What is Yeast?
Yeast is an association that brings together Business Angels who are passionate about innovative projects. They focus on the seed stage, investing exclusively in startups located in the Grand Est region of France and Luxembourg. Born in Lorraine in late 2013, Yeast emerged from the desire of successful regional entrepreneurs to invest in and actively support local startups. Each member remains the decision-maker for their own investments, but the group’s collective expertise and time are shared to benefit everyone involved. Yeast is more than just an investment club—it’s a community that values kindness and genuine support for entrepreneurs, whether or not they receive funding from the network’s members.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Yeast stands out as one of the top players in the regional startup ecosystem. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- One of the Top 2 seed investors in the Grand Est region
- Ranked among the Top 5 business angel networks in France
- Over 30 entrepreneur-investors in the club
- Investments ranging from €50k to €500k, sometimes up to €1 million
- 56 investments made in 43 startups over 10 years
- Total invested capital of €9 million, leveraging €61 million in total
- In 2023 alone, supported 8 regional startups with €2.2 million
How Yeast Supports Entrepreneurs
Yeast isn’t just about money. It’s about building a supportive network where entrepreneurs can thrive. The association organizes monthly pitch sessions where startups present their business ideas to investors and partners. These sessions happen on the 1st or 2nd Thursday of each month from September to June. Between 2 and 5 startups get to showcase their projects, and after the pitches, investors individually evaluate each opportunity before discussing them together. The sessions wrap up with a cocktail dinner, creating a relaxed atmosphere for entrepreneurs and investors to connect and exchange ideas.
Decision-Making and Governance
The governance of Yeast is handled by its Bureau, which sets the network’s strategic directions and approves new investor applications. This ensures that the group remains focused and aligned with its mission to support promising regional startups. While each member makes their own investment decisions, the collective wisdom and experience of the group guide the overall approach and priorities.
Partnerships and Federations
Yeast is well-connected within the broader business angel ecosystem. It is a proud member of two federations: Est Angels, which federates the five business angel networks in the Grand Est region, and France Angels, the national federation of business angel networks. These memberships provide Yeast with access to a wider pool of expertise, resources, and opportunities. Additionally, Yeast collaborates with various partners who offer essential support and specialized knowledge, helping startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in the region
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through investments in innovative startups
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by building strong networks between entrepreneurs, investors, and partners
Looking Ahead
Over the past decade, Yeast has grown into a dynamic and influential network, playing a key role in the Grand Est and Luxembourg startup scenes. With a strong community of entrepreneur-investors, a clear focus on regional development, and a commitment to kindness and collaboration, Yeast continues to be a beacon for innovation and growth. For anyone interested in the vibrant startup ecosystem of this region, Yeast is definitely a name to watch. More information can be found on their website at www.yeast.fr.
