Iris Capital opens offices in Tokyo and Beijing

With bases already in Europe and the Middle East, Iris says this expansion will address the growing need to internationalize its business and the strong demand from entrepreneurs for more global investors.

Iris, which is sponsored by French companies Orange and Publicis, currently operates predominantly in Europe as a venture capital firm specializing in the digital economy.

In a statement, Iris identified two specific reasons for increasing its presence outside Europe. First, it wants to invest in innovative non-European companies which either have a strategic interest to develop in Europe or are in a position to strike added value partnerships with Orange or Publicis. Second, it wants to assist young European portfolio companies in expansion overseas.

Francis Perrin and Hiroshi Nishikawa will lead the business in Tokyo, while Nicolas du Cray will head up the Beijing office.

Founded in 1986, Iris has invested EUR900 million ($1.1billion) in more than 200 companies. In 2012 it entered into a strategic partnership with Orange and Publicis to manage their joint venture capital initiative.

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