Serena VC Secures €200M, Fuels Europe's AI and Green Tech Revolution

October 3, 2025, 3:41 am
Descartes Underwriting
Descartes Underwriting
AgencyBrokerBusinessCorporateDataFinTechGreenTechInsurTechManagementProduct
Location: France, Ile-de-France, Puteaux
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2018
Total raised: $258.5M
Nielsen
Location: United States, New York
Booksy
Booksy
AppBeautyBusinessHealthTechMarketplaceOnlineSaaSServiceSoftwareWellness
Location: Poland
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 2014
Total raised: $111.7M
Serena Capital
Serena Capital
Location: France, Ile-de-France
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2008
Serena, a prominent European VC firm, announced the first close of its Serena IV fund at €200 million. This significant raise elevates its total capital to €1 billion, achieved in under five years. The fund strategically targets high-growth applied AI and critical energy transition startups. Serena backs early-stage founders with up to €15 million, building global tech and green leaders. Its portfolio boasts €5 billion valuation and major exits like Salsify and Booksy. Recognized as a top-tier investor, Serena's impact on Europe's innovation landscape is profound, driving digital and green transitions.

Paris, France —

Serena, a leading European venture capital firm, has achieved a significant funding milestone. Its fourth flagship fund, Serena IV, just reached its first closing. This initial capital infusion stands at €200 million.

This substantial raise pushes Serena’s total capital past the €1 billion mark. This impressive sum accumulated in under five years. It solidifies the firm's stature. It signals immense investor confidence in Serena’s strategy and team. Serena is a critical player in Europe's dynamic startup ecosystem. Its commitment to fostering innovation is unwavering.

Targeting Transformative Technologies


Serena IV dedicates its focus to two pivotal, high-growth sectors. Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a primary investment area. AI is rapidly reshaping global industries. It drives unprecedented efficiency. It enables new services. Europe actively seeks to establish leadership in AI innovation. Serena's strategic investments directly support this ambition. The fund targets practical AI applications. These solutions solve tangible, real-world business challenges.

Startups leveraging advanced AI for enhanced business processes receive crucial backing. This includes automation platforms and sophisticated data analytics tools. These innovations fuel economic growth. They provide companies a distinct competitive edge. Formality exemplifies this focus. It is an AI-powered contract management platform. Serena IV has already invested in Formality. This demonstrates the fund’s clear vision in action. Such investments bolster Europe's deep tech capabilities.

Driving the Green Transition


The energy transition constitutes Serena IV's second core focus. Climate change presents urgent global challenges. Sustainable energy solutions are paramount. Europe actively champions the development of green technologies. Serena actively supports companies spearheading this critical shift. It invests in renewable energy initiatives. It backs innovations in energy efficiency. Its capital empowers climate tech pioneers.

This strategic emphasis aligns with pressing global environmental mandates. It also taps into immense, growing market opportunities. The transition to a sustainable economy demands substantial financial backing. Serena provides this essential capital. These investments foster a greener, more resilient European economy. They build infrastructure for a sustainable future. They accelerate Europe's digital and green transition goals.

A Proven Investment Model


Serena’s investment philosophy remains consistent. It supports visionary founders from their earliest stages. The firm offers significant capital commitments. Investments can reach up to €15 million per company. This substantial early backing enables rapid scaling.

The ultimate goal is global expansion. Serena actively nurtures startups. It transforms them into international market leaders. This approach has generated remarkable success. The firm’s portfolio companies underscore this proven model. Dataiku became a global AI powerhouse. Malt redefined freelance platforms. Descartes Underwriting innovates in insurance. Electra accelerates EV charging infrastructure. These are just a few notable examples of Serena's venture capital prowess.

Serena's portfolio demonstrates impressive financial performance. Its portfolio companies collectively secured over €1.5 billion in funding since 2018. Their combined valuation now approaches an impressive €5 billion. This signifies substantial value creation for investors and founders alike.

The firm also boasts a strong track record of successful exits. Salsify and Booksy achieved successful exits in early 2025. These outcomes validate Serena's capacity to guide startups from seed stage to international prominence. Such liquidity events strengthen the entire European tech ecosystem.

Unwavering Investor Confidence


Serena commands exceptional investor loyalty. An impressive eighty percent of its historical Limited Partners (LPs) renewed their commitment to Serena IV. This high renewal rate reflects profound trust. It underscores confidence in Serena’s experienced team.

New institutional and private backers also joined from France and internationally. This broadens Serena’s investor base. It further diversifies its capital sources. This robust support significantly strengthens Serena's capacity to deploy capital strategically.

The firm’s rapid growth is undeniable. Its total capital doubled to €1 billion in under five years. This sustained confidence from its LPs fuels continued investments. Serena is instrumental in fostering European technology players. It helps them achieve meaningful global scale. The platform consistently creates lasting value across its venture capital funds.

The Entrepreneurial Edge


Serena’s leadership team brings deep industry expertise. Co-founders Xavier Lorphelin and Marc Fournier provide visionary guidance. Their strategic insights drive the firm forward. Partners Sébastien Le Roy, Olivier Martret, and Paul Moriou contribute significantly. They possess a proven track record within the ecosystem. Their collective experience ensures disciplined execution.

The team continuously expands its capabilities. Constance Gontier recently joined as the firm's first Associate. This addition enhances Serena’s sourcing and analytical strengths. This allows for deeper market insights.

A crucial differentiator lies in the team's composition. Many Serena team members are former entrepreneurs themselves. They possess firsthand understanding of startup challenges. They navigate operational complexities. They comprehend human dynamics of growth.

This unique, empathetic approach distinguishes Serena. It fosters exceptionally strong relationships with founders. This support goes beyond mere capital. It provides invaluable operational guidance. It truly drives company success.

Pioneering Europe's Future


Serena stands at the forefront of European innovation. It is actively driving the dual digital and green transitions. These transformative shifts are fundamentally redefining global value chains. Europe is committed to bolstering its technological sovereignty. It seeks to achieve environmental leadership. Serena’s targeted investments directly contribute to these ambitious goals.

The firm's impact garnered external recognition. In February 2025, Dealroom ranked Serena among the top 5% of value-add seed investors. This prestigious accolade further underscores its significant influence within the European startup landscape.

With over 100 startups backed across its funds, Serena continues its impressive expansion. It consistently reinforces its position as one of Europe’s premier venture capital platforms. Its strategic capital fuels groundbreaking technologies. It empowers visionary founders. It builds a more innovative, sustainable, and prosperous future for Europe and the wider world.