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Galion.exe was founded in 2020 by Kevin Kuipers (Co-Founder).
Paris-based seed fund from French founder network investing primarily in France
Galion.exe was founded in 2020 by Kevin Kuipers (Co-Founder).
Key people at Galion.exe.
Galion.exe is a Paris-based seed fund launched in 2022, born from The Galion Project—a collective of successful French founders committed to strengthening the local tech ecosystem. Its mission is to bridge the seed funding gap in France by investing in early-stage startups with checks ranging from €250,000 to €2.5 million, often leading rounds independently. Galion.exe focuses on software-driven companies in sectors such as enterprise, infrastructure, fintech, health, and climate, with a strong emphasis on AI, IoT, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. The fund stands out for its founder-centric philosophy: it is owned and operated by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, leveraging a powerful network of seasoned founders to provide not just capital but also mentorship, resources, and strategic support. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Galion.exe is helping to make France and Europe more attractive destinations for startup talent and innovation.
Galion.exe emerged from The Galion Project, a community founded by French tech entrepreneurs who recognized the challenges of isolation and limited access to early-stage capital in the French startup scene. The collective, which now boasts over 400 active members—all founders who have raised at least €3 million—was originally created to facilitate peer learning, networking, and mutual support. As members began acting as business angels and forming syndicates, the idea for a dedicated investment arm crystallized. Galion.exe was officially launched in 2022, with its initial €30 million raised largely from within the Galion community, supplemented by institutional investors and family offices. The fund was co-founded by former partners from Daphni, a well-known French VC, who brought a strong thesis on the need for more robust seed-stage investment in France. Since its inception, Galion.exe has rapidly become a key player in the French seed ecosystem, backing a dozen startups annually and cultivating a reputation for hands-on, founder-friendly support.
Galion.exe is riding the wave of Europe’s growing ambition to rival Silicon Valley as a global tech hub. With France and the EU increasingly prioritizing innovation in AI, fintech, and climate tech, the timing is ideal for a founder-led seed fund that can nurture homegrown talent. The fund’s community-driven model addresses a critical pain point: the loneliness and lack of peer support that many founders face, especially in the early stages. By fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Galion.exe is not just funding startups—it’s building a more resilient, interconnected ecosystem. Its success could inspire similar models across Europe, accelerating the continent’s rise as a center for technological innovation.
Galion.exe is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of French and European tech. As the fund continues to grow—targeting a total size of €60–80 million—it will likely expand its portfolio and deepen its impact on the ecosystem. The trend toward founder-led, community-driven investment is gaining momentum, and Galion.exe is at the forefront of this movement. In the coming years, expect to see more exits, more cross-border collaborations, and a growing influence on how startups are funded and supported in Europe. Galion.exe’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration: by surrounding founders with the right people, the fund is helping to build the next generation of trailblazing companies.
