Paris-based nonprofit Makesense closes €15 million first round for its second fund, backing circular economy startups that prioritise repair, reuse, and social inclusion—with 10% reserved for non-dilutive financing of cooperatives.
Supported by the European Investment Fund, Mirova, Revital’Emploi and several business angels, Makesense will invest between €200k and €500k in early-stage start-ups striving to conserve resources, extend product lifecycles, promote repair and reuse, and bolster social inclusion.
Makesense seed II emphasizes founder support, with a dedicated operating team that includes experts in circularity and social inclusion to guide start-ups through growth phases. Co-founder Anne Gerset described the approach: “To build a resilient portfolio that creates value for all stakeholders, we work closely with every entrepreneur…”
This move builds upon makesense’s Seed I fund, which raised €8.2 million and backed 21 start-ups—over half led by women—with 15 still active and some achieving follow-on rounds. Approximately 10 per cent of seed II is reserved for non-dilutive financing to support co-operatives and social enterprises, reports Les Echos.
Among its early investments is United Repair Centre, a Dutch social enterprise tackling textile waste by repairing garments at scale for brands such as Patagonia, Decathlon and The North Face—while creating jobs for people excluded from the labor market.
About makesense
Founded in 2010, Makesense is a nonprofit dedicated to social and environmental transition in Europe. Through its venture arm, makesense_invest, it supports early-stage startups combining impact and circularity. The Seed II fund builds on earlier successes to deepen its portfolio and social outreach.
