Breaking news

Revaia Closes €250M Growth Fund To Fuel European And Israeli Startups

Revaia, Europe’s largest all-women-led venture capital firm, has successfully closed its second growth fund at €250 million, over a year after securing the first €150 million tranche. Founded in 2019 by Elina Berrebi and Alice Albizzati, the Paris-based VC firm focuses on scaling European and Israeli startups in their Series B stages and beyond.

The firm, which has already backed prominent companies like Algolia, now valued at $2.3 billion, and cloud call center Aircall, follows a sector-agnostic approach but gravitates toward B2B companies that prioritize sustainability. Revaia ensures its investments meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, from energy usage to workplace relations and governance practices.

The new €250M fund, designed to back 12 companies, will allocate investments between €10 million and €30 million, with a third of the capital reserved for follow-on investments and M&A opportunities. Six investments have already been made, signaling the fund’s active deployment.

Overcoming A Tough Market

Despite a challenging fundraising environment, Revaia’s track record convinced investors to commit to the new fund. Albizzati points out that their portfolio companies have grown on average 4x since their initial investments. “Fundraising is in slow motion,” she admits, but she adds that platforms like Revaia, with proven performance, continue to stand out in a market dominated by a few big players.

The last year saw large global VC firms like Balderton and Index raising funds in the billions. Nevertheless, Revaia’s backing from key investors such as the French public bank Bpifrance, as well as new LPs like JP Morgan, the European Investment Fund (EIF), and BNP Paribas Cardif, illustrates strong institutional confidence. Revaia’s international LP base has also grown, now comprising 30% of the fund, with notable European and US backers.

Political Shifts And European Growth

Despite global challenges, Albizzati believes that recent political shifts, particularly the US’s ‘America First’ rhetoric under former President Donald Trump, have reinforced the need for more European capital. “Our thesis has always been that Europe needs more late-stage and growth funds to support companies, especially as they scale,” she says. “The current political context validates this need even more.”

With its growing presence and commitment to backing sustainable growth, Revaia is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s venture capital landscape, navigating an increasingly polarized market with a clear focus on building local champions.

Alshaya Group Secures Exclusive Starbucks Operating Rights In Greece And Cyprus

Alshaya Group has acquired the operating rights for 48 Starbucks stores in Greece and Cyprus, transferring management from the Marinopoulos family after a 24-year partnership. The deal expands Alshaya’s presence as a licensed operator of the brand in the region.

Strategic Expansion And Market Consolidation

Under this new arrangement, Alshaya will oversee 30 stores in Greece through its newly established entity, Alshaya Hellas SMSA, and 18 outlets in Cyprus under Murgab Cyprus Ltd. Employing approximately 500 individuals across both markets, the transition is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and accelerate growth within the region.

Leadership Transition And Continued Partnerships

A 24-year partnership with the Marinopoulos family concludes with this transaction, marking the end of Starbucks’ initial expansion phase in both markets. Yiannis Marinopoulos, former chief executive, is expected to return to the family business. Starbucks said it will continue working with Alshaya as its regional licensed partner.

Vision For A Dynamic Future

Saleh Alshaya, President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group, said the company plans to expand its store network and product offering in Greece and Cyprus. Plans include integration of new teams and continued development of the brand’s presence across both markets.

Regional And Global Business Significance

Duncan Moir, President of Starbucks EMEA, said Alshaya will continue expanding the brand’s presence in the region as its largest licensed partner. He referred to the company’s existing operations and scale across international markets.

Alshaya opened its first Starbucks store in Kuwait in 1999 and now operates more than 2,000 locations across 13 countries, serving over one million customers daily. The addition of Greece and Cyprus extends its footprint in Europe.

Jacqueline Delpippo, Business Manager for Starbucks Greece and Cyprus at Alshaya Group, will oversee the transition process. The company said operations will continue without disruption during the handover.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter