Financiere Saint James is the family office of Michael Benabou, co-founder of vente-privee (Veepee). Its venture activity invests early, from EUR 200k as a first cheque, following on in later rounds up to EUR 5m. It describes itself as sector agnostic with a bias towards business models where technology is highly transformative, and emphasises hands-on help with sales and go-to-market. The portfolio spans around 60 companies including Mirakl, Alma, Spendesk, Swan, Lydia, Welcome to the Jungle, Believe, Modjo, Kili Technology, Taster and La Vie. A second arm acquires and redevelops buildings in Paris.
Investment thesis
Financière Saint James is a private investment firm operating from Luxembourg with a French presence in Paris. It runs two activities: venture investments in early companies building disruptive products, made with an entrepreneurial mindset alongside their founders, and real estate, where it buys buildings to redevelop and reposition. It describes its investment criterion as bold ideas led by strong people.