Venture capitalist Candice du Fretay is making waves in the startup world with her latest endeavor, Outlier Grove – a $20 million fund aimed at propelling European B2B startups into the competitive landscape of the United States. But this isn’t just about money; it’s a story of vision, strategy, and a relentless belief in Europe’s potential to produce global tech leaders.
“Europe’s Tech Talent Renaissance”
Du Fretay recognizes Europe as a breeding ground for top-tier technological innovations. With leading universities nurturing bright minds and research hubs like DeepMind in London and Meta’s FAIR lab in Paris pushing boundaries, the continent has become a tech powerhouse. This vibrant ecosystem sets the stage for disruptive B2B startups to emerge and thrive on a global scale.
Seizing Early Opportunities
In an industry where timing is crucial, du Fretay challenges the status quo by advocating for early entry into the US market. While conventional wisdom suggests waiting until Series A funding before venturing across the Atlantic, she argues that delaying this move can hinder startups’ chances of achieving category leadership. By engaging with US counterparts sooner rather than later, founders gain invaluable insights, establish vital connections, and position themselves for long-term success.
The Power of Collaboration
Outlier Grove isn’t just about injecting capital into promising ventures; it’s about fostering a collaborative community. Du Fretay acts as an invaluable ally to startup founders, providing not only financial support but also strategic guidance and access to Outlier Grove’s extensive network of influential US-based Limited Partners (LPs). This network comprises seasoned entrepreneurs, directors, and C-level executives who have played pivotal roles in shaping some of today’s most successful companies.
A Strategic Investment Approach
Unlike traditional funds that wait until companies reach certain milestones before investing, Outlier Grove adopts an agile approach by writing checks ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 at the earliest stages. Over the next three years, du Fretay plans to back approximately 25 ambitious startups that show promise in disrupting their respective industries.
Empowering Global Leaders
For du Fretay, bridging the gap between Europe and the US isn’t just about geographical expansion; it’s about empowering outliers – those exceptional individuals whose ideas have the potential to reshape markets on a global scale. By leveraging her vast US network and tapping into insights from industry veterans, she aims to accelerate these trailblazers on their journey towards international prominence.
As Candice du Fretay eloquently puts it: “Europe is rich in tech talent and innovation while the US boasts substantial market opportunities ripe for exploration. Through Outlier Grove, I seek to unite these two worlds so that Europe’s outliers can think globally right from inception.”
From her tenure at Accel working with standout startups like Conduktor and Sorare to her current mission with Outlier Grove, Candice du Fretay exemplifies not just an investor but a visionary catalyst driving change in how we perceive startup success. With her at the helm, European B2B startups are poised for an exciting voyage towards global recognition.
Leave feedback about this