Hey there! 👋
It's been a minute since we landed in your inbox, and honestly, we've missed connecting with you. A lot has happened in the world, and at IRIS Vision Capital, since we last chatted. So grab your coffee (or tea, we don't judge), and let's catch up.
2025 was a whirlwind. 2026? It's shaping up to be something truly special. We're calling it our Year of Hope and Global Opportunity, and we can't wait to share what's ahead.
Let's dive in.
The World Is Shifting, And So Are the Opportunities
Let's address the elephant in the room: the geopolitical landscape has been… interesting, to say the least.
Between shifting trade policies, regional tensions, and economic recalibrations across continents, it would be easy to feel uncertain about the future. But here's what we've learned from years of operating across emerging and developed markets: resilience is the name of the game.
The global economy has proven remarkably adaptable. Despite headwinds, we're seeing:
- The AI boom continuing to reshape industries from healthcare to logistics
- Sustainable and thematic investing gaining serious traction among institutional and retail investors alike
- Emerging markets (especially across Africa and Southeast Asia) attracting renewed interest from global capital
- Cross-border collaboration becoming more strategic and intentional than ever
At IRIS Vision Capital, we don't just observe these trends, we position ourselves and our partners right at the intersection of opportunity and impact. That's what we do. That's who we are.
The message is clear: despite the noise, there's never been a better time to invest in innovation, in people, and in the future.
2025: A Year of Wins and Momentum
Before we look ahead, let's take a moment to celebrate what we accomplished together in 2025. Because honestly? It was a big year.
Successful Fundraising Rounds
We supported multiple portfolio companies through critical fundraising milestones. From seed rounds to Series A and beyond, our founders secured the capital they needed to scale, even in a challenging funding environment.
Our team worked hands-on with founders across fintech, climate tech, healthtech, and enterprise SaaS, helping them refine their pitch, connect with the right investors, and close deals that matter.
Global Deal Flow Like Never Before
Our deal flow pipeline expanded significantly. We curated opportunities from over 15 countries, spanning Africa, Europe, and North America. This wasn't about volume for volume's sake, it was about quality, vetted opportunities that align with where the market is heading.
Building Bridges Across Continents
One of our proudest achievements? Strengthening our role as a bridge-builder between emerging market startups and global capital. We facilitated introductions, co-investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships that created real value on both sides.
This is the IRIS difference. We don't just invest. We connect. We advise. We build.
Welcome to 2026: Here's What's Coming
Alright, now for the exciting part. 🚀
We've been working behind the scenes on some major initiatives, and we're thrilled to finally share them with you. Here's a sneak peek at what's launching this year:
1. Deals Only: Exclusive Access to Our Best Opportunities
Introducing Deals Only, our new members-only pipeline featuring curated, high-quality investment opportunities.
Think of it as the VIP section of venture capital. Deals Only gives accredited investors and institutional partners direct access to:
- Pre-vetted startups across high-growth sectors
- Co-investment opportunities alongside IRIS Vision Capital
- Exclusive deal memos and founder introductions
This isn't for everyone, it's for serious investors who want first-mover access to the opportunities we're most excited about. Stay tuned for our official launch event: Deals Only Event.
2. Featured Partnership with Venture Planet
We're incredibly excited to announce our collaboration with Venture Planet, one of the most respected platforms in the startup and VC ecosystem.
Through this partnership, IRIS Vision Capital will be featured in exclusive content, events, and deal showcases, putting our portfolio companies and investment thesis in front of a global audience of investors, founders, and ecosystem builders.
This is visibility on a whole new level.
3. One Planet Fund Alliance
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us, it's a core investment pillar.
That's why we're proud to announce our strategic partnership with One Planet Fund, aligning our efforts with a fund dedicated to climate-positive and impact-driven investments.
Together, we'll be sourcing and supporting ventures that don't just generate returns, they generate meaningful change for our planet. This partnership reflects our belief that profit and purpose can absolutely coexist.
4. Expanded Partner Network: US and Europe
We've been busy building relationships on both sides of the Atlantic.
In 2026, we're rolling out an expanded partner network that includes:
- Family offices and institutional LPs across the United States
- Strategic venture partners in the UK, Germany, France, and the Nordics
- Accelerators and incubators feeding into our deal flow
This network allows us to move faster, source better deals, and provide our portfolio companies with unparalleled access to global markets.
Why IRIS? Our Edge in a Crowded Market
Look, there's no shortage of venture capital firms out there. So why IRIS Vision Capital?
Here's what sets us apart:
1. We're Operators, Not Just Investors
Our team has built, scaled, and exited companies. We know what founders go through because we've been there. That operational DNA informs everything we do.
2. We're Global by Design
From Day One, we've operated with a cross-border mindset. We understand the nuances of investing in emerging markets while maintaining the rigor expected by global LPs.
3. We're Relationship-First
Venture capital is a people business. We prioritize long-term relationships over quick wins, with founders, co-investors, and our community (that's you!).
4. We're Selective and Strategic
We don't chase every deal. We focus on sectors and stages where we can add the most value: growth-stage companies in fintech, climate tech, healthtech, and enterprise software.
Want to learn more about how we work? Check out our How We Work page.
Let's Build the Future Together
Here's the truth: the world is changing fast. Geopolitical shifts, technological revolutions, climate imperatives, these aren't just challenges. They're opportunities for those bold enough to act.
At IRIS Vision Capital, we believe in a future of hope. A future where smart capital meets visionary founders. Where global collaboration unlocks local potential. Where doing well and doing good aren't mutually exclusive.
And we want you to be part of it.
Whether you're a founder looking for your next funding partner, an investor seeking quality deal flow, or simply someone curious about what's next, we'd love to hear from you.
Here's how to stay connected:
- Reply to this email – Yes, we actually read them!
- Visit our website – irisvisioncapital.com
- Get in touch directly – Contact us here
2026 is going to be a big year. Let's make it count: together.
Onwards and upwards,
Steven Dossou
CEO, IRIS Vision Capital
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