Crédit Mutuel Innovation

Crédit Mutuel Innovation (CMI) stands as the venture capital arm of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, one of France's largest banking groups. Established in 2018, CMI distinguishes itself through its evergreen fund structure, a unique model that allows for long-term investment horizons without the typical fixed maturity dates of traditional VC funds. This approach provides significant flexibility and stability, enabling CMI to support its portfolio companies over extended periods and through multiple financing rounds. The fund operates with a substantial capital base, initially capitalized at €500 million, which translates to approximately $540 million, underscoring its capacity for significant investments.

CMI primarily focuses on early-stage growth companies, targeting Series A and Series B funding rounds. Their investment mandate spans a diverse range of high-growth sectors, including digital technologies, healthcare, deep tech, and industrial innovation. While their primary geographic focus is France, they are also active across the broader European market, seeking out promising startups with strong potential for disruption and scalability. This broad sectoral and geographical scope allows CMI to build a diversified portfolio that reflects the evolving landscape of technological and scientific advancements.

The typical initial investment from Crédit Mutuel Innovation ranges from €1 million to €10 million, which corresponds to approximately $1.08 million to $10.8 million. This flexibility in ticket size allows them to accommodate a variety of company needs at different stages of their early growth. Beyond the initial cheque, CMI is known for its commitment to follow-on investments, leveraging its evergreen capital to provide continuous support as portfolio companies mature and require additional funding for expansion. This long-term partnership approach is a cornerstone of their investment philosophy, aiming to foster sustainable growth and maximize value creation for their portfolio companies.

This structure, combined with their deep industry knowledge and extensive network derived from the Crédit Mutuel group, positions CMI as a strategic partner for ambitious entrepreneurs. Their ability to offer patient capital and sustained support differentiates them in the competitive European venture capital landscape, making them an attractive option for startups seeking more than just financial backing.