8 impact startups created and 150 jobs, the performance of the first batch of the startup studio initiated by Rob Spiro in 2017 creates enthusiasm among investors: Imagination Machine is closing a new round of funding to launch its next 10 projects.
Imagination Machine start-up studio has just finalized a fundraising round to launch its new batch of startups, with notable institutional investors such as the French Tech Acceleration 2 fund managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, initiated as part of the Programme d’Investissements d’Avenir (PIA) now integrated into France 2030, Caisse d’Epargne Bretagne Pays de Loire, Avelana, CIC Ouest, Enowe, Cameleon. Imagination Machine plans to create 10 new startups with an even greater socio-environmental impact.
Imagination Machine doubles its ambitions
Created at the end of 2017, Imagination Machine is a start-up studio founded by entrepreneurs who firmly believe that entrepreneurship is one path to positively change the world. Between 2018 and 2019, Imagination Machine raised €5.5 million to launch 8 start-ups, including Beem Energy, Smala (ex-Il Était Plusieurs Fois), Les Mini Mondes, Jho… which have in common their impact on society and the environment through their innovative concepts. The 8 positive-impact startups now represent 150 employees and have already raised €24 million.
The start-up studio announced today that it has raised nearly €10 million to launch its second batch. This fundraising will allow Imagination Machine to dedicate more budget to its future start-ups, to expand its operative team, and to extend its scope to Europe.
This fundraising was led by 35 investors, including institutional investors such as the French Tech Acceleration 2 fund managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, initiated as part of the Programme d’Investissements d’Avenir (PIA) now integrated into France 2030, Caisse d’Epargne Bretagne Pays de Loire, CIC Ouest and private investors from the impact world with Avelana, Enowe, Cameleon. Industry leaders also took part in the operation, such as the groups Cetih, Idea, Armor and Eram, as well as entrepreneurs, such as Francis Nappez (BlaBlaCar, Hectar), Fred de Gombert (Akeneo) or Alexandre Launay (Stampyt).
“At Imagination Machine, we create high-potential startups that are meant to expand internationally, because it is by being ambitious about the target that we will have a large-scale impact,” says Rob Spiro, CEO and founder of Imagination Machine. “We love to dream, test, pivot, sometimes give up and scale up… for a good cause. We are very proud to have gained the trust of experienced investors, and look forward to meeting our next co-founders, to imagine and create together the next start-ups with a strong positive impact on our society and the environment!”
Call for applications for idealistic entrepreneurs
Imagination Machine is now recruiting the co-founders of its next 10 positive impact start-ups, who can be based anywhere in France or Europe.
The team has identified fields of opportunity to address, in the sectors of the circular economy, youth training, donations to associations, clean air conditioning, slow tourism, etc., but Imagination Machine is also open to partner with any ambitious project with major socio-environmental impact.
Beyond the financial investment, the studio is strategically and operationally involved alongside its entrepreneur-cofounders, from the exploration phase of the project to its launch and scaling: “We are entrepreneurs, not a support structure. We are the multifaceted co-founder who provides entrepreneurs with what they need for their project, putting all the chances on their side. For each initiative, we work with one or more co-founders, who choose us as much as we choose them,” adds Emilie Abel, co-founder of Imagination Machine.
Applications at www.imagination-machine.com, until November 25, 2022.