Wind, an innovative European venture capital firm founded by seasoned entrepreneurs Thierry Vandewalle and Xavier Gury, has unveiled a groundbreaking €130 million Article 9 fund. Surpassing initial expectations with a robust €90 million at its first closing, this fund is poised to catalyze the growth of pioneering sustainable Deeptech startups at the Seed/Series A stage.
With plans to invest in up to 30 startups, Wind aims to channel funds ranging from €500,000 to €5 million into companies poised to revolutionize Europe’s critical services and infrastructure sectors. These include advancements in food security, air quality, mobility solutions, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and heightened security measures.
Thierry Vandewalle, Co-Founding Partner of Wind, expressed optimism: “We stand at the precipice of an innovation revolution driven by decarbonization, AI, and robotics. Our mission is clear: to empower startups leveraging these technologies to forge practical solutions that bolster essential service industries in an era challenged by climate change. It’s about reimagining how humanity can thrive without compromising our planet.”
Wind, formerly known as Wind Capital, traces its origins to 2015 when Vandewalle and Gury, having successfully launched and exited multiple ventures, including WCube sold to Publicis in 2007, embarked on a journey to foster innovation. Initially funded through their own entrepreneurial successes, Wind Capital I was born—a €23 million evergreen fund noted for its proactive support of portfolio founders.
Having personally invested in over 80 startups spanning fintech, SaaS, mobility, and lifestyle sectors, Wind’s Founding Partners now pivot towards climate resilience, inviting fellow entrepreneurs to invest their wealth and wisdom in the new Article 9 fund.
Xavier Gury, Co-Founding Partner of Wind, highlighted their commitment: “Innovation and technology are embedded in our DNA. Our impact investment thesis has been fortified through transformative startups like Getaround, Yuka, Spark, and Néolithe. This climate resilience fund signifies our steadfast dedication to driving positive change.”
Wind’s network of entrepreneur Limited Partners (LPs), which includes institutional giants like Bpifrance, BNP Paribas, and Sopra Steria, alongside over 120 successful entrepreneurs, forms a vibrant ecosystem offering technical insights, strategic counsel, and invaluable connections to portfolio founders.
Already, three cutting-edge startups—Eclipse specializing in energy storage solutions, Sopht in green IT, and Entroview developing battery diagnostics for gigafactories—have received backing from the fund, setting the stage for transformative advancements across Europe.
“As we anticipate the final closing in 2025, there remains ample opportunity for strategic investors keen to contribute their expertise to what promises to be an extraordinary journey,” added Thierry Vandewalle.
Wind’s new fund not only heralds a new era of sustainable innovation but also underscores its founders’ unwavering commitment to shaping a resilient future for generations to come.
Source: EU-Startups
