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IRIS is a venture capital and growth firm founded in 1984, with offices located in Paris, Berlin, and Munich. The firm has established itself as a key player in the European technology investment landscape, focusing on technology-driven companies across various stages, from seed and Series A to late-stage growth. Over the years, IRIS has expanded its reach to invest in over 350 companies across 20 countries, including significant markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.
With a strong emphasis on the DACH region, particularly Germany and France, IRIS has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies in fintech, insurtech, and e-commerce. The firm typically invests between €1 million and €30 million in its portfolio companies, providing not only capital but also strategic support in business development, technology, HR, and international expansion.
IRIS primarily invests in fast-growing tech startups that are reshaping industries such as enterprise technology, cloud computing, Industry 4.0, supply chain, fintech, insurtech, e-commerce, and sustainability. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses a wide range of stages, including seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, and growth equity. This flexibility allows IRIS to support companies at various points in their development, from early-stage innovations to established businesses seeking growth capital.
Investment sizes typically range from €1 million to €30 million, reflecting the firm’s commitment to backing companies with significant growth potential. IRIS seeks to partner with founders who are not only innovative but also have a clear vision for scaling their businesses. The firm’s geographic focus is primarily on the DACH region, but it also considers opportunities across broader European markets.
IRIS has built a notable portfolio of over 350 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative technology solutions. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify IRIS's focus on technology-driven investments that are reshaping their respective industries.
Julien-David Nitlech: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and technology investments.
Erik de la Rivière: Managing Partner known for his expertise in scaling tech startups and strategic investments.
Curt Gunsenheimer: Managing Partner with a focus on identifying disruptive technologies and market trends.
Thorben Rothe: Partner - Venture, specializing in early-stage investments and supporting founders.
Nicolas Herschtel: Partner - Growth, focusing on late-stage investments and scaling strategies.
Itziar Estevez: Partner - Growth, with a background in supporting growth-stage companies.
Anaïs Monlong: Principal - Venture, involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Bruno du Breuil: Senior Associate - Growth, assisting in portfolio management and growth strategies.
Shana Hudes: Senior Associate - Venture, focusing on early-stage investments and founder support.
Marie Dessaint: CFO & Compliance Officer, overseeing financial operations and compliance.
To pitch to IRIS, founders should submit their projects through the online form available at this link. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, detailing the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. IRIS prefers to receive pitches via this channel, and response times may vary based on the volume of submissions.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Founders should ensure that their submissions are clear and concise to facilitate a timely review.
IRIS has been actively investing in a diverse portfolio of over 350 companies, with recent investments including notable firms like Exotec, Kyriba, and Shift. These investments highlight IRIS's commitment to supporting innovative tech solutions that are reshaping industries.
In 2023, IRIS continues to expand its reach in the DACH region and beyond, focusing on technology-driven companies that demonstrate significant growth potential. The firm remains engaged with its portfolio, providing strategic support to help startups scale effectively.
What are IRIS's investment criteria?
IRIS invests in technology-driven companies across various sectors, including fintech, insurtech, e-commerce, and more. The firm focuses on fast-growing startups at different stages, from seed to late-stage growth.
How can I apply or pitch to IRIS?
Founders can submit their projects through the IRIS website at this link or via email at contact@iris.vc. A detailed pitch deck is recommended.
What makes IRIS different from other VC firms?
IRIS has a strong focus on the DACH region and a proven track record of supporting technology-driven companies. The firm provides strategic support in business development, technology, HR, and international expansion.
What is the geographic scope of IRIS's investments?
IRIS primarily focuses on the DACH region, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but also invests across broader European markets and beyond.
What is the typical fund size and check size for IRIS?
IRIS typically invests between €1 million and €30 million in its portfolio companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting startups at various stages of growth.
What is IRIS's post-investment involvement like?
IRIS actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic support in areas such as business development, technology, HR, and international expansion to help them scale effectively.
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