Maïlys Ferrere, born in 1966, is a distinguished French business leader and investor, recognized for her instrumental role in advancing French technology companies through her leadership at Bpifrance Large Venture. With a strong educational background in political science and law, she has become a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, committed to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of global leaders in various sectors.
Early Life and Education
Maïlys Ferrere graduated from the prestigious Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and holds a law degree from Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne. This robust academic foundation laid the groundwork for her successful career in finance and investment.
Professional Career
In 2013, Maïlys Ferrere was appointed as the Director and Head of the Large Venture Investment Activity at Bpifrance, France’s public investment bank. Under her leadership, the Large Venture fund has accumulated a total capacity of €1.75 billion, focusing on late-stage investments in French tech companies. To date, her investment team has backed over 50 companies across diverse sectors, including information technology, life sciences, and cleantech, many of which are now publicly listed on major exchanges.
Before her tenure at Bpifrance, Maïlys held the position of Investment Director at the Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement, the French Sovereign Fund. Her earlier career includes significant roles in equity capital markets at various leading French banks, where she was involved in numerous high-profile deals, including IPOs and mergers.
Maïlys has also been an active board member for several organizations, including DBV Technologies, Innate Pharma, Devialet, and ContentSquare, contributing her expertise to guide these companies through critical growth phases.
Contributions and Leadership
As a member of the French Investment Analyst Association, Maïlys is deeply integrated into the investment community, sharing insights and fostering relationships that enhance collaboration across the industry. Her contributions to the boards of various biotech and tech companies showcase her commitment to promoting innovation and strategic growth in France.
Maïlys has been a Non-Executive Director at DBV Technologies since June 2016 and served as a non-voting observer during the company’s initial public offering on Euronext Paris in March 2012. She previously held board positions at Sequans Communications, Innate Pharma, and Valneva, reflecting her extensive experience in navigating the complexities of corporate governance and strategic decision-making.
Personal Life
Maïlys Ferrere, now 57, is known for her discretion and professionalism, maintaining a low profile while being a significant influencer in the French venture capital space. Her dedication to supporting innovative companies continues to position her as a vital player in the growth of France’s technology sector.
Through her leadership at Bpifrance and her involvement in various corporate boards, Maïlys Ferrere exemplifies a commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring that French tech companies can thrive on the global stage.
