Launched in 2019, the makesense Seed I fund is the first pre-seed impact fund
We support a new generation of high-potential entrepreneurs for a positive, inclusive and sustainable society.
Our ambition
To finance innovative start-ups that respond to urgent social and environmental issues and that have a long-term vision, thanks to two specific features.
A formative due-diligence phase, including a support programme to accelerate the start-up prior to possible financing, makesense _accelerate.
A reinvestment capacity during a second round.
Close support for project leaders, from the very first discussions.
Our financing methods
- We take minority stakes in equity (shares) or quasi-equity (equity loans, OC and BSA Air).
- We participate in initial financing rounds alongside BAs, investment funds, crowdfunding platforms, etc.
- We offer tickets between €100K and €600K on pre-seed and seed rounds.
Our investment thesis
We aim to fund start-ups that provide concrete solutions to social and environmental issues in key sectors.
Target sectors
- Autonomy, old age and disability
- Agriculture and food
- Resilient cities and circular economy
- Social inclusion
- Education, training and employment
Intended effects
- Waste reduction
- Resource management
- Pollution control
- More inclusion
- Fight against inequalities
- A better health for the most fragile
Our requirements
The organisations we support must combine impact and growth prospects and be supported by a solid team.
A direct social or environmental impact
The start-up develops a product or service that responds in a systemic way to a social, societal or environmental need that has not been addressed or has been poorly addressed.
A team with strong potential
The founding team has the key skills and network to implement and develop the solution. The growth of the team will enable the project and its impact to be consolidated.
Strong growth potential
The start-up has a model that allows for rapid scaling, both in France and internationally. The founders have a clear and ambitious vision of the project’s deployment. In the pre-seed phase, their first results must demonstrate market-fit.
Our investors
makesense Seed I is supported by InnovFin Equity, with the financial backing of the European Union under Horizon 2020 Financial Instruments and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (“EFSI”) set up under the Investment Plan for Europe. The purpose of EFSI is to help support financing and implementing productive investments in the European Union and to ensure increased access to financing.