Draper Esprit – Three vehicles. One strategy.
Draper Esprit invests in European technology companies by combining three pools of capital. Our mission is to empower Europe to invent the future.
About Draper Venture Network
The Draper Venture Network is a global community of funds and startups. Founded by Tim Draper, an early backer of Skype, Baidu and Tesla, the network exists to connect teams to the right investors, corporates or talent at the right time, from across the globe.
The network brings together over 22 independent VC firms from across the world to support each other’s portfolio, share best practice, and gain insight. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, the Draper Venture Network also has a dedicated team to facilitate growth.
1. We invest in the most ambitious teams
Innovative tech. Impressive entrepreneurs. Global potential.
We look for high-growth companies with strong IP, powerful technology, and the management team equivalent of jet fuel. They operate in new markets, with serious potential for global expansion. We also look for strong margins to ensure sustainable growth, particularly for companies on a journey to profitability
2. Draper Esprit invest in companies as they grow
High-growth. Efficient models. Attractive exit.
We offer all investors access to private companies, in the high growth phase. Entrepreneurs come to us once they’ve initially proven their idea, and are ready to grow. We’re providing a rare opportunity to invest in companies that will will be attractive candidates for acquisition or IPO, with valuations from $50m to $1bn and beyond.
3. We invest across four sectors
Sectors, transformed.
Our companies use technology to create better ways of doing things. We focus on four sectors.
Consumer Technology
New consumer facing products, innovative business models, and proven execution capabilities that bring exceptional growth opportunities.
Enterprise Technology
The software infrastructure, applications and services that make enterprises more productive, cost-efficient and smoother to run.
Hardware & Electronics
The deeper technologies that will spark advances in computing, consumer electronics and other industries.
Digital Health & Wellness
Using digital and genomic technologies to create new products and services for the health and wellness markets.
Our investment process at Draper Esprit
Designed to help our companies grow
Screening business
Over 2,500 businesses a year approach us for investment. This is complimented by thousands more who we meet through our secondary and fund of funds strategy. This helps us find the brightest opportunities, and the clearest visions.
Make investment decision
We make 10-20 new investments a year, including follow-on, bringing the most ambitious tech companies into our portfolio.
Facilitate growth
We put cash in for rapid scale-ups, to help bring a team’s vision to life. We make introductions, and fuel global ambitions.
Exit
We’re not confined to five-year cycles. Whether to a strategic buyer or as an IPO, companies exit when they reach maturity or when they have established a strategic position in their ecosystem.