Cathay Innovation Closes $1 Billion Fund to Accelerate Vertical AI in Critical Industries
Cathay Innovation, a venture capital firm, has closed its third AI-dedicated fund, Fund III, with $1 billion. The fund aims to support the transformat...
Cathay Innovation: A Catalyst for Global Technological Innovation
Cathay Innovation, a venture capital firm based in Paris, stands out in the global tech ecosystem with its unique approach and commitment to sustainable innovation. Affiliated with Cathay Capital, this company plays a crucial role in financing and developing promising startups in critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, finance, and consumer products. Through its investment funds, Cathay Innovation supports technological solutions that address contemporary challenges while promoting sustainable economic models.
Since its inception, Cathay Innovation has specialized in financing young companies with high technological potential. Its strategy relies on the development of what it calls "vertical" AI, meaning artificial intelligence applications specifically designed to meet the needs of particular industrial sectors. As one of the largest venture capital funds dedicated to AI in Europe, Cathay Innovation has invested in companies such as Nabla, AQEMIA, and Bioptimus, which innovate in areas ranging from healthcare to drug discovery, biology, and materials science.
The Cathay Innovation fund is distinguished by a partnership approach where startups are not only funded for their technological potential but also integrated into a co-development framework with large companies. Among the industrial partners are multinationals such as Sanofi, TotalEnergies, Valeo, BNP Paribas Cardif, Groupe SEB, and Groupe ADP, allowing for synergy between technological innovation and industrial application.
In 2025, Cathay Innovation closed its third fund, Fund III, endowed with one billion dollars. This fund aims to accelerate the development of vertical AI to sustainably transform critical sectors of the global economy. Classified as Article 8 under the European SFDR regulation, this fund prioritizes innovations with a positive social and environmental impact, underscoring Cathay Innovation's commitment to responsible investment practices.
Today, Fund III has already invested in 14 startups across Europe, the United States, and Asia, confirming Cathay Innovation's international reach. Among these investments, Nabla stands out with its AI assistant for healthcare professionals, while AQEMIA combines artificial intelligence and quantum physics to accelerate pharmaceutical research. Bioptimus, for its part, focuses on applying generative AI to biology, aiming to transform biomedical research.
In a context where venture capital is facing growing economic and social challenges, Cathay Innovation positions itself as a pillar of support for technological innovation. Its participation in projects like the Hub France IA and collaboration with startups in mapping AI innovations demonstrate its key role in structuring and energizing the French and European tech ecosystem.
Cathay Innovation is also involved in the European mapping project DeployAI, supported by the European Commission, which aims to reference AI startups in the 27 member countries. This initiative enhances the visibility of technological solutions on a continental scale, positioning Cathay Innovation as a key player in the development of AI in Europe.
Recently, Cathay Innovation has strengthened its commitment to strategic sectors such as digital health and AI for biomedical research by supporting companies like Owkin. By actively participating in significant fundraising and collaborating with leading institutional and industrial players, Cathay Innovation continues to play a driving role in the evolution and modernization of critical sectors through AI.
Cathay Innovation's involvement in ecological transition is also notable, supporting startups developing frugal AI and technological solutions aligned with sustainability goals. This strategic positioning reflects its desire to contribute to a more sustainable future through technological innovation.
In conclusion, Cathay Innovation stands out for its ability to identify and support innovative companies with high potential while fostering strategic partnerships with industrial leaders. Its global vision and commitment to responsible investment practices make it a key player in technological innovation and a catalyst for sustainable industrial transformations.
Cathay Innovation est un fonds mondial de capital-risque à croissance précoce, créé en association avec Cathay Capital Private Equity. Elle a été créée autour de la conviction partagée que soutenir les entrepreneurs numériques en leur fournissant une plateforme reliant les trois continents, l’Amérique du Nord, l’Europe et la Chine, constitue une stratégie particulièrement puissante de création de valeur. Cathay Innovation s'associe à des entrepreneurs visionnaires, déterminés à conduire le changement grâce à la technologie. Cette transformation est accélérée par la mise à profit du réseau étendu de Cathay Capital Private Equity, doté d'entreprises et d'une solide expérience en matière d'excellence opérationnelle. Cathay Innovation possède une équipe mondiale qui gère un fonds mondial investi aux États-Unis, en Chine et en Europe, et des bureaux à San Francisco, Paris, Beijing et Shanghai.
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Cathay Innovation, a venture capital firm, has closed its third AI-dedicated fund, Fund III, with $1 billion. The fund aims to support the transformat...
Since 2020, the HUB France IA has provided visibility to promising French startups for which AI is the core of their products or services. The 2025 ed...
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Start-up Owkin announced that it has closed its Series A with a total of $70 million raised. This fundraising is concluded with an investment of $18 m...
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Earlier this month, Owkin announced a $25 million Series A extension. On this occasion, the start-up was able to count on the investment of Bpifrance,...
Earlier this month, Owkin announced a $25 million Series A extension. On this occasion, the start-up was able to count on the investment of Bpifrance,...