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Founded in 2008, Serena is a venture capital firm based in Europe, focusing on early-stage technology investments. The firm has a team of 36 professionals, with over 50% having founded or led companies themselves. This operational experience allows Serena to provide significant support to its portfolio companies. The firm manages an impressive €1 billion investment program, targeting innovation across various sectors.
Serena has established itself as one of the largest French-origin venture capital firms, with a portfolio of over 100 companies. The firm primarily invests in early-growth stages, specifically from Pre-Seed to Series A, and aims to back 15 to 20 teams each year. Notable milestones include successful exits such as Dataiku, LaFourchette, and AramisAuto, showcasing Serena's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Serena's investment strategy emphasizes sectors such as applied AI, energy transition, fintech, healthcare, and commerce. The firm typically invests between €100,000 and €15 million in initial funding rounds, focusing on scalable digital business models. Serena's approach includes targeting early-growth stages, specifically Pre-Seed to Series A, and it aims to invest in 15 to 20 teams annually.
The firm has a particular interest in DeepTech, enterprise software, and marketplaces, while also considering impact-driven ventures. Serena primarily backs entrepreneurs based in Europe and the United States, seeking to support those aiming to build continental or global category leaders. The firm prefers to lead or co-lead investment rounds, ensuring a significant role in the growth of its portfolio companies.
Serena's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable companies include:
In total, Serena has invested in over 100 companies, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. The firm has successfully facilitated exits for 26 of its portfolio companies, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying high-potential startups.
Xavier Lorphelin: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Marc Fournier: Managing Partner known for his expertise in technology investments.
Philippe Hayat: Managing Partner with a strong background in scaling startups.
Bertrand Diard: Partner with a focus on operational support for portfolio companies.
Charles Rousset: General Secretary with experience in corporate governance.
Guillaume Decugis: Partner specializing in early-stage investments.
Alix Trébaol: Senior Associate with a focus on market analysis.
Margaux Gregoir: Partner with expertise in strategic growth.
Émilie Benayad: Operating Partner providing operational support.
Olivier Martret: Partner with a background in technology ventures.
David Bitton: Head of Operating, focusing on operational excellence.
Constance Gontier: Associate with a focus on deal sourcing.
Matthieu Lavergne: Partner with experience in venture capital.
Jérôme Stioui: Operating Partner providing strategic guidance.
Heba Hitti: Chief Communications Officer with expertise in branding.
Juliette Ast: Senior Associate focusing on portfolio management.
Stéphanie Nizard: Partner with a focus on investment strategy.
Eric Gossart: Partner with experience in scaling startups.
Floriane de Maupeou: Principal with a focus on market trends.
Louis Natier: Senior Investors Relations with expertise in LP management.
Sébastien Le Roy: Partner with a focus on technology investments.
Thibaut Hartog: Senior Financial Manager with expertise in financial strategy.
Elodie Charles: Talent & Community Manager focusing on founder support.
Paul Moriou: Partner with a background in venture capital.
Mamadou Diallo: Financial Controller with expertise in financial operations.
Maxime Furet: Principal with a focus on investment analysis.
Isabel Lavoura: Office Manager with experience in operations.
Jérémy Rasori: Head of Sustainability focusing on sustainable investments.
Julia Lefebvre: Human Resources Director with expertise in talent management.
Léa Zaslavsky: Co-founder of makesense Fund, Partner at Racine² with a focus on social impact.
Margaux Bussiere: Principal at makesense fund, Principal at Racine² with expertise in social entrepreneurship.
To pitch to Serena, founders should visit serena.vc and submit their proposals through the provided channels. It is important to include a comprehensive overview of the business, including the problem being solved, the target market, and the team's qualifications. Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks.
In March 2026, Serena led a $15.1 million Seed round in Probabl, alongside CFM and Bpifrance. This investment highlights the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting early-stage technology companies.
Serena is actively deploying its €300 million Fund III, focusing primarily on Series A investments. The firm has a strong track record, with two-thirds of its investments made in France and the remainder across Europe and the United States.
Recent reports indicate that Serena has successfully facilitated exits for 26 of its portfolio companies, further solidifying its reputation as a leading venture capital firm in Europe.
What are Serena's investment criteria?
Serena focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in sectors like applied AI, energy transition, fintech, healthcare, and commerce. The firm typically invests between €100,000 and €15 million in Pre-Seed to Series A rounds.
How can I apply or pitch to Serena?
Founders can pitch their ideas through Serena's website at serena.vc. It is recommended to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes Serena different from other VC firms?
Serena's team has significant operational experience, with over 50% of its members having founded or led companies. This allows the firm to provide deep operational support and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.
What is Serena's geographic scope?
Serena primarily invests in entrepreneurs based in Europe and the United States, focusing on scalable digital business models.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Serena invests between €100,000 and €15 million in initial funding rounds, depending on the stage and potential of the company.
How involved is Serena post-investment?
Serena is known for its deep operational involvement with portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, access to a broad network, and resources to help scale their businesses effectively.
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