AVP Raises $150M Early Stage Fund

AXA Venture Partners the venture capital arm of AXA investing in high-growth technology companies, announced it has completed the first closing of the second vintage of its Early Stage Fund with $150 million. The first Early Stage Fund, a $110 million vehicle raised in 2015, has now been “successfully deployed.”

Similar to AVP Early Stage I, AVP Early Stage II will focus on North America, Europe & Israel and will aim to invest in “outstanding technology businesses,” pre and early revenue, in enterprise SaaS, consumer platform and SME solutions, with particular focus on fintech and digital health. AVP Early Stage II will write initial checks of up to $6 million and will support entrepreneurs in their ambition by providing them business development opportunities with AXA and any other relevant corporations.

Since 2015, AVP has supported more than 40 companies in the Early and Growth stages with a focus on the following verticals: digital health, cyber-security, enterprise software, artificial intelligence, fintech/insurtech, most recently including investments in early stage companies such as Hackajob, K4Connect, Futurae and growth stage companies like Zenjob, Phenom People and Happytal.

“This fundraise was completed at a record speed with existing and new investors. This is a strong vote of confidence for our team and strategy, and a recognition of what has been achieved with our first Early Stage Fund. We plan to hold a second closing with additional new investors. This fundraise strengthens AVP’s positioning as a leading player for ambitious entrepreneurs across Europe and North America.” – Managing Director, AVP, Francois Robinet.