From Riviera to Returns: 2 Venture Capital Firms Powering Nice's Startup Scene in 2025
Nice is better known for its Mediterranean charm than deal flow—but that’s changing in 2025. Founders can now connect with VC firms in Nice, vc in Nice, and investors in Nice who tap into the innovation power of the Côte d’Azur, with vital links to Sophia Antipolis and regional growth initiatives.
Though the city doesn’t yet mirror Paris or Lyon in VC density, its proximity to innovation clusters and supportive institutional networks make Nice a tool for early movers.
Quick list of venture capital players in Nice in 2025
- BEX Capital – Private equity secondaries firm with an operational office in Nice, offering strategic liquidity solutions.
- M/Capital Partners – Multifaceted asset manager active across venture capital, private equity, and private debt, with team presence in Nice.
How to find the right VC partner in Nice
Finding the right VC firms in Nice requires strategy, since the ecosystem is compact but well-connected:
- Align with the local innovation ecosystem: Tap into Sophia Antipolis’ clusters in healthtech, digital, and cleantech.
- Look for regional involvement: Firms like M/Capital or BEX can be good entry points for growth or liquidity.
- Utilize public and institutional anchors: Engage with Côte d’Azur initiatives or municipal programs via Team Nice Côte d’Azur.
- Network through events: Startup forums in Nice are prime places to meet investors.
- Scale thoughtfully: Use Nice as a springboard to French and European markets.
Explore more in the Papermark Investor Database, where you can filter investors by sector, ticket size, and stage.
How to send your pitch deck to VC firms in Nice
When reaching out to vc in Nice or regional players, polish and clarity will set your startup apart:
- Avoid bulky attachments: They tend to get lost—try a smart, trackable deck via Papermark.
- Localize your narrative: Show relevance to the Côte d’Azur ecosystem—such as Sophia Antipolis spin-offs or regional demand.
- Focus on traction: Even pilot customers or regional engagement strengthens your case.
- Be concise, be concrete: Smaller firms appreciate clarity—be specific about milestones or growth plans.
- Use regional leverage: Highlight your ability to scale within France and beyond, using Nice as a base.
- Track engagement: Use Papermark analytics to know who sees your deck and when to follow up.
Why use a pitch deck link instead of attachments?
- Get notified when an accelerator team opens your deck
- Track how long they were on each page of your deck
- Capture emails of those who viewed your deck
- Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
- Securely send data room with multiple documents
Table
| Accelerator | Location | Investment Size | Program Length | Focus Areas | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEX Capital | Nice, France | €10M–€50M+ | Ongoing | Private equity secondaries, LP interests | — |
| M/Capital | Nice, France (HQ Toulouse) | €200k–€5M | Ongoing | Tech, healthcare, impact | — |
1. BEX Capital
A private equity firm specializing in secondary investments, providing liquidity through LP stake acquisitions and fund-of-funds positions.
- Focus: Private equity secondaries, LP interests
- Location: Nice, France
- Program: Ongoing
- Investment: €10M–€50M+ transactions
- Equity free: No
- Website: BEX Capital
2. M/Capital
An independent investment group with dedicated venture capital funds in tech, healthcare, and impact, alongside PE and infrastructure strategies.
- Focus: Venture capital (tech, healthcare, impact)
- Location: Nice, France (HQ Toulouse, offices in Paris & Montpellier)
- Program: Ongoing
- Investment: €200k–€5M (seed to growth)
- Equity free: No
- Website: M/Capital
Prepare for Demo Day: what Nice VCs expect
Stepping on stage in front of VC firms in Nice is a rare chance to stand out in the French Riviera’s growing venture scene. With strong ties to Sophia Antipolis and local accelerators, investors in Nice want to see more than an idea — they’re looking for founders who can execute and scale.
Demo Day here is less about showmanship and more about proving substance. To impress, make sure you:
- Present a sharp problem-solution fit with clear validation
- Share concrete traction — user growth, revenues, or partnerships
- Show why your team is uniquely positioned to win in this market
- Outline a realistic GTM strategy for Southern France and the wider EU
- Be ready to handle detailed questions about funding, runway, and milestones
Use Papermark to share your deck professionally and track how VCs engage with it in real time.
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Final Thoughts
Nice’s VC ecosystem may still be emerging—but with proximity to innovation clusters like Sophia Antipolis, the city is quietly building momentum. Founders who tap into local support, showcase strong market fit, and tell a compelling story can turn Nice into a strategic launchpad.