Marie Ekeland’s Bold Vision: Introducing the 2050 Fund
Renowned French investor Marie Ekeland has unveiled her latest venture—2050, an innovative evergreen fund designed to drive long-term, positive societal change. Unlike traditional VC funds, 2050 prioritizes sustainability, education, healthcare, and trust-building over short-term financial gains.
Who Is Marie Ekeland?
- Former investor at Elaia, where she backed adtech giant Criteo (now a publicly traded company).
- Co-founder of Daphni, a prominent VC firm, with notable investments in Shine, Swile, Holberton School, and Lifen.
- Founding member of France Digitale, France’s leading startup advocacy group.
The 2050 Fund: A Radical Reinvention of Venture Capital
Ekeland’s new fund breaks away from conventional VC models with its evergreen structure and mission-driven approach. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Long-Term Investment Thesis
2050 targets five transformative areas:
- Future of Food
- Healthcare Innovation
- Education Reform
- Sustainable Living
- Trust in Media & Finance
2. Evergreen Fund Structure
- No fixed 10-year exit pressure—investors can enter or exit during periodic liquidity windows.
- Designed as a fonds de pérennité (perpetual fund), resembling a trust fund with a social mission.
3. Commitment to Digital Commons
- 10% of investments and 50% of carried interest will fund open-access knowledge and infrastructure.
- Supports initiatives like Université Paris Dauphine’s ecological challenges course, shared under an open license.
Why This Matters
Ekeland’s vision addresses critical gaps in tech investment:
- Beyond Profit: Focuses on systemic impact rather than rapid exits.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: Funds projects benefiting the broader tech community, not just private companies.
- Regulatory Progress: Awaiting approval from France’s AMF but already active (e.g., participation in Withings’ $60M round).
The Team Behind 2050
Ekeland is joined by:
- Anne-Lise Bance
- Aicha Ben Dhia
- Charly Berthet
- Meyha Camara
- Aude Duprat
A New Paradigm for Tech Investment
2050 challenges the status quo by proving that venture capital can be a force for good. As Ekeland puts it:
“When you invest in this company instead of that one, you’re shaping the future of society.”
With its focus on sustainability and open knowledge, 2050 could inspire a new wave of mission-driven funds—and redefine the role of investors in building a better world.
