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AXA Venture Partners: Investing in the Future of Technology and AI

  • Feb 26
  • 3 min read

The Private Market Square podcast, hosted by Yann Charraire, co-founder of Airfund, dives deep into the world of private markets and venture capital. In this episode, Benoit Fosseprez, General Partner at AXA Venture Partners (AVP), shares insights on investing in tech startups, scale-ups, and the rapidly evolving AI and quantum computing sectors.



The Best Time to Invest in Tech


According to Benoit Fosseprez, after a challenging period in 2021, market valuations have corrected in 2022 and 2023, creating excellent opportunities for investors. With less competition for deals and more reasonable valuations, the current cycle is ideal for deploying capital into promising technology ventures.


AXA Venture Partners: A Transatlantic Investment Approach


Founded in 2015, AVP has developed a transatlantic presence, with teams in New York, Paris, and London, managing around €2 billion in assets. Over the past decade, AVP has supported 60 technology companies, leveraging deep expertise across European and North American markets.


This dual-market strategy provides:


  • Access to the largest tech markets in the U.S. and Europe

  • Enhanced deal flow and liquidity opportunities

  • Portfolio diversification across geographies and sectors


This approach allows AVP to support entrepreneurs with both local knowledge and international reach, offering operational value that differentiates it from many European venture funds.


Sector Focus: B2B Software, Digital Health, FinTech, and Marketplaces


AVP specializes in technology-driven companies, with a focus on:


  1. B2B SaaS: Improving enterprise productivity and workflow digitalization

  2. Digital Health: Optimizing patient data management and healthcare workflows

  3. FinTech: InsurTech, core banking systems, and financial services innovations

  4. Consumer Marketplaces: Optimizing logistics and sustainability solutions


Benoit Fosseprez emphasizes supporting teams that combine exceptional technical skills with large market potential, enabling measurable value creation. Examples include AI-powered image analytics, data privacy solutions, and logistics optimization for food distribution.


Embracing Innovation: AI and Quantum Computing


AI is not a trend but a long-term enabler of productivity for software solutions. AVP invests in companies leveraging AI to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and drive business efficiency. Quantum computing is also a critical focus, enabling ultra-powerful computational solutions for cybersecurity, data privacy, and logistics.


AXA Venture III: Early-Stage Investment Strategy


The latest fund, AXA Venture III, targets early-stage companies with validated products and initial market traction. Investment tickets range from €3–10 million, allowing AVP to lead funding rounds and participate actively on the board. The fund aims for balanced portfolio performance, seeking returns of 5–15x* on successful investments while limiting risk through diversification and careful selection.


Why Now is the Right Time


Several factors make 2024 a favorable moment for investors:

  • Corrected valuations after 2021 market peaks

  • Proven and resilient business models in tech

  • Strong innovation waves in AI, deep tech, and quantum computing

  • Institutional and private investors ready to reallocate capital

  • Supportive European governments and initiatives funding tech growth

These conditions provide a unique opportunity for investors, including private clients, to diversify portfolios and participate in high-potential technology ventures.


Accessing Private Markets via Airfund


Through Airfund, retail investors and advisors can gain access to AVP funds, which were previously limited to institutional investors. This collaboration allows a broader audience to participate in high-potential venture investments while leveraging AVP’s experience and transatlantic network.


Conclusion


The Private Market Square episode with Benoît offers a comprehensive look into the strategy, sector focus, and philosophy of AXA Venture Partners. From AI and quantum computing to B2B software and digital health, AVP demonstrates how careful selection, operational support, and a transatlantic presence create value for entrepreneurs and investors alike. For anyone interested in venture capital, early-stage tech investments, and portfolio diversification, this podcast episode is a must-listen.

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