Food Invest
Empowering Innovation in the Food & Beverage Industry
Food Invest, a French fund structured as a FPCI (Fonds Professionnel de Capital Investissement), aims to build a diverse portfolio of holdings primarily composed of equity securities (such as shares and preferred shares) and, to a lesser extent, securities granting access to equity (convertible or redeemable bonds, share subscription bonds, etc.). The fund invests in privately-held companies, predominantly in France and Europe (including Switzerland), operating in the food and beverage industry. Its strategic focus revolves around fostering development potential to realize capital gains upon exit, while acknowledging the possibility of capital loss.
Fund’s History:
At the core of Food Invest’s inception were the ambitions of Marc El Asmar and Alexandre Houpert, founders of the consulting firm FoodXpert. Their vision was to bridge the gap between the food and beverage entrepreneurs and the financial world, utilizing their combined experiences in finance and the F&B industry to create value for innovative professionals. Recognizing a significant disparity between French entrepreneurship and capital investment, particularly compared to Anglo-Saxon countries, they aimed to address this imbalance by contributing to the establishment of the FPCI Food Invest in late 2020. Managed by Inter Invest Capital, the fund’s target is to support and accelerate companies generating up to €30 million in revenue, investing up to €5 million as a minority shareholder in equity or quasi-equity.
From Fast Casual Dining to Agro-Innovation:
As President and CEO of FoodXpert, the exclusive partner of Food Invest, Marc and Alexandre established a strategic advisory board comprising diverse profiles, including Ziad Joumblat, an expert in the food service industry, Didier Valet, former executive at Société Générale, renowned chef Grégory Cohen, Côme de Cherisey, former president of Gault&Millau, and François Houpert, president of Enodis, among others. This council is responsible for early identification of F&B trends and significant transformations, identifying potential entrepreneurs and targets, analyzing product concepts and market positioning, providing support during target development, and ultimately presenting projects to Elavtion Capital Partner’s investment committee. The fund targets five key segments: restaurants, distribution, e-commerce, food and beverage production, B2B enterprises, and Food Tech startups.
Investment Support and Value Creation:
FoodXpert, as the exclusive partner of Food Invest, plays a crucial role in providing investment support and contributing to value creation. With their diverse advisory board, they diligently identify emerging trends, important market shifts, and potential investment opportunities within the F&B industry. By analyzing product concepts, market positioning, and entrepreneurial potential, they ensure a thorough evaluation of each project before presenting it to Inter Invest Capital’s investment committee.
The targeted segments encompass a wide range of F&B activities. The fund actively seeks investments in innovative restaurants, both traditional and fast-casual, as well as in distribution and e-commerce platforms that facilitate the reach and accessibility of food products. Food and beverage production companies, whether they specialize in artisanal or large-scale production, are also attractive targets. Additionally, the fund explores opportunities in B2B enterprises that cater to the needs of the F&B industry, such as suppliers and logistics providers. Lastly, the ever-evolving realm of Food Tech presents promising investment prospects, including startups focused on technological advancements in food production, delivery services, and consumer experience.
Through strategic investments and ongoing support, Food Invest aims to foster growth and expansion in its portfolio companies. By leveraging its financial expertise and deep industry knowledge, the fund seeks to create value for both investors and the innovative entrepreneurs it backs.
Conclusion:
Food Invest, a FPCI fund, is dedicated to the food and beverage industry, investing primarily in French and European companies. With a focus on supporting entrepreneurs and driving innovation, the fund seeks to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and capital investment in France. Through their exclusive partnership with FoodXpert, they provide valuable expertise, market insights, and support to help companies flourish within the F&B sector. By combining financial acumen with a passion for the industry, Food Invest aims to contribute to the success and growth of innovative food and beverage ventures.
Food Invest, a FPCI fund, is dedicated to the food and beverage industry, investing primarily in French and European companies.
FPCI Food Invest is a series of French private equity funds managed by Elevation Capital Partners and advised by their partner, FoodXpert. With Blanc Participations providing expertise in consulting and support to FoodXpert, FPCI Food Invest aims to invest in the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the food and beverage sector. This dynamic collaboration brings together industry knowledge, strategic guidance, and investment acumen to drive innovation and create value in the sector.
Elevation Capital Partners: Empowering Growth and Responsible Investing:
Elevation Capital Partners specializes in capital investments in French and European SMEs and startups, focusing on four investment strategies: growth, real estate, fund of funds, and overseas investments. With over €250 million in assets under management, Elevation Capital Partners, authorized by the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), boasts a portfolio of over 70 companies. The firm is also a signatory of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), demonstrating its commitment to responsible investing practices.
Investment Strategy:
- Geographical Scope: Mainly focused on France and Europe (including Switzerland).
- Sector Focus: Specializes in the Food & Beverage industry.
- Targeted Companies: Engaged in various food-related activities, including restaurants, distribution and e-commerce, food and beverage production, B2B enterprises, and Food Tech startups.
- Fund Size: Aims for a total size below €30 million, with a core target ranging between €1 million and €20 million.
- Seamless Digital Subscription: Food Invest II offers a 100% digital subscription process through Elevation Capital Partner (formely Inter Invest), allowing investors to participate in the fund with just a few clicks.
- Optimized Taxation for Capital Gains: In exchange for accepting the risk of capital loss and a specified lock-up period, the fund offers optimized tax advantages in the event of capital gains.
- SFDR Classification: Food Invest II holds an Article 8 classification under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), reflecting its commitment to sustainable and responsible investment practices.