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Henri Deshays is a General Partner at Newfund Capital based in Palo Alto, California, where he leads early-stage venture capital investments. Before joining the firm in April 2017 to oversee a portfolio backed by over $300 million in assets under management, he founded the e-commerce startup ModeWalk, which was acquired in 2014. His earlier career includes working in investment banking at Natixis and serving as a mentor and deal screener for StartX, the startup accelerator affiliated with Stanford University. Deshays earned a Master of Business Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2011, alongside a master's degree in finance from Sciences Po Paris and a bachelor's degree from Université Paris Dauphine. He currently focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments in B2B SaaS and enterprise software, specializing in startups bridging the American and French technology ecosystems.
Henri Deshays stands as a pivotal figure in the European venture capital landscape, serving as a General Partner at NewFund. In this crucial role, he is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy and identifying the next generation of groundbreaking technology companies. NewFund, under Deshays's guidance, is renowned for its commitment to backing visionary founders who are poised to disrupt traditional markets and create entirely new ones.
Deshays's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in a belief in the power of innovation and strong founder-market fit. He primarily focuses on early-stage investments, typically Seed and Series A rounds, where his strategic insights can have the most profound impact. His sector expertise spans a diverse range of high-growth areas, including enterprise SaaS, artificial intelligence, fintech, and sustainable technology solutions. He seeks out companies that demonstrate clear product-market fit, scalable business models, and a passionate, resilient leadership team. Henri is particularly drawn to solutions that address significant pain points with elegant, data-driven approaches.
Before joining NewFund, Henri Deshays cultivated a distinguished career marked by a blend of operational experience and strategic financial acumen. He began his journey in the technology sector, holding key roles at several fast-growing startups, which provided him with invaluable firsthand experience in product development, market entry, and scaling operations. This operational background gives him a unique perspective when evaluating potential investments, allowing him to truly understand the challenges and opportunities faced by founders. Subsequently, he transitioned into venture capital, where he honed his skills in deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management at a prominent early-stage fund before bringing his expertise to NewFund.
While specific public details of Henri Deshays's notable investments are often confidential, his portfolio at NewFund is understood to include several rapidly ascending companies that are making significant strides in their respective industries. These investments reflect his keen eye for disruptive potential and his ability to identify companies that not only promise strong financial returns but also offer meaningful societal impact. He is known for being a hands-on investor, providing strategic guidance, mentorship, and leveraging his extensive network to help portfolio companies navigate growth challenges, secure follow-on funding, and achieve market leadership.
Henri Deshays's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial talent makes him a highly respected figure among founders and co-investors alike. His work at NewFund continues to drive the firm's mission to empower the next wave of technological pioneers, solidifying its position as a key player in the global venture capital ecosystem. Founders looking for a strategic partner with deep industry knowledge and a commitment to long-term success often find an ideal collaborator in Henri Deshays.
Henri Deshays is a General Partner at NewFund, a prominent venture capital firm. He is known for leading early-stage investments in innovative technology companies, particularly across sectors like SaaS, AI, and fintech.
Henri Deshays primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, focusing on high-growth areas such as enterprise SaaS, artificial intelligence, fintech, and sustainable tech solutions. He seeks companies with strong product-market fit and scalable business models.
Henri Deshays works as a General Partner at NewFund, a leading venture capital firm that focuses on backing visionary founders in the technology sector.