Alain Gavin

Venture Partner
2022
My focus areas will be supporting the team with their SpaceTech investments through the CosmiCapital fund. Karista, is an independent Venture Capital company specializing in early-stage, particularly in the Digital, Deeptech, Spacetech and Healthcare fields. Since its creation in 2001, Karista has supported more than 95 companies in Europe and generates a sustainable performance for its investors. CosmiCapital, Karista's Newspace fund, invests in the Spacetech economy currently boosted by the growing amount of available data to build innovative solutions for the future. CosmiCapital is supported by the CNES and Bpifrance.

2008

Chief Investment Officer, Managing Partner
2008
Established VC and PE advisory firm specialising in advanced technology and infrastructure investments across Mobility, SpaceTech, DroneTech, FinTech, Big Data Enterprise software and others. Sources proprietary deal flow, performs commercial, technical and financial due diligence, and conceives and executes value growth strategies for investee companies. Established a network of around 6,000+ family offices, specialist funds, HNW individuals, entrepreneurs and PE firms, including Softbank Vision Fund, RCapital, Stanhope Capital, WHEB Partners and strategic investors. Expanded business to become primary investor in 17 identified opportunities with 5 exits.

2022 - 2023

Senior Advisor, PPP & Investments
2022 - 2023
Helping to build the land of the future from the ground up in one of the largest Giga projects in the world. I am deeply involved in bringing innovation to NEOM in the areas of cognitive computing, robotics, space, the metaverse, Blockchain, sustainable technology, and infrastructure (Energy, Mobility, Water, Data Protection). NEOM Vision: “Where the greatest minds and the best talents are empowered to embody pioneering ideas and exceed boundaries in a world inspired by imagination.”

2020 - 2022

Non Executive Director
2020 - 2022
CyStellar is a deepTech big-data analytics and decision support company. Through its cloud-based data fusion platform, CyStellar improves data-driven decision making and predictive analytics primarily for the insurance and logistics sectors.

2018 - 2020

Director
2018 - 2020
My focus areas are: - secure investments in series B, C, D and growth rounds of the emerging sector leaders within the global space tech market - helping the graduating cohort from Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator to close investment Seraphim Capital is a London-based venture capital fund with £100m under management and the world’s leading SpaceTech focussed venture fund dedicated to financing ‘best of breed’ growth companies operating in the space ecosystem. We invest in companies that are transforming global industries through the generation, enhancement, data analytics and application of satellite, UAV and drone-enabled big data. Verticals range from insurance, finance, transport, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, governments and militaries.

2007 - 2008

Investment Director | Private Equity, Innovative Technology, Health Diagnostics, Storage Software
2007 - 2008
Brought in by German CEO of Private Equity firm specialising on small to mid-cap technology investments in the UK and Germany principally focussed on technology and software. Charged with building and managing portfolio of four businesses as well as lending credibility and financial expertise to the investment team.

2004 - 2007

Managing Director
2004 - 2007
Provided bespoke M&A and Corporate Finance management consultancy services to a number of blue-chip and SME companies. Performed company and market analysis, delivered strategic planning and capital growth acquisition across several industries. Evaluated optimal debt/equity ratios of specific investments, cash-flow analysis and revenue forecasts.

2003 - 2004

Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy Programme
2003 - 2004
Electives - Corporate Strategy, Corporate Finance, Technology & Competition, Leading Strategic Transformation, Corporate Turnarounds, World Economy - See Education below for more detail

2001 - 2003

VP Corporate Development & Value Based Management | Strategic Investment, M&A
2001 - 2003
I was appointed to guide the Group Board in a strategic repositioning involving major acquisitions in identified growth sectors accompanied by divestment or carve outs of non-core or under-performing sections of the business. I recommended the largest single acquisition in the company’s 120 year history. Focused the build-up of two new growth areas, Solar and Health Diagnostic, and managed ad-hoc issues of strategic importance.

2000 - 2001

CEO and Founder, Internet Start-up
2000 - 2001
I founded an Internet start-up (20 strong team) offering innovative local search engine services similar to Google maps and www.Hassle.com. I raised start-up capital through Business Angel funding & confirmed EU grants totalling €1M. Implemented highly advanced business plan and due diligence with Arthur D. Little to identify key commercial drivers & forecast revenue/cash flows. Sold the company shortly after 9/11.

Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Technologies and DeepTech