In response to Europe's accelerating demographic aging, a new €75 million investment fund named "Entourâge" has been launched. This strategic initiative is a collaboration between pension savings specialist UMR, venture capital firm Serena, and the social impact ecosystem makesense. The fund aims to bolster innovative startups within the burgeoning "Silver Economy," addressing the critical needs of an aging population.
Confronting a Major Demographic Shift
France and other European nations are facing a significant demographic turning point, with the number of deaths now surpassing births. Projections indicate that the population over 65 could double by 2070, representing nearly a third of the total population in France. This trend presents profound societal and economic challenges that require innovative and scalable solutions beyond public sector capabilities.
The growing imbalance between the younger and older generations necessitates a proactive approach to elderly care and well-being. The "Silver Economy" is emerging as a crucial sector to address these needs, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for seniors. This new fund directly targets this market, aiming to foster a robust ecosystem for healthy aging and independent living.
The "Entourâge" Fund's Investment Focus
The "Entourâge" fund will channel its €75 million into approximately twenty promising French and European startups. Investment tickets are expected to range from €1 million to €5 million, targeting companies in both the venture and growth capital stages. The first investments from the fund are anticipated to be announced before the end of the year, signaling a rapid deployment of capital.
The fund has identified six priority areas crucial for improving the lives of seniors and their families. These include solutions for independent living at home, preventive health, and enhancing the attractiveness of care professions. It will also support innovations in mental health, caregiver assistance, social connection through culture, and compassionate end-of-life care.
A Partnership Built on Proven Expertise
This initiative leverages the complementary strengths of its three founding partners to maximize its impact. UMR, a subsidiary of the VYV group, brings deep expertise in retirement savings, while Serena offers its proven venture capital management skills. Makesense contributes its extensive network and experience in supporting social and solidarity economy projects across Europe.
The collaboration between Serena and makesense is not new, as they have successfully partnered since 2022 on the €80 million impact fund, Racine². Philippe Rey, Deputy CEO of UMR, emphasized the necessity of private sector involvement, stating, "Public authorities cannot handle this issue alone; private actors must invest to structure a real sector for aging well."
Part of a Broader €350 Million Strategy
Entourâge serves as the inaugural component of a much larger investment program named "Ogimi." This ambitious strategy aims to mobilize a total of €350 million through several complementary investment vehicles. The goal is to build a comprehensive presence across the entire value chain of the well-being and longevity sector, from early-stage innovation to mature companies.
The name "Ogimi" is a direct reference to a village in Okinawa, Japan, renowned for the exceptional longevity and happiness of its residents. By adopting this name, the partners signal their commitment to fostering not just longer lives, but healthier and more fulfilling ones. This long-term vision underscores the strategic importance of building a sustainable ecosystem for the Silver Economy.
The launch of the "Entourâge" fund marks a significant and timely investment in Europe's Silver Economy. By combining financial support with deep sector expertise, UMR, Serena, and makesense are poised to accelerate innovation for an aging demographic. This initiative represents a crucial step in building a sustainable and supportive ecosystem that addresses one of the most pressing societal challenges of our time.