Strengthening ECBFs Role as Europe´s Specialist VC for a Regenerative Economy
Paris / Bonn – 11 March 2026 – ECBF VC, today announces the opening of its office in Paris and unveils a renewed brand identity, marking a new chapter in its evolution from early pioneer to Europe’s leading specialist venture capital platform for the bioeconomy.
France: A Strategic Anchor for Europe’s Bioeconomy
Today, France ranks among Europe’s strongest deeptech ecosystems, supported by world class research institutions, industrial champions and a rapidly maturing venture landscape. For ECBF, this momentum is already tangible. Four of the fund’s portfolio companies are based in France, including Elicit Plant, ecoat, RED Horticulture and Weenat, showcasing innovation across sustainable agriculture, bio based materials and climate smart technologies.
The opening of the Paris office formalises ECBF’s long term commitment to the country and reinforces its ambition to intensify its activities in France. With a permanent local presence, ECBF aims to deepen collaboration with French VC partners, industrial players and research institutions, strengthen its deal sourcing and actively contribute to building a stronger and more connected bioeconomy investment ecosystem.
“France has evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic bioeconomy ecosystems,” said Stéphane Roussel, Partner at ECBF, who will lead the Paris office together with Guillaume Gras and Charlotte Rossignol. “By establishing a permanent presence here, we are strengthening our proximity not only to entrepreneurs, but also to the broader French VC network. Our ambition is to deepen our activities in France and actively contribute to building a stronger and more connected bioeconomy investment ecosystem.”
Positioned for the Next Phase of Growth
With its strengthened positioning and expanded European footprint, ECBF is entering its next phase of development. As the bioeconomy moves from niche to strategic priority across Europe, demand is rising for specialist capital capable of bridging science, industry and scalable business models.
ECBF sees this as a defining moment for the sector and for Europe. By reinforcing its presence in France and sharpening its specialist identity, the fund aims to catalyse cross border collaboration, mobilise institutional and industrial capital and help build Europe’s leading bioeconomy companies.
As the bio-based transition accelerates, ECBF is committed to remaining a trusted partner for the most ambitious founders and a value creating platform for long term investors seeking exposure to Europe’s industrial transformation.
From Early Pioneer to Bioeconomy Specialist Platform
Founded to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy by backing pioneering companies that reduce pressure on planetary boundaries and align economy and nature, ECBF has evolved into one of Europe’s most focused investors in the sector.
Since launch, ECBF has invested in 25 companies across food systems, industrial biotechnology, bio-based materials and circular value chains. Its approach combines rigorous, evidence-driven selection, deep sector expertise and hands on portfolio support to help companies scale globally while delivering both impact and strong financial performance.
The renewed brand reflects this evolution. With a redesigned logo, website and communication framework, ECBF underscores its positioning as “The specialist VC for a regenerative economy.” The new identity highlights the fund’s dual commitment, scientific depth and sector expertise on the one hand, and systemic, regenerative impact on the other.
“We are not a generalist impact fund,” said Michael Brandkamp, General Partner of ECBF. “We are a specialist VC dedicated exclusively to the bioeconomy. Europe’s industrial transformation requires focused capital, scientific understanding and long-term conviction. That is exactly what we stand for.”
About ECBF
ECBF is the leading specialist VC in Europe’s circular bioeconomy. Combining deep scientific expertise with venture discipline to scale high-growth companies that deliver measurable environmental impact and competitive financial returns. ECBF actively partners with its portfolio companies to build Europe’s next industrial champions.
Press contact | ECBF Management GmbH
Cornelia Mann | pr@ecbf.vc | +49.160.892.774.4
