
Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Cathay Innovation is a multi-stage venture capital firm founded in 2015 as an offshoot of Cathay Capital Private Equity. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco and operates in major cities including New York, Paris, Shanghai, Beijing, and Singapore. With over $1.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), Cathay Innovation focuses on investing in startups that are driving positive change through technology.
The firm has established a strong presence across five continents, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Cathay Innovation's unique corporate strategic limited partner (LP) network enhances its ability to bridge innovation ecosystems, providing startups with access to valuable resources and insights. Notable milestones include recognition as VC of the Year at the Maddy Invest Awards, reflecting their impact in the venture capital space.
Cathay Innovation invests in startups at various stages, primarily targeting Series A, B, and C rounds, with check sizes ranging from $5 million to $100 million. The firm emphasizes sectors such as fintech, mobility, enterprise software, and sustainability, aligning its investments with companies that contribute to social and environmental goals. Their investment strategy is designed to connect innovation ecosystems globally, leveraging their extensive corporate LP network for enterprise distribution.
The firm actively seeks startups that are at the forefront of the digital revolution, demonstrating potential for significant growth. Cathay Innovation can lead or follow in funding rounds and reserves capital for follow-on investments, ensuring continued support for portfolio companies as they scale.
Cathay Innovation's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that exemplify their investment focus:
MingPo Cai: Founder & President, Cathay Capital. He has extensive experience in private equity and venture capital, focusing on cross-border investments.
Denis Barrier: Co-Founder & CEO, Cathay Innovation. Denis has a strong background in technology investments and has led numerous successful funding rounds.
Lanchun Duan: Managing Partner, China. Lanchun specializes in investments in the Chinese market, leveraging his deep understanding of local dynamics.
Jacky Abitbol: Managing Partner, EU. Jacky has a wealth of experience in European venture capital and focuses on scaling startups in the region.
Linda Sor: CFO, EU. Linda oversees financial operations and strategy for the European fund.
Céline Dos Santos: Head of Legal & Compliance. Céline ensures that all investments comply with regulatory standards.
Daniel Balmisse: Managing Partner, EU Fund of Funds. Daniel focuses on fund management and strategic partnerships.
Chunyu Zhang: CFO, China. Chunyu manages financial operations in the Chinese market.
Nicolas du Cray: Partner, SEA. Nicolas specializes in investments across Southeast Asia.
Simon Wu: Partner, US. Simon focuses on US-based startups and their growth potential.
To pitch to Cathay Innovation, founders should send an email to contact@cathay.fr. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Cathay Innovation operates several specialized funds, including:
In recent months, Cathay Innovation has been recognized as VC of the Year at the Maddy Invest Awards, highlighting their significant contributions to the venture capital industry. The firm has also been active in discussing new capital discipline and advancements in AI through their blog, showcasing their engagement with current industry trends.
Q?
What are Cathay Innovation's investment criteria?
A: Cathay Innovation invests in startups at various stages, primarily in fintech, mobility, enterprise software, and sustainability, with check sizes ranging from $5 million to $100 million.
Q?
How can I pitch to Cathay Innovation?
A: Founders can reach out via email at contact@cathay.fr to discuss potential investment opportunities.
Q?
What makes Cathay Innovation different from other VCs?
A: The firm has a unique global LP network that facilitates cross-border distribution and connects mature and emerging tech ecosystems.
Q?
What is the geographic scope of Cathay Innovation's investments?
A: Cathay Innovation invests globally, with a focus on North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Q?
What is the typical follow-on investment behavior of Cathay Innovation?
A: The firm reserves capital for follow-on investments to support portfolio companies as they grow.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.