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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.

Price Shifts: Temu And Shein React To Upcoming Tariffs

The online shopping world experienced a jolt as Temu and Shein, popular e-commerce platforms, recently adjusted their prices due to impending tariff changes. These platforms, known for offering budget-friendly options, have echoed with changes that might surprise many shoppers.

What Sparked the Price Hike?

Effective next week, a significant tariff will impact goods imported from China. This tariff follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on May 2. This exemption previously allowed American shoppers to skip tariffs on items valued under $800. The new tariff demands a 120% fee or a flat $100 per postal item, increasing to $200 come June 1.

For instance, Temu’s two patio chairs jumped from $61.72 to $70.17 overnight, while a bathing suit on Shein saw a 91% surge in price. Yet, the price landscape isn’t consistently upward; a smart ring on Temu dropped by $3.

Implications for Consumers

Due to economic shifts and evolving trade rules, both Shein and Temu emphasized their efforts to maintain quality and affordability despite costlier operational expenses. They advised consumers to shop before April 25 to dodge the upcoming hikes, though it’s uncertain if this timing affects the 120% tariff applicability.

Impact on Lower-Income Households

The discontinuation of the “de minimis” exemption is poised to hit lower-income families hardest. Reports indicate these households spend a higher income proportion on apparel, and this change could burden them further.

Further economic insights highlight how industries adjust to challenges, such as in the face of AI-driven changes, potentially offsetting emissions concerns with economic gains.

For buyers and businesses alike, the shifting sands of trade laws call for adaptability and forethought.

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