ESSEC Entrepreneurs Are in High Demand

Winter hasn’t cooled investors’ interest! The ESSEC network saw four fundraising operations and one acquisition – all featuring impressive sums – between December and March. It’s an excellent example of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our alumni.  

Co-founded by François Roth (E12), Amaury Courbon (E12) and Alexandre Martin (E12), Colonies – a property operator specialising in co-living – has raised €11 million from Idinvest Partners, Global Founders Capital, Kima and La Financière Saint-James in order to double its staff and accelerate the development of its buildings in all major cities in France and Europe.

Launched by Jean Valfort (E10) and Rémi Chabanas, Dark Kitchen – a chain of restaurants exclusively dedicated to home meal delivery – has raised €1 million from the Very group to open five new kitchens and increase its market share in Paris and across France.

Founded by Valéry Giard (M99), Prexem, – a crowdfunding platform – has been acquired by similar firm Happy Capital, which is planning to win over new customers who are interested in investing in SMEs.

Co-founded by Natalie Hanczewski (M17) and Thibaut Saguet (M11), NV Gallery – a 100% digital home furnishings and décor brand – has raised several million euros from Experienced Capital, an investment fund dedicated to affordable luxury, to develop internationally and open its first physical showrooms.

Developed by Alexis Angot (E08), Ynsect, – a supplier of insect-based ingredients for nutrition and farming – has raised $125 million in the largest funding round on the international alternative animal- and plant-based protein market. Their goal is to become the global leader in the sector.