TF

Thierry François

Investment Professional specialised in VC/Private Equity. Partner at Akiles

Oud-Heverlee, Flemish Region

Invests in

Stages:

Sectors:

Locations:

  • Min Investment:

    $100,000.00
  • Max Investment:

    $5,000,000.00
  • Target Investment:

    $1,500,000.00

Work Experience

2019

  • Partner

    2019

    Akiles is an evergreen investment fund focussing on growth capital. Board Director at Methis Consulting, a BeNeLux niche player in business consulting. Member of the Strategic Committee at Saturne Technology, a Luxembourg company specialised in laser techniques and metal additive manufacturing Board Director at eFarmz, the Belgian e-shop for organic and local meal kits and ultra-fresh products Board Director at Holifresh, a Belgian start-up specialised in IOT and HACCP controls in the food and retail sectors Board Director at Emmers Ruitersport, a leading high-end equestrian retail chain

2019

  • CFO and Board Director

    2019

    Board Member and part-time CFO of Zùsto, a Belgian company active in the food sector. Zùsto commercialises a revolutionary sugar substitute: 100% identical taste, texture and sweetness as traditional sugar. 75% less calories. More pleasure, less guilt.

  • managing director

    2010

    magenta tree is an independent advisory practice specialised in financial and strategic analysis, private equity, wealth management and corporate governance

  • Board Director (Chairman from April 2016 to April 2018)

    2013 - 2024

    Board Member of the Belgian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (in short “BVA”), a professional association representing the venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) community in Belgium.

2017 - 2023

  • Advisor

    2017 - 2023

    Advisor and Board Member (2017-21) of Aguila, the advisor of Triginta Real Estate Fund, a Belgian real estate developer and investor specialised in the (re)development and/or investment in (i) real estate belonging to congregations and religious orders, (ii)(health)care assets, and (iii) public private partnership.

2015 - 2019

  • Partner - Wealth Management

    2015 - 2019

    Econopolis is an independent financial and economic partner specialized in asset management and financial and economic advice. Next to the ‘wealth management’ investment activities, Econopolis is also active in ‘wealth coaching’ and ‘private investments’. Board Member of Econopolis Wealth Management, Econopolis Strategy and EPi.

  • Board Director, member of the Audit Committee

    2015 - 2018

    Independent Board Director and member of the Audit Committee at Bone Therapeutics, a leading cell therapy company addressing high unmet needs in orthopaedics and bone diseases. Bone Therapeutics is listed on Euronext Brussels.

2011 - 2015

  • Investment Director

    2011 - 2015

    Korys is the investment structure of the Colruyt family. Next to holding a significant stake in the Colruyt Group, Korys participates in a host of investments and projects consistent with its values and its mission. Director in the boards of Sofindev II nv and Sofindev III nv (www.sofindev.be) and Re-Vive Brownfield Fund II cvba (www.re-vive.eu). Observer at First Retail International nv.

2000 - 2011

  • Private Equity - Head of Investment Analysts

    2004 - 2011

    As Head of Investment Analysts at BNP Paribas Fortis, I was involved in the investment decision process of all private equity direct investments and participate actively to the monitoring and exit preparation. Director or President of Board of Directors in various SMEs.

  • Director Equity Research

    2000 - 2004

    Sell side Equity Research at Fortis Bank Global Markets (Brussels). Co-ordinator for the consumer staples sector in Europe. Focus on the European food retailers (primary research on Carrefour, Casino, Delhaize and Colruyt) and food manufacturers (primary research on Unilever and Danone).

  • Senior Equity Analyst

    1997 - 2000

    Sell side Equity Research analyst . Focus on the food retail sector (Delhaize, GIB, Colruyt, Ahold, Laurus) as well as on a number of IT and telecom companies listed on Euronext Brussels and on Easdaq.