Business Angels in Loire Region Achieve Milestones with Fundraising Rounds

Seba 42, the Loire business angels association, completes its first fundraising rounds totaling 210,000 euros, targeting local startups amid economic challenges.

Key Points

  • • Seba 42 raised a total of 210,000 euros in its first two fundraising rounds.
  • • The two investments were made in Wallace Technologies and QA Company.
  • • Seba 42 aims to increase its membership to 40 business angels in its third year.
  • • Economic conditions have led to a decrease in project submissions, with expectations of only 35-40 new projects in 2025.

Seba 42, the association of business angels in the Loire region of France, has marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of its first two fundraising rounds, raising a total of 210,000 euros. This achievement comes as the organization aligns its objectives to foster local entrepreneurship and enhance investment activity in a challenging economic climate.

Since its inception, Seba 42 has evaluated 56 projects, of which 20 have been subjected to deeper analysis. The two successful investments made were in Wallace Technologies, receiving 160,000 euros for its innovative energy storage solutions, and QA Company, which specializes in intelligent conversational assistants, securing 50,000 euros. This marks a proactive step in nurturing cutting-edge technology firms that are poised for growth in the current economic landscape.

Looking ahead, Seba 42 aims to broaden its membership from 26 to 40 business angels in the upcoming year. The association is particularly focused on recruiting experienced retired business executives, likely to bolster the support and mentorship available to nascent entrepreneurs in the region. Despite these ambitions, it faces the hurdle of a subdued submission rate of new projects, with only an anticipated 35 to 40 proposals expected in 2025 due to an economic environment that has prompted wariness among investors.

The average investment per project by local business angels stands around 9,800 euros, with a minimum stake of 5,000 euros, making investment in this venture ecosystem more accessible to a wider range of investors.

In summary, while Seba 42 celebrates its initial successes, it must navigate the current economic slowdown that has affected new project submissions, all while striving to expand its membership and impact in the Loire's entrepreneurial landscape.