AI platform for mineral discovery and exploration that uses geological expertise and machine learning to identify mineral deposits up to 10 times more efficiently.

AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechDeep TechHardwareCambridge, GB

Xavier Moya(Founder & CEO)Giles Rodway(CTO)Aymeric Préveral-Etcheverry(CEO)Simon Leclair(COO)

Co-investorsOVNI CapitalWorld FundKfW CapitalSaxoventEIFEuropean Investment Fund

Holbertonholbertonschool.comin𝕏Dec 2017

Purple fund portfolio company.

EdTechSan Francisco, US

Julien Barbier(Executive Officer, Director)inSylvain Kalache(Former Director)in

BoardManoel Lemos(Director)inEustache Besancon(Director)Marc Verstaen(Director)

Board seatMarie Ekeland· per SEC Form D

Co-investorsRedpoint eventuresAME Cloud VenturesInsight PartnersOmidyar NetworkPartech VenturesReach Capital+1 more

Agricool
AguaBlanca
Airthiumairthium.comin𝕏

Airthium manufactures high-temperature industrial heat pumps that reach up to 550°C and operate in hybrid mode, switching between electricity and gas to optimize cost and carbon emissions.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechHardwareParis, FR

Andrei Klochko(Founder/CEO)inFranck Lahaye(Co-Founder)in

Co-investorsPolytechnique VenturesY Combinator

Albatross Aiusealbatross.ai

Albatross builds AI "perception models" and real-time infrastructure that analyze live user interactions (views, clicks, searches, purchases) to infer intent and rank the best items to show next during a session.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureRetail TechBaar, CH

Kevin Kahn(Founder)Matteo Ruffini(Founder)

Co-investorsMMC Venturesredalpine

Alpa
AMI Labsamilabs.xyz

AMI Labs develops advanced AI systems that understand the real world through world models and action-conditioned architectures, enabling intelligent agents with persistent memory, reasoning, and safety controls for industrial automation, robotics, and healthcare applications.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechRoboticsParis, FR

Yann LeCun(Founder)Alex LeBrun(Founder)inLaurent Solly(Founder)inMichael Rabbat(Founder)inPascale Fung(Founder)inSaining Xie(Founder)in

Co-investorsAglae VenturesAlpha Intelligence CapitalAvenir Growth CapitalExpeditionsfirstminute capitalGreycroft+16 more

Animajanimaj.comin

Animaj is a media company that creates and develops children's entertainment franchises using AI-powered production and digital-first distribution.

AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyMedia & Entertainment

Gregory Dray(Founder)in

Co-investorsBootstrap EuropeDisney AcceleratorKima VenturesLeft Lane CapitalResonance VCXAnge

Ankaraiankar.ai

Ankar builds an operating system for innovation that helps R&D and patent teams accelerate their work through tools for idea generation, drafting, prosecution, and protection.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareLegalTechSaaSLondon, GB

Tamar Gomez(Founder)inWiem Gharbi(Founder)

Co-investorsBOOOMIndex VenturesNorrsken VCAtomico

Anotherbrainanotherbrain.aiin

AnotherBrain develops a bio-inspired artificial intelligence, embedded on an ASIC chip, that learns autonomously, explains its decisions, and runs in real time without big data or cloud while using little energy.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechSemiconductors

Bruno Maisonnier(Founder)in

Co-investorsAlpha Intelligence CapitalCathay Innovation

Antescofometronautapp.comin𝕏

Antescofo uses machine listening technology to recognize real-time musical performance and synchronize content, providing an immersive experience for musicians practicing and performing.

AI & Machine LearningConsumerEdTechMedia & EntertainmentParis, FR

Co-investorsOneRagtime

Apidayapiday.com

Apiday provides ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting and compliance solutions for portfolio companies, helping streamline sustainability reporting obligations and regulatory compliance such as CSRD and ESRS standards.

Enterprise SoftwareFintechImpact & Social GoodSaaS

Co-investorsGalion.exeReventSpeedinvest

Astralastralsystems.comin

Astral Systems develops fusion technology to produce medical isotopes and power decentralised energy solutions for healthcare providers and researchers.

