“Typically, VCs focus solely on generating returns, but we felt that wasn’t enough. Profitability or EBITDA isn’t a mission – it’s just the result of doing your job well. At Serena, our mission is to support innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs in the service of a better world. ”
— Xavier Lorphelin
When you think of venture capital, you might picture fast-paced deals, tech unicorns, and ambitious growth strategies. But what if it could also drive real, measurable change for the planet?
That’s exactly the vision behind Serena, whose co-founder Xavier Lorphelin joins me today. Xavier is here to explain, among other things, why the firm integrates impact considerations into every decision, moving beyond the traditional investment approach.
Serena isn’t a typical VC firm. Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, it blends financial ambition with a mission to support innovative startups that serve a better world. With €1 billion in assets under management, Serena invests in transformative sectors like climate tech, AI, and sustainability – all while delivering impressive double-digit financial returns.
Xavier’s journey to this mission-driven approach is deeply rooted in his time in Silicon Valley. After earning his master’s degree at Stanford during the rise of the internet boom, he gained a front-row seat to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to drive societal change.
Today, Xavier is with us to explain how Serena is aligning financial success with sustainability by introducing groundbreaking concepts like climate dividends and embracing cutting-edge technologies such as AI to address biodiversity challenges. In this conversation, Xavier dives into Serena’s investment process, the evolution of impact investing, and the powerful business case for sustainability.
Tune in to learn how venture capital is being transformed into a force for good – and why it might just be the key to tackling our planet’s biggest challenges.
Don’t miss it!
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.
What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.
SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES…
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Connect with Xavier: LinkedIn
- Serena on LinkedIn
- Serena Capital websit
- Terrahui Foundation
- Climate Fresk
- VC Funding Trends in Nature Tech
SHOW NOTES:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:52] Xavier Lorphelin’s background and education
[12:24] Silicon Valley experience
[19:02] Transition back to France and career development
[25:48] Founding Serena
[33:11] Serena’s mission, investment focus & theory of change
[42:34] Serena’s investment process
[59:11] Conducting pre- and post-investment ESG assessments
[01:15:38] Serena Squad and operating framework
[01:20:32] Opportunities in Measure, Report, Verification (MRV) solutions
[01:28:14] Rapid fire questions
MORE XAVIER LORPHELIN QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW:
“At Serena, we invest in transformational changes. We believe the next big disruption lies in addressing challenges related to climate and our planet. It’s both a huge challenge and an incredible opportunity, which is why we’ve focused on climate tech, nature tech, and now water tech. We see these areas as essential for creating a positive impact on the world and society. ”
— Xavier Lorphelin
“When we started Serena in 2008, we aimed to be the VC we wished we’d had, offering not just funding but hands-on support through the ups and downs. Over the past eight years, we’ve built a dedicated operating team to help founders with talent recruitment, business connections, and lasting relationships, even before we invest. Supporting entrepreneurs is part of our DNA. ”
— Xavier Lorphelin
