Supernova Investors

What they fund

• Sector Focus — The firm concentrates on Deeptech, specifically targeting Industrial Technologies, Healthcare, Cleantech, and Digital sectors.
• Stage Preference — Investments span Seed, Early, and Growth stages, with specific capacity for Growth-stage capital.
• Geographic Scope — Active across Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.
• Investment Horizon — The firm engages in long-term partnerships focused on IP comprehension, international expansion, and industrial scaling strategies.

Investment thesis

Supernova Investors is a DeepTech venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Amundi and CEA, providing patient capital and expertise to scientists and entrepreneurs. The firm believes deeptech occupies a unique place in today’s economy and will take center stage in tomorrow’s economy. Investment decisions are driven by the partners' true beliefs about a company’s fundamentals, aiming to serve innovative and entrepreneurs. The goal is to play an important role in the technological, commercial, and industrial development of portfolio companies. The team possesses a keen understanding of deeptech and its specific needs.

• Patient Capital: Supernova Investors provides patient capital to support the long development cycles typical of DeepTech ventures, allowing scientists and entrepreneurs to focus on innovation without immediate commercial pressure.
• Expertise and Network: Beyond capital, the firm offers deep expertise and a network to help portfolio companies navigate the complex technological, commercial, and industrial landscapes of DeepTech.
• Fundamentals-Driven: Investment decisions are based on the partners' genuine conviction in a company's fundamentals, ensuring alignment with ambitious and innovative entrepreneurs.
• Strategic Backing: As a joint venture between Amundi and CEA, Supernova Investors leverages the strategic backing and resources of these two major entities to support its portfolio companies.

Credibility: The firm's website (supernova.at) outlines its mission, investment philosophy, and the strategic backing from Amundi and CEA.

Value add

Supernova Investors offers more than just capital; it provides deep expertise and a strategic network to help DeepTech companies navigate complex technological, commercial, and industrial landscapes.

Fit verdict: Ideal for DeepTech founders seeking patient capital and strategic backing from major institutional players (Amundi and CEA).

Founder diligence script:

• How does Supernova Investors' network specifically accelerate the commercialization of DeepTech solutions in Europe?
• What is the typical timeline for Supernova Investors to deploy capital and provide strategic support?
• How does Supernova Investors measure success for its DeepTech portfolio companies beyond financial returns?
• What specific expertise does the Supernova Investors team bring to help navigate regulatory and industrial challenges in DeepTech?

Portfolio focus

Industrial Technologies, Digital, Health, DeepTech

Notable investments & exits

• Acquired by Stereotaxis — A portfolio company developing autonomous maritime platforms for Defense was acquired by Stereotaxis.
• Acquired by Radnet — A portfolio company focused on medical-grade AI for radiology was acquired by Radnet.
• Acquired by Boston Scientific — A portfolio company working on ultrasound renal denervation was acquired by Boston Scientific.
• Acquired by Merck — A portfolio company specializing in chips inspection was acquired by Merck.
• Acquired by Maritime Players — A portfolio company focused on freight tracking was acquired by maritime players.
• IPO on Euronext — A portfolio company in Cleantech achieved an IPO on Euronext.
• Historical Investments — Managing Partner Régis Saleur previously invested in Talend (Nasdaq: TLND), Alyotech, and Sarenza.

Strategic implications

Supernova Investors' backing by Amundi and CEA provides a unique strategic advantage, combining financial resources with deep technological expertise. This positions the firm to attract and support high-potential DeepTech ventures that require both capital and specialized knowledge. The focus on DeepTech suggests a long-term investment horizon, which may appeal to founders seeking patient capital but could limit the firm's ability to participate in faster-moving, later-stage rounds. The firm's European focus aligns with the growing DeepTech ecosystem in Europe, but it may miss out on global opportunities, particularly in the US and Asia.

Where they could go further

Supernova Investors could enhance its value proposition by establishing a more structured mentorship program for DeepTech founders, leveraging the expertise of Amundi and CEA. The firm could explore co-investment opportunities with other DeepTech-focused VCs to broaden its network and share deal flow. Supernova Investors could develop a more robust commercialization strategy for its portfolio companies, helping them navigate the path from lab to market. The firm could increase its visibility in the DeepTech community by hosting events and publishing research on DeepTech trends and opportunities.