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Didier Valet
General Partner Varsity
Didier Valet is a prominent figure in the French financial and investment landscape, currently serving as a General Partner at Varsity, a new pan-European Seed fund based in Paris.1 Here's a comprehensive overview of his background and current roles:
Professional Background
Didier Valet had a long and distinguished career at Société Générale, one of France's largest banks, where he held several high-ranking positions:
- Deputy CEO (January 2017 - March 2018)
- Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, Private Banking, Asset Management and Securities Services (March 2013 - January 2017)
- Group Chief Financial Officer (May 2008 - December 2011)
- Head of Strategic Performance Management and Investor Relations (2003 - 2008)2
Current Roles
After leaving Société Générale in 2018, Valet has taken on numerous roles:
- Co-founder and General Partner at Varsity (2024-present)1
- President of XANTHE CONSEIL (October 2018-present)
- Senior Advisor to several companies including Bain & Company, CVC Capital Partners, and Muzinich & Co
- Chairman of the Board of Directors at APRIL
- Board member for companies such as Groupe Lucien Barriere and InfraVia Capital Partners2
Investment Activities
Valet has become a prolific Business Angel investor, with a portfolio of over 70 investments, particularly in the fintech sector.12 Some notable investments include:
- French fintech unicorns Pennylane and Qonto
- Numerous startups such as Flowdesk, Konvi, ARRAGO, Listo Paye, and many others2
Varsity
In 2024, Valet co-founded Varsity, a new European Seed fund that recently announced its first closing of €80 million. The fund aims to invest in four verticals: fintech, healthtech, climate tech, and enterprise SaaS software.1
Education
Valet holds degrees from prestigious French institutions:
- École polytechnique (1987-1990)
- École nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration économique (1991-1992)2
Didier Valet's extensive experience in the banking sector, combined with his active involvement in the startup ecosystem as a Business Angel, positions him as a valuable partner for early-stage companies seeking both capital and strategic guidance.