Climate TechDeep TechEnergyMedical Devices

Tom Wallace-Smith(Founder)inRam Mullur(Vice President Strategic Development)in

Co-investorsAvonmore DevelopmentsPlayfair Capital

Astral Systems

Energy/health company (Blue fund), invested 2026.

Back Marketbackmarket.frin𝕏

Back Market is an online marketplace specializing in refurbished electronics.

Circular EconomyConsumerE-commerceMarketplacesParis, FR

Thibaud Hug de Larauze(Founder)in

Co-investorsAglae VenturesTeampact.ventures

baCtabacta.bio

BACTA is an AI-powered bioproduction company that uses microorganisms to produce industrial ingredients such as astaxanthin for cosmetics, human nutrition, and animal nutrition markets.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep Tech

Co-investorsAgoranovOVNI Capital

Badgetrybadge.comin𝕏

Badge provides wallet infrastructure that platforms can embed to enable their users to issue and manage digital passes, loyalty cards, and rewards in mobile wallets.

Cloud ComputingEnterprise SoftwareFintechMarketing TechSaaSSan Francisco, US

Co-investorsInfinity VenturesTTV Capital

Beendibeendi.com
Bluebluefellowship-ignite.lovable.app

Blue Fellowship is a 6-week hands-on program for PhDs, postdocs, and research engineers that teaches early company-building fundamentals such as cap table setup, legal, HR, and fundraising, and connects participants with founders, investors, and mentors.

Deep TechFuture of Work

Butterfly Aibutterfly.aiin𝕏

Butterfly is a workplace feedback and employee engagement software designed to strengthen the manager-employee relationship and support frontline workers.

Future of WorkHR TechSaaS

Carbon Mapscarbonmaps.ioin

Carbon Maps provides a data ingestion platform for corporate carbon footprint measurement, enabling organizations to collect emissions data from multiple sources via native ERP and procurement connectors.

AgTechClimate TechEnterprise SoftwareFoodTechImpact & Social GoodSaaS

Co-investorsSamaipata

Certoaskcerto.comin

Certo provides AI agents that automate regulatory compliance for consumer product companies, ingesting product and regulatory documents to extract structured data, validate ingredients and formulas against market rules with source citations, and generate regulator-grade documents such as SDS, PIF, and CPSR.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareLegalTechSaaSParis, FR

Bastien Deliege-Coste(CEO)inJean Duquenne(CTO)in

Co-investorsEntrepreneur First

Certo
Codigo
Cometcomet.coin

Comet operates a marketplace platform connecting companies with vetted independent consultants and freelancers in technology fields such as AI, data, and cybersecurity, using a matching algorithm combined with human support.

B2B MarketplacesFuture of WorkHR TechParis, FR

Laurent Potel(CEO & Chairman)

Co-investorsBridge to GrowthSalica Investments

Context
CozyCozycozycozy.com𝕏

cozycozy is a travel accommodation search engine that lets travelers compare all types of lodging — including hotels, apartments, houses, hostels, unusual stays, and home exchanges — from over 100 merchant sites in one search.

ConsumerMarketplacesTravel & Hospitality

Pierre Bonelli(CEO & Co-founder)Jérémie Murat(Site Operations & Co-founder)inÖrs Szathmáry(Product & Co-founder)inTibor Pusztai(Development & Co-founder)Romain Claudel(Marketing & Co-founder)in

Co-investorsKaristaKima Ventures

Demadema.aiin

Dema provides a commerce intelligence platform that analyzes e-commerce data to help brands make better business decisions.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureE-commerceRetail TechSaaS

Marcus TagessonHenrik HoffmaninDavid Feldellin

Co-investorsJ12 Ventures

Diftdift.comin

Dift is a fundraising platform that lets individuals set up charity fundraising pages ("cagnottes") in a few clicks to support verified nonprofit associations, with tax receipts and transparent donations.

