AXA Venture Partners (AVP) a venture capital firm investing in high-growth technology companies, announced on Tuesday it secured $150 million for its second Early Stage Fund (AVP Early Stage II). AVP reported that its first Early Stage Fund, which is a $110 million vehicle that was raised in 2015, has now been successfully deployed and the launch of the second Fund confirms the firm’s “ambition and commitment” to early-stage venture investing.
The company reported that it invests in companies that leverage differentiated technology and scalable business models to drive innovation. AVP’s target sectors are Enterprise Software, Fintech/Insurtech, Consumer Technologies, and Digital Health.
“We believe that technology is transforming the world and financial services in particular. The changes are fundamental and include creation of new products and even more new end-to-end services. They allow forging closer relationships with customers and lowering operating costs.”
According to AVP, the AVP Early Stage II has generated strong interest from existing and new investors and confirms the differentiation of the firm’s approach to venture investment, which is a strong team with deep sector expertise, global presence and ability to add value beyond capital, notably through business development opportunities with the investors of the Fund. It was also revealed:
“Similar to AVP Early Stage I, AVP Early Stage II will focus on North America, Europe & Israel and will aim to invest in outstanding technology businesses, pre and early revenue, in enterprise SaaS, consumer platform and SME solutions, with particular focus on fintech and digital health. AVP Early Stage II will write initial checks up to $6 million and will support entrepreneurs in their ambition by providing them business development opportunities with AXA and any other relevant corporations.”
Francois Robinet, AVP Managing Partner, added:
“This fundraise was completed at a record speed with existing and new investors. This is a strong vote of confidence for our team and strategy, and a recognition of what has been achieved with our first Early Stage Fund. We plan to hold Paris – London – New York – San Francisco – Hong Kong a second closing with additional new investors. This fundraise strengthens AVP’s positioning as a leading player for ambitious entrepreneurs across Europe and North America.”