Paris-based startup Phacet has raised €4 million in a seed round to expand its personalised AI platform designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funding round attracted investment from major players like Motier Ventures, Aglaé Ventures, Emblem, Origins, Kima, Financière Saint James, Robin Capital, and BetterAngle. Additionally, 148 business angels, including notable tech and finance leaders, have shown their support for the company’s mission.
Among the angel investors are prominent names such as Thibaud Elzière (Hexa), Des Traynor (Intercom), Florian Douetteau (Dataiku), Philippe Corrot (Mirakl), Rodolphe Ardant (Spendesk), Damien Marc (JPB Système), and Guillaume Moubèche (Lempire). These investors bring not just capital but also a wealth of experience and connections from the tech, finance, and retail sectors, giving Phacet a solid foundation for growth.
Phacet’s mission is simple but ambitious: to make artificial intelligence both accessible and transformative for SMEs. While larger corporations often have the resources to develop bespoke AI solutions, Phacet aims to bridge the gap for smaller companies by offering customised, scalable AI applications that fit seamlessly into their operations.
Through a highly collaborative process, Phacet works closely with businesses to identify key areas where AI can improve efficiency and processes. Their AI Bootcamp offers a unique opportunity for clients to co-create AI solutions alongside Phacet’s team of engineers. This hands-on approach ensures that businesses are not just handed an off-the-shelf solution but rather a tailored system that addresses their specific needs.
One of the standout features of Phacet’s platform is its ability to integrate all AI applications under one roof. This centralised approach provides businesses with a streamlined experience, offering consistent data connectivity and cost control. It also simplifies the process for companies, allowing them to work with a single provider, which can be more efficient and less costly than coordinating multiple vendors.
Phacet has already shown significant impact, with clients like Smartbox benefiting from its customised AI solutions in areas such as ecommerce, retail operations, finance, and customer service. By optimising various business functions through AI, Smartbox has been able to enhance its operations, demonstrating the practical value Phacet offers to its clients.
Looking ahead, Phacet has ambitious plans for growth. By 2025, the company aims to offer a full range of ready-to-use AI applications across multiple industries, including e-commerce, retail, finance, and services. This move will position Phacet as a leading provider of AI solutions tailored specifically to the needs of SMEs across Europe.
The company’s leadership is also a key part of its success. Founder and CEO Nicolas Marchais, who has deep expertise in both AI and B2B platforms, envisions Phacet as a bridge between fast-evolving AI technologies and the practical needs of SMEs. He emphasizes that AI should be a tool that simplifies and enhances business processes, rather than adding complexity.
Phacet’s unique approach to AI sets it apart from competitors. Rather than focusing solely on technology, the company is committed to being a long-term partner for its clients. Investors like Thibaud Elzière have praised the startup for its hands-on, supportive role in helping businesses not only implement AI but also identify the areas where it can have the greatest impact.
One of Phacet’s core principles is that AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Their platform automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value work that requires human insight and creativity. This balance between AI and human intelligence is at the heart of Phacet’s philosophy, ensuring that businesses can innovate without losing the human touch.
Phacet is not just another AI company; it’s building a future where AI becomes an essential, everyday tool for SMEs. As more companies look to streamline operations and remain competitive, Phacet is positioned to lead the way in making AI a practical, accessible solution for businesses of all sizes.
