eFounders

High-Level Overview

eFounders, now rebranded as Hexa, is a European startup studio that partners with entrepreneurs to build and launch software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups, primarily in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, future of work, and health. It provides founding teams with ideas, seed funding, strategic advice, and operational support to accelerate product development and market entry. Over 11 years, eFounders has contributed to launching more than 30 startups, including notable unicorns like Spendesk, Aircall, and Front, collectively reaching a valuation of around $5 billion and employing about 3,000 people. Hexa maintains a significant equity stake (around 25-30%) in its startups, aligning its success with that of the companies it helps create[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Founded in 2011 by Thibaud Elzière and Quentin Nickmans in Brussels and Paris, eFounders pioneered the startup studio model in Europe, focusing initially on SaaS startups. The founders, with backgrounds in entrepreneurship and technology, designed the studio to provide a turnkey project to founders—offering ideas, initial capital, and strategic guidance from day one. The company raised its first funds in 2015 and 2016, each €5 million, and quickly gained traction with multiple startups raising significant capital and successful exits, such as the sale of TextMaster in 2018. In 2022, eFounders restructured and rebranded as Hexa, becoming a holding company for multiple specialized startup studios, including a new Web3-focused studio called 3founders, while keeping eFounders as the SaaS-focused vertical[1][3].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Hexa takes an active co-founder role, providing ideas, seed funding, and operational support, maintaining a substantial equity stake (~25-30%) in startups.
• Network Strength: Extensive European entrepreneurial network with a track record of launching over 30 startups and three unicorns.
• Operating Support: Dedicated teams including heads of studio and product experts work closely with founding teams for about 18 months to accelerate growth.
• Sector Focus: Concentrated expertise in SaaS, AI, fintech, future of work, health, and emerging areas like Web3.
• Community & Branding: Offers a supportive community and branding assistance to attract talent and investors[1][2][3][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

eFounders/Hexa rides the growing trend of startup studios as an alternative to traditional entrepreneurship, democratizing team-based company creation. This model addresses the challenges of founder recruitment and early-stage risk by providing ready ideas and resources, which is increasingly relevant in a competitive startup ecosystem. The timing aligns with rising investor interest in SaaS, AI, and fintech innovations, as well as the emergence of new technologies like Web3. Hexa’s approach influences the broader ecosystem by proving the viability of the studio model in Europe, fostering innovation, and accelerating startup formation with a hands-on, team-oriented methodology[1][2][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Hexa is positioned to expand its portfolio by launching more startups across its specialized studios, leveraging its proven formula while potentially raising external funds to scale investment capacity. Trends such as AI integration, decentralized technologies (Web3), and digital transformation in finance and work environments will shape its journey. Hexa’s influence may grow as it continues to professionalize and democratize entrepreneurship, potentially becoming a key player in European and global startup ecosystems by blending venture capital, operational expertise, and community building in a scalable studio model[1][2][3].