Sylvain Zimmer

Sylvain Zimmer is a prominent French software developer turned serial entrepreneur and active angel investor, based in Paris. His career is marked by significant contributions to the tech ecosystem, including co-founding the influential LeWeb conference, which became a cornerstone event for the European tech scene. He further solidified his entrepreneurial credentials as the founder of DotCloud, a pioneering Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) company that was later acquired by Docker, and subsequently as the co-founder and CEO of Platform.sh, a leading cloud hosting and development platform that achieved a successful exit with an acquisition valued at over $100 million in 2022. This deep operational experience across various stages of tech company growth provides him with a unique perspective and valuable insights for his portfolio companies.

Transitioning into angel investing, Zimmer leverages his extensive network and hands-on experience to support early-stage technology startups, primarily across Europe. His investment thesis often gravitates towards B2B SaaS, developer tools, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and deep tech solutions. He is known for being a founder-friendly investor who provides more than just capital, offering strategic guidance, technical mentorship, and access to his vast industry connections, which is particularly beneficial for technical founders navigating the complexities of scaling a business.

Zimmer's angel portfolio is robust and diverse, reportedly including over 50 companies, underscoring his commitment to fostering innovation. He has been an early backer in several now-prominent technology companies, often participating in their crucial seed rounds. Notable investments include Algolia, a leading search-as-a-service platform; Front, a customer communication platform; Spendesk, a spend management solution; and GitGuardian, a code security platform. His involvement in these companies from their nascent stages highlights his ability to identify high-potential ventures.

As an angel investor, Sylvain Zimmer typically provides initial checks that range from $50,000 to $250,000. He seeks out ambitious teams with strong technical foundations and clear market opportunities, preferring to engage with companies where his operational background can add significant value beyond the financial investment. His track record of building and exiting successful tech companies positions him as a highly sought-after angel for European startups aiming for global scale.