Climate TechFintechImpact & Social GoodSaaS

Frédéric Mazzella(Co-founder)in

Co-investorsAFI VenturesOneRagtime

Edit withlovable.devin𝕏

Lovable is an AI-powered platform that enables users to build web applications and websites through conversational chat interactions with artificial intelligence.

AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingDeveloper ToolsSaaSDover, US

Fabian Hedin(Executive Officer, Director)inAnton Osika(Executive Officer, Director)inAndy Toung(Executive Officer)

BoardBenjamin Fletcher(Director)Matt Murphy(Director)

Co-investors83NorthAccelAIX VenturesAnthropy PartnersBalderton CapitalbyFounders+28 more

Edumapperedumapper.comin

Edumapper is a free platform that catalogs French higher education programs and provides data-driven insights on admission chances and graduate career outcomes using official government data and LinkedIn analysis.

EdTech

Sébastien de Lafond(Founder)in

Co-investorsKima Ventures

Emfasemfas.aiin

Emfas is a product information management (PIM) platform for ecommerce brands, using AI to manage, enrich, and distribute product catalogs and reduce manual product operations.

AI & Machine LearningE-commerceRetail TechSaaSStockholm, SE

Carl Piehl(Founder)in

Co-investorsnode.vc

Emperiaemperiavr.comin𝕏

Emperia offers a no-code platform for creators, studios and enterprises to build and deploy cross-device virtual worlds and 3D virtual stores from game-engine models, running on web and spatial computing devices.

E-commerceRetail TechSaaS

Olga Dogadkina(Founder)in

Co-investorsRLC VenturesSony Ventures CorporationBase10 Partners

Epigene Labsepigenelabs.comin

Epigene Labs develops AI-powered tools for analyzing genomic data and precision oncology research, serving biopharmaceutical companies and cancer researchers.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthMedical DevicesBoston, US

Akpéli(CEO & Co-founder)

Co-investorsXAnge

Epyrepyr.coinFeb 2025 · $3.1M

Epyr develops thermal energy storage solutions for industrial heat electrification, enabling industries to decarbonize and adopt renewable energy.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechEnergy

Bastien Oggeri(Founder)inLéa Dardenne(Founder)in

Co-investorsOVNI CapitalAENU

Ever Dyeeverdye.frin

EverDye develops biobased dyeing pigments and a low-heat, low-energy dyeing process aimed at reducing the carbon emissions, energy use, and toxic chemicals of textile dyeing.

Advanced ManufacturingCircular EconomyCleantechClimate TechNew MaterialsParis, FR

Ilan Palacci(Founding CEO)inAmira Erokh(CTO)in

Co-investorsEntrepreneur First

FAUMEfaume.coin

FAUME provides a turnkey resale solution for fashion and luxury brands, handling trade-in management, item authentication, reconditioning, pricing, and online and in-store secondhand sales.

AI & Machine LearningCircular EconomyE-commerceRetail Tech

Co-investorsKima Ventures

Fifteenfifteen.euin𝕏

Fifteen builds electric bikes, charging stations, and software (user apps, operator control centre, and data analytics) for bike-sharing and long-term rental services.

HardwareIoTMobility & Transportation

Co-investors2050

Financial Cockpit for Freelancersshine.frin𝕏

Shine is an online business banking service offering pro accounts, Mastercard business cards, instant and international transfers, and sub-accounts, along with management tools like dashboards, URSSAF estimation, VAT tracking, compliant invoicing, and automated accounting.

FintechSaaS

Co-investors42CAP

Flotteflotte.frin

Flotte is an eco-responsible rainwear clothing brand offering apparel focused on positivity, self-expression, and community.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerce

Flow48flow48.comin

Flow48 provides Revenue Based Financing and Invoice Financing to South African SMEs, letting businesses access working capital against future revenue or unpaid invoices without collateral or equity dilution.

FintechSaaS

Idriss Al Rifai(Founder)in

Co-investorsEvolution VenturesFirst Circle468 CapitalBlockchain Founders Fund

Foxintelligence

Co-investors3founders

Fretlink

Logistics operations platform serving 400 clients across 22 countries.

