In the year 2024, the rise of enterprise AI companies securing large funding rounds has become a common occurrence. However, Intuition, a groundbreaking VC firm based in Paris, is making a bold move by focusing exclusively on consumer tech ventures.
Driving this initiative are Hugo Amsellem (pictured left) and Etienne Boutan (pictured right), who will serve as the general partners of the fund. Amsellem, a seasoned individual with a background at Jellysmack, has been extensively involved in consumer tech and influencer culture, evident from his noteworthy piece on loneliness and its impact on consumer behavior.
Previously associated with The Family, Amsellem parted ways with the accelerator in 2019, expressing both disappointment and a desire to move forward from past experiences.
On the other hand, Etienne Boutan, a former professional basketball player, co-founded AI startup Heex Technologies before joining forces with Amsellem at Intuition.
The dynamic duo successfully raised an initial fund of €15 million ($16 million) and have already made strategic investments in a selection of consumer startups in Europe and the U.S. With additional venture partners onboard, including notable figures like Axel Toupane, Eliott Kessas, and Erika Batista, Intuition aims to expand its presence in key consumer tech hubs.
Intuition’s investment strategy revolves around addressing the current scarcity of funding in the consumer tech sector. Despite challenges such as revenue generation and market dominance by established players like Meta and Snap, the firm sees an opportunity to support emerging consumer-centric ventures.
By focusing on the intersection of consumer behavior and innovation, Intuition intends to provide financial support ranging from €100,000 to €500,000 to pre-seed and seed-stage startups, anticipating over 40 investments from their initial fund.
Intuition’s Vision: VC + Community
Looking beyond traditional investments, Intuition plans to enhance its revenue streams by organizing engaging events that bring together thought leaders and innovators within the consumer and culture space. These events, co-hosted with prominent VC firms globally, underscore the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Notably, Intuition’s event series, akin to the renowned SaaStr conferences, reflects a strategic approach to building a supportive community dedicated to driving advancements in consumer technology.
As the firm prepares for its flagship event at Station F in Paris, scheduled for September 20th, Intuition’s proactive stance on cultivating a vibrant ecosystem for consumer tech signals a promising future in the startup landscape.
