French venture capital firm Aquiti has successfully closed its AVA1 fund, securing €60 million. The new vehicle is specifically designed to support early-stage founders operating outside of traditional venture capital hubs, with a primary focus on the Greater Southwest region of France.
The fund targets pre-Seed and Seed-stage startups, offering initial investments between €100 thousand and €3 million. Aquiti plans to assemble a portfolio of 25 to 30 companies, maintaining significant capital reserves to participate in subsequent follow-on funding rounds for its investees.
Aquiti Gestion, the parent private equity firm, has operated for over 25 years and manages more than €230 million in assets. The dedicated venture arm was established in 2018 and currently employs a team of five investors. To date, the firm has backed 13 companies, including Synboli and RelaiSanté.
The closing of the AVA1 fund is part of a broader trend of European early-stage capital activity in 2026. Recent announcements from firms such as Newfund, 360 Capital, Elaia, Vanagon Ventures, and FIRSTPICK have contributed to a total of nearly €384 million in disclosed venture capital across the region.