Co-investorsThe Family

Fretlink Freight marketplacefretlink.com

Fretlink operates a Transport Operating System that connects carriers and shippers to optimize freight transportation logistics and execution.

Climate TechLogistics & Supply ChainParis, FR

Paul GuilleminAntoine Le SquerenDidier DuvalFrédéric Menou

Co-investorsEdenred VenturesYOBE Ventures

Gabsee

Purple fund portfolio company.

Geevgeev.comin𝕏

Geev operates an advertising platform that connects brands with over 7 million engaged consumers interested in sustainable and responsible consumption through display, native, and branded content solutions.

AdTechB2B MarketplacesCircular EconomyConsumerMarketing TechMarketplaces

Generaregenerare.bioin

Generare is building a library of naturally evolved molecules by reading and analyzing biological chemistry that has not been previously studied.

AI & Machine LearningBiotech

Co-investorsAgoranovGalion.exeTeampact.venturesVIVES PartnersAlven

Goshaba
Graphgraph.financein𝕏Jun 2026 · $5M

Graph Finance provides payment infrastructure for businesses in emerging markets to conduct international transactions with the same ease and security as local payments.

FintechToronto, CA

Abdul Akubo(Founder)inChris Mozie(Founder)in

Co-investorsMicrotractionTechstarsBessemer Venture PartnersMerantix CapitalSquareOne

Graphtxgraphtx.comin

GraphTx is an AI-driven platform for drug discovery that validates immunology and inflammation drug targets using live patient samples before clinical trials.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthVienna, AT

Co-investorsSquareOneTranspose Platform ManagementMerantix Capital

H Companyhcompany.aiin𝕏

HoloTab is a browser extension that uses AI agents to automate repetitive tasks for individuals and enterprises, allowing users to create routines that automate manual work.

AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareParis, FR

Julien Perolat(Founder)inLaurent Sifre(Founder)in

Co-investorsAccelCreandumFirstMark CapitalPolytechnique VenturesSamsung NextElaia+4 more

Hemeahemea.comin𝕏

hemea is a France-based brokerage and management service for home architecture and renovation projects, connecting clients with vetted contractors and over 100 dedicated experts who oversee work from design to final delivery.

Construction TechMarketplacesPropTech

Co-investorsSonorcapXavier Niel

Holbertonschoolholbertonschool.frin𝕏

Holberton School is a technology school offering project-based training in software development, with programs including Bachelor's degrees in Agentic AI Software Engineering, AI & Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity, plus an app-building incubator.

AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityEdTech

Hubcyclehubcycled.comin

Hubcycle identifies and sources by-products from the agri-food industry, transforming them into high-quality, sustainable ingredients for food manufacturers at competitive prices.

AgTechCircular EconomyFoodTech

Co-investorsBleu Capital

Idaida.euin

Ida provides software that uses machine learning and predictive algorithms to optimize supply and procurement of ultra-fresh products, combining internal operational data with external inputs like weather, seasonality, and local trends.

AI & Machine LearningFoodTechLogistics & Supply Chain

Co-investorsSonorcap

Justgetjust.eu

Paris, FR

Jeremy Pinto(Founder)

Karavelakaravela.aiin

Karavela builds a foundation model of the human brain using magnetic resonance imaging and develops AI tools to enhance clinical trials in psychiatry and neurology.

