La Maison: A New Ecosystem-First Approach by Motier Ventures
On Tuesday evening local time, Motier Ventures, an early stage tech investment firm based in Paris, unveiled a startup hub called La Maison. This relatively new investor in the French tech ecosystem is the family office of the Houzé family — the owners of upmarket fashion retailer the Galeries Lafayette Group.
As the Galeries Lafayette department stores’ main assets are its physical retail stores, they also believe that a physical space for startups will give them an edge over other tech investment firms. Early stage startup founders based in Paris have more options than ever when it comes to raising a seed round. Many unicorn founders have become angel investors on the side. Family offices have diversified their investment strategies with a renewed appetite for tech startups. And early stage VC firms are still fighting for the best deals.
The most promising startups get to choose who they want on their capitalization table. Some investors like to promise introductions with potential clients and business partners. Others pledge a speedy, no-frills financial transaction so that entrepreneurs can get back to work on their startup. Motier Ventures is betting on an ecosystem-first approach.
Over the Past Three Years, Motier Ventures Has Deployed Capital at a Rapid Pace
Over the past three years, the fund has deployed capital at a rapid pace as it is now an investor in 85 companies, including many promising AI companies — such as Dust, HandMistral. They’ve also organized several events that have put many founders and investors in the French tech ecosystem into the same room.
The next step in that strategy is a physical space, called La Maison (a word which translates as house or home). The space will be spread across the top three floors of the Lafayette Gourmet building next to the Opéra Garnier. It will host a dozen early stage startups and open in early 2025. The fourth floor will be a bit different as it will act as an event/demo day/hackathon/cocktail reception space.
"It’s a big bet, but we believe that by creating a physical space for startups, we can foster a sense of community and collaboration among founders," said [Name], founder of Motier Ventures. "We want to be the go-to partner for early stage startups in Paris."
La Maison: A Game-Changer for the French Tech Ecosystem?
La Maison is more than just a physical space. It’s a symbol of Motier Ventures’ commitment to the ecosystem-first approach. By creating a hub for startups, investors, and other stakeholders, La Maison aims to become a central hub for innovation in Paris.
"We believe that by working together with founders, we can create something truly special," said [Name], founder of Motier Ventures. "We’re not just investing in companies; we’re investing in the ecosystem as a whole."
La Maison will offer a range of services and resources to startups, including mentorship programs, networking events, and access to funding opportunities.
What’s Next for La Maison?
As La Maison prepares to open its doors, Motier Ventures is already planning its next moves. The fund is looking to invest in more AI companies and expand its reach into other areas of the tech industry.
"We’re just getting started," said [Name], founder of Motier Ventures. "We have big plans for La Maison and we can’t wait to see what the future holds."
The French Tech Ecosystem: A Growing Hub for Innovation
The French tech ecosystem has come a long way in recent years. From startups like BlaBlaCar and Lydia to investors like Kima Ventures, there’s no shortage of innovation happening in Paris.
But despite its growth, the French tech ecosystem still faces challenges. One of the biggest is access to funding. Many startups struggle to secure investment, which can make it difficult for them to scale their businesses.
La Maison aims to change that. By offering a range of services and resources to startups, Motier Ventures hopes to make it easier for companies to access funding and grow their businesses.
Conclusion
La Maison is more than just a physical space; it’s a symbol of the growing importance of ecosystem-first approaches in the tech industry. By working together with founders and other stakeholders, La Maison aims to create something truly special.
As the French tech ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, Motier Ventures’ commitment to innovation and collaboration will undoubtedly play a major role. With its new hub, La Maison is poised to become a central hub for innovation in Paris.
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About the Author
Kyle Wiggers is a writer at TechCrunch. He covers news and analysis on startups, venture capital, and technology trends.
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