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.
Emblem is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2023 by Benedicte de Raphelis Soissan and Guillaume Durao. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage founders in Europe, particularly in France, Denmark, and Sweden. Emblem has successfully raised approximately $100 million to back innovative startups at the pre-seed stage. The firm aims to provide pragmatic support and leverage the extensive experience of its team, which includes entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, business angels, and investment bankers.
Since its inception, Emblem has positioned itself as a key player in the European venture capital landscape, emphasizing a flexible approach to equity stakes and board involvement. The firm is dedicated to building strong relationships with founders, ensuring that they receive the guidance and resources necessary to navigate the challenges of early-stage growth. Emblem's commitment to high-risk, high-reward investments aligns with its goal of helping startups progress to Series A funding.
Emblem invests exclusively in pre-seed company building, targeting high-risk, high-reward opportunities. The firm typically provides check sizes ranging from €500,000 to €3 million, allowing for significant initial support to startups. Emblem's investment strategy emphasizes a close relationship with founders, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of early-stage growth. The firm is flexible regarding equity stakes and board involvement, adapting its approach to meet the unique needs of each startup.
Geographically, Emblem focuses on startups located in France, Denmark, and Sweden, reflecting its commitment to supporting European entrepreneurs. The firm seeks to partner with founders who are building category-defining companies and aims to help them progress to Series A funding. Emblem's investment thesis is centered on the belief that early-stage companies require not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to succeed.
Emblem's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, Emblem has several companies in stealth mode that are developing various AI-driven solutions and platforms across different sectors.
Bénédicte de Raphélis Soissan - Founder & General Partner. Bénédicte has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having previously worked with various startups and investment firms. She brings extensive experience in supporting early-stage companies and has a strong network in the European tech ecosystem.
Guillaume Durao - Founder & General Partner. Guillaume has a background in investment banking and venture capital. He has led numerous successful investments in early-stage companies and is known for his expertise in scaling startups and navigating the challenges of growth.
To pitch to Emblem, founders should use the preferred channel of their website at emblem.vc or email benedicte@emblem.vc. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, including details on the business model, market opportunity, and team. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are encouraged but not mandatory.
In 2023, Emblem launched its current fund, raising a total of $100 million to support early-stage founders in Europe. The firm has been actively investing in pre-seed companies, focusing on high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Recent press coverage includes articles in TechCrunch highlighting Emblem's commitment to supporting European startups and its unique approach to venture capital.
Notable mentions include a TechCrunch article from March 2023 discussing Emblem as part of a new wave of European seed funds, and another article from February 2025 announcing the final close of its initial fund at €75 million.
What are Emblem's investment criteria?
Emblem focuses on pre-seed investments in startups located in France, Denmark, and Sweden. The firm seeks high-risk, high-reward opportunities and typically invests between €500,000 and €3 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Emblem?
Founders can pitch to Emblem through their website at emblem.vc or by emailing benedicte@emblem.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Emblem different from other VC firms?
Emblem emphasizes a close relationship with founders and offers flexibility in investment roles and equity stakes. The firm leverages the diverse experience of its team to provide pragmatic support tailored to the needs of each startup.
What is Emblem's geographic scope?
Emblem primarily invests in startups based in France, Denmark, and Sweden, focusing on the European market for early-stage ventures.
What is Emblem's post-investment involvement like?
Emblem maintains close relationships with its portfolio companies, providing guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of early-stage growth. The firm is flexible regarding board involvement and adapts its support based on the needs of each startup.
What is the size of Emblem's fund?
Emblem has raised approximately $100 million for its current fund, which focuses on pre-seed investments in European startups.
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.