BENJAMIN WAINSTAIN
Partner at Innovacom
About
Benjamin Wainstain is a Partner at Innovacom, a prominent European deep tech venture capital firm. He plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing innovative startups across sectors like industrial tech, software, AI, and IoT. With a strong background in engineering and finance, he guides companies from early stages to market leadership, driving significant technological advancements.
Experience
Deep Dive
Benjamin Wainstain stands as a distinguished Partner at Innovacom, a leading European venture capital firm renowned for its deep tech investments. With a career spanning over a decade at Innovacom, Benjamin has been instrumental in shaping the firm's portfolio and contributing significantly to the growth of the European tech ecosystem. His expertise lies in identifying and backing groundbreaking early-stage companies that are poised to disrupt industries through advanced technology.
At Innovacom, Benjamin's investment focus is broad yet specialized, primarily centered on deep tech innovations. He actively seeks out opportunities in areas such as industrial technology, advanced software, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital transformation, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. His keen eye for disruptive potential allows him to partner with visionary founders who are developing solutions with strong intellectual property and significant market impact. Benjamin is particularly passionate about supporting European startups, helping them scale from nascent ideas into robust, market-leading enterprises.
Benjamin's journey at Innovacom is a testament to his dedication and growing influence within the venture capital landscape. He joined the firm as an Analyst in 2009, steadily progressing through the ranks to Investment Manager, then Investment Director, before being appointed Partner in 2020. This extensive tenure has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the investment lifecycle, from initial due diligence to strategic exits. Academically, Benjamin holds an Engineer's Degree from CentraleSupélec and a Master in Management from HEC Paris, equipping him with a unique blend of technical acumen and business strategy.
Throughout his career, Benjamin Wainstain has been involved in numerous notable investments that underscore his strategic foresight. These include successful exits such as Exagan (acquired by Infineon), a pioneer in GaN power semiconductors; Sentryo (acquired by Cisco), specializing in industrial cybersecurity; and Sensome (acquired by Abbott), which developed a connected guidewire for stroke treatment. His current portfolio involvement features high-growth companies like Kalray, a leader in high-performance data processing units; Tehtris, a European cybersecurity platform; and Prophesee, known for its neuromorphic vision systems. These investments highlight his commitment to fostering innovation that addresses critical industrial and societal challenges.
Benjamin's approach extends beyond capital provision; he acts as a strategic advisor, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and extensive network to provide guidance on product development, market entry, team building, and fundraising. He is a steadfast advocate for the founders he supports, helping them navigate the complexities of scaling a deep tech venture. His contributions are vital to Innovacom's mission of empowering the next generation of European technological leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Benjamin Wainstain invest in?
Benjamin Wainstain invests in deep tech companies across various sectors, including industrial technology, advanced software, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital transformation, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. He primarily targets early-stage European startups.
Where does Benjamin Wainstain work?
Benjamin Wainstain works at Innovacom, a prominent European venture capital firm based in France. Innovacom specializes in investing in deep tech companies and has a long history of supporting technological innovation.