AI & Machine LearningHealthtechMedical Devices

Alexis Thual(CEO)inBertrand Thirion(CSO)in

Co-investorsAgoranovHCVCFirst Momentum

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Daphni made?
Daphni has 110 tracked investments, including 4 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does Daphni invest at?
Daphni invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth stages.
What is Daphni's typical check size?
Daphni typically writes checks of $540K – $6.5M.
What sectors does Daphni focus on?
Daphni focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Climate Tech, Cybersecurity, Data & Infrastructure, Deep Tech, E-commerce, EdTech, Energy, Fintech, FoodTech, Future of Work, Healthtech, Impact & Social Good, InsurTech, Logistics & Supply Chain, Mobility & Transportation, PropTech, Retail Tech, Robotics, SaaS, Travel & Hospitality.
Where is Daphni located?
Daphni is headquartered in Paris, FR.
Does Daphni lead rounds?
Daphni typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Who does Daphni co-invest with?
Daphni most often shares deals with Kima Ventures, AFI Ventures, Agoranov, among 128 tracked co-investors.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

SantiTV - Interview#1 Paul Bazin partner chez Daphni

SantiTV · Paul Bazin

Le VC-as-a-Platform avec Pierre-Eric Leibovici (daphni)

Finscale · Pierre-Eric Leibovici

Pierre-Eric Leibovici (Daphni) - Comment t'as fait pour monter le VC Daphni et digitaliser ce mar...

Julien Hatton · Pierre-Eric Leibovici

Pierre-Eric Leibovici (Daphni) - “Daphnipolis”

0100 Conferences · Pierre-Eric Leibovici

Pierre-Eric Leibovici (Daphni) - The current state of French tech startup scene?

0100 Conferences · Pierre-Eric Leibovici

Talk avec Willy Braun, co-fondateur Daphni

Le Wagon · Willy Braun

Images

Daphni photoDaphni photoDaphni photoDaphni photoDaphni photoDaphni photo

Co-investors · 14

Index Ventures

Index Ventures is a multi-stage venture capital firm that backs companies from Seed to IPO and beyond, including through its dedicated seed fund Index Origin.

Both backed · 3
AnkaraiSwileThe world’s best assistant
$540K – $10.8M
Serena

Serena is a France-based venture capital firm founded in 2008 by entrepreneurs to support founders, with more than half of its team being operators who have founded or led companies.

Both backed · 2
$108K – $16.2M
Partech Ventures

Partech is a global investment firm that backs founders across multiple continents and at every stage through dedicated teams and funds.

Both backed · 1
$200K – $50M
Isai

ISAI is a French investment firm founded and backed by tech entrepreneurs, offering multiple strategies including early-stage VC, corporate VC, growth & buyout, and growth lending.

Both backed · 1
$108K – $54M
Elaia

Elaia is a venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs from company inception through to market leadership, supporting them across their growth journey.

Both backed · 1
$108K – $1.6M
Emblem

Emblem is a European venture capital firm that has raised $100m to invest exclusively at the pre-seed stage, backing early-stage founders and helping them reach Series A.

Both backed · 1
C4 Ventures

C4 Ventures is an operator-led venture firm that backs entrepreneurs building global companies with a European foundation.

Both backed · 1
$500K – $10M
Bleu Capital

Bleu Capital is a venture family office that funds climate-focused startups and venture funds globally, partnering closely with founders to support their growth.

Both backed · 1
$100K – $500K
FJ Labs

FJ Labs is an early-stage investment firm specializing in marketplaces and network-effect businesses, taking an angel-style co-investment approach alongside institutional venture funds worldwide.

$100K – $3M
50 Partners

50 Partners is a French startup accelerator and investor run by entrepreneurs, operating multiple acceleration programs across tech, impact, health, and Web3, alongside dedicated funds.

Singular

Singular is a boutique European VC fund founded by former top-tier partners from Alven and Index Ventures who deliberately cap fund size and portfolio companies to maintain high partner-to-founder bandwidth, positioning themselves as performance-obsessed return-maximizers rather than thesis-driven generalists. The firm backs European founders with global ambitions across all sectors and stages using a single flexible fund, while maintaining an unusually low-profile, founder-centric reputation that relies on performance narratives and founder references rather than public marketing.

Newfund Capital

Newfund Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm operating out of Silicon Valley and Paris, backing entrepreneurs across technology sectors.

$250K – $2M
2 more co-investors

FrstGanymed Robotics

Firms observed investing alongside Daphni, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Daphni's recorded portfolio.

Similar investors

Featured in lists