Multi-stage VC, Paris

Daphni

Venture capital firm · Paris · Founded May 2015

Quick read

Daphni is a multi-stage VC firm founded in 2015, headquartered in Paris, France. It backs tech startups from seed to Series A with a European DNA, focusing on new usages and deeptech with a strong science angle—biology, chemistry, physics, and life sciences. A B Corp-certified, mission-driven firm, it closed its latest fund, Daphni Blue, at €260 million in early 2026.

Key facts

Founded
May 2015
Founders
Pierre-Eric Leibovici, Michael Amar, Pierre-Yves Meerschman
Employees
29
Sectors
generalist, consumer, ai, climate
Website
www.daphni.com/

Investment thesis

Daphni backs European tech startups from seed to Series A that drive new usages or deeptech breakthroughs—particularly in biology, chemistry, physics, and life sciences—with a measurable positive social or environmental impact. The firm is sector-agnostic but prioritises companies with strong international ambition and a science-forward angle.

Recent activity

  • Jan 2026fundraise
    Daphni announced the final close of its daphni Blue fund at €260 million, above the initial target and completed within months of the first close. The fund targets early-stage science-based startups in Europe focused on environmental and social challenges. Founder Pierre-Eric Leibovici cited commoditisation of digital and AI tools as the driver behind the shift toward deep science. sifted.eu
  • Jan 2026press
    EU-Startups reported daphni Blue's €260 million close, noting the firm's prior unicorn bets on Back Market and Swile. The piece positioned the fund within roughly €666 million in disclosed capital flowing into European DeepTech and climate strategies across 2025–2026. eu-startups.com
  • May 2026investment
    Daphni led a $4 million seed round in Certo, a startup automating global compliance for beauty and CPG brands. Co-investors included Transpose Platform and Motier. tracxn.com
  • Jun 2026investment
    Paris-based Rocapine raised €11.2 million in a Series A to scale AI-powered wellness apps. Daphni participated alongside Educapital, Centre Court Capital, Athletico, and Better Angle. tracxn.com
  • Jun 2026investment
    Bristol-based Astral Systems closed a €26 million Series A for medical isotope commercialisation. Daphni was noted among investors in EU-Startups coverage. eu-startups.com
  • May 2026investment
    Paris-based Lithosquare raised €22 million to scale transition-critical mineral discovery using geology AI. Daphni was listed among backers. eu-startups.com
  • Jan 2026fundraise
    Daphni closed its Daphni Blue fund at €260 million (second and final close), targeting science-driven startups from major European research institutions across techbio, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and life sciences. eu-startups.com
  • Mar 2025fundraise
    Daphni announced the first close of Daphni Blue at €200 million, its third flagship fund focused on fundamental research and deep science. everythingstartups.com
  • May 2026investment
    Daphni led a $4 million seed round in Certo, a beautytech startup automating regulatory compliance for beauty and CPG brands, alongside Transpose Platform and Motier. tracxn.com
  • Apr 2026investment
    Daphni co-led a €20 million Series A in Generare alongside Alven to accelerate molecule discovery. tracxn.com
  • May 2026investment
    Daphni led a $4M seed round in Certo, a Paris-based AI startup automating regulatory compliance for beauty and CPG brands. Entrepreneurs First, Motier Ventures, and Transpose Platform co-invested. techfundingnews.com
  • Mar 2026investment
    TerraSpark closed over €5M in pre-seed funding with Daphni participating, targeting space-based solar energy systems. tracxn.com

Notable investments

Key people

Named individuals at the firm. We don't expose direct email or phone — use their LinkedIn for outreach.

  • Pierre-Eric Leibovici · Co-Founder
  • Michael Amar · Co-Founder
  • Pierre-Yves Meerschman · Co-Founder & Managing Partner
  • Marie Ekeland · Co-founder (founder, 2050)
  • Mathieu Daix · Partner
  • Pia d'Iribarne · Co-founder & Partner

Sources

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Frequently asked

What is Daphni?+

Daphni is a multi-stage VC firm founded in 2015, headquartered in Paris, France. It backs tech startups from seed to Series A with a European DNA, focusing on new usages and deeptech with a strong science angle—biology, chemistry, physics, and life sciences.

Where is Daphni headquartered?+

Daphni is headquartered in Paris, France.

When was Daphni founded?+

Daphni was founded in May 2015 by Pierre-Eric Leibovici, Michael Amar, Pierre-Yves Meerschman.

What sectors does Daphni invest in?+

Daphni focuses on generalist, consumer, ai, climate. They primarily invest in these sectors.

How do I prepare for a meeting with Daphni?+

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Generated by briefthecall.com from public web sources. Last updated August 10, 2026. Each claim is linked to its source above.

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