 | Introduction History Strategic Industry Network Domain Core Competencies Global Presence Summary | | | | VPSA is a private investment firm that makes venture capital and private equity investments focused on the information technology, semiconductors, bio-IT and telecommunication sectors. VPSA offers not only financial commitment but also the technology, business and international expertise of its experienced partners. VPSA provides an extensive worldwide network of resources, including relationships with its global, blue-chip investors. These investors include over 40 industrial and financial enterprises from Europe, the US and Asia who are global leaders in their respective businesses (technology, telecommunications, media and entertainment, and financial services). This unique mix of investors reflects the global character of its funds and contributes to the long-term financial and business success of the funds' portfolio companies. back to top Initiated by Vivendi Universal to be an ROI-based fund and not a corporate fund, VPSA was created with the launch of V1 in September 1998. The fund had invested 118.1 million euros (US $112.2 million at that time) in 49 companies. Investors in V1 include 18 leading financial and industrial corporations with substantial interests in the high-tech industry, including high-profile investors and private investors. V1 is fully invested. VPSA's second venture capital fund, V2, began investing in June 2000 and has raised over 300 million euros. The fund counts over 30 corporate and financial investors from Europe, the US and Asia. Global Asset Capital (GAC), in association with Hamilton Lane Advisors, completed its acquisition of Viventures Partners (VPSA), Vivendi Universal's venture capital arm in June, 2003. With the approval of the deal by the Commission des Operations de Bourse, the French regulatory authority, GAC and Hamilton Lane jointly supervise VPSA with $400+MM under management, making it one of the largest transatlantic venture capital investors. GAC is an alternative investment firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, focused on private equity, real estate and structured finance. GAC has over 20 portfolio companies and investments in several funds. GAC's relationship with Hamilton Lane, the largest private equity investment firm in the world with over $25 billion in managed assets and $5 billion invested in its own funds, further enhances the quality and experience of VPSA's new management structure. back to top VPSA's investors include over 40 leading financial and industrial corporations around the world with substantial interests in the high-tech industry, a key advantage which allows VPSA to offer its portfolio companies access to strategic financial and industrial resources. Its impressive list of Limited Partners include: back to top VPSA's experienced investment team, combined with its high-profile investors, helps portfolio companies achieve their maximum potential. Investment managers can provide introductions to its limited partners at the right levels, creating opportunities for high value partnerships. These may include distribution, technology sharing, supply agents, or investments. VPSA's investment managers work in close collaboration with portfolio companies, helping to build value across a range of activities that includes recruiting, strategy development, follow-on financings and exit strategies. VPSA's Team Members have shaped the different Technology and Venture sectors they work in. - Alnoor Shivji is an expert in the Telecom, Networking and Semiconductor Sectors who has presided CIENA's Metro Switching Division, founded and presided Cyras Systems (acquired by CIENA for $2.6 billion in March 2001), and co-founded Fiberlane Communications, which split into Cerent (acquired by Cisco for $7 billion) and Siara Systems (acquired by Redback Networks for $4.3 billion).
- Michael H. Jordan is a leading global business figure whose career spanned over Electronic Data Systems (Chairman &CEO), WPP Group and Dell Computers (board member), CBS Corporation (formerly Westinghouse Electric Corporation) as Chairman and CEO, and PepsiCo (CEO of PepsiCo International).
- Leslie Brun is an innovator in the field of private equity who helped this business evolve tremendously over the past 15 years in Hamilton Lane Advisors(Chairman and founder, Fidelity Bank (Managing Director and co-founder of the investment banking group), E.F.Hutton & Co. (VP in the Corporate Finance Division ), and Lloyds International Corporation (Vice President).
- Asim Abdullah has shown a strong leadership role over 18 years in the telecom, enterprise hardware/ software and eCommerce sectors. As a member of the board of directors and the executive staff, he helped launch CommerceOne into a market leader with a successful public offering in July 2000. Mr. Abdullah also served as the Executive Director of the CommerceNet Consortium and established it as the leading global institution for the promotion of eCommerce.
- Philippe Charquet is experienced in bridging the chasm between French and Silicon Valley cultures, and effectively navigates across continents to help companies around the world reach global preeminence. Philippe founded 2MI-Multimedia Investissements, a VC initiative sponsored by the European Commission in Brussels, and created as managing director of the company 20 New Media oriented JVs with companies such as Bertelsmann, TPS, BBC, Philips, Havas, CLT, Canal Plus, Grupo Prisa.
back to top VPSA has invested in over 60 start-ups in twelve countries. Using its experience and extensive network of contacts, VPSA's goal is to create a value-added network of support for its portfolio companies, a philosophy supported by the fund's diverse investor base. VPSA typically invests between US $3 million to $10 million in early-stage technology companies. Its investment focus includes telecom and datacom infrastructure, optical components and systems, application software and enabling technologies for wireless and Internet infrastructure; semiconductors and nanotechnology materials and components, and Bio-IT applications. VPSA does not invest in pharmaceuticals, real estate or consumer products. VPSA's fund is a global and invests in companies around the world. Fifty percent of its investments are in Europe, 45% in North America and 5% in Asia. The company is headquartered in Paris, France and has offices in Silicon Valley (US) and Singapore. In line with its global investment strategy, VPSA works together as a single worldwide team, helping portfolio companies penetrate markets around the world. The technical, business and international backgrounds of the investment team, combined with their significant operating experience in major technology companies or start-ups, enhances VPSA ability to help build successful technology companies on a global basis. back to top | | | |
