Founders Future Expands Horizons with New San Francisco Office and AI Focus

Founders Future Expands Horizons with New San Francisco Office

In a bold move to fortify its transatlantic mission, Founders Future, an innovative investment platform, has established a new office in San Francisco. This strategic expansion aims to deepen the connections between the vibrant innovation ecosystems of Europe and the United States, with a focused agenda on fostering the growth of AI-centric leadership.

The San Francisco office, situated at the iconic One Ferry Building, is not just a geographical expansion but a statement of intent. By bridging the gap between American and European tech landscapes, Founders Future intends to accelerate the rise of AI-First entrepreneurs and support scaling opportunities for startups across the Atlantic. The new office has already shown promise, successfully closing two deals shortly after its inception.

To lead this exciting chapter, Dulcie Fforde and Jonathan Karlson have joined the team, bringing a wealth of expertise to enhance the company’s investment strategies and bolster its presence in the U.S. market. Their addition is seen as a critical move to strengthen Founders Future's integrated transatlantic platform, combining efforts from their Paris base with the dynamic Silicon Valley landscape.

Key Personnel with Proven Expertise

Dulcie Fforde joins as a Principal, armed with a unique blend of operational and investment prowess. Previously at Baillie Gifford, she played a pivotal role in investments in global scale-ups including Airbnb, Brex, Faire, and Nubank. Her experience extends to Homebound and Uber, equipping her with firsthand knowledge of the hurdles faced by rapidly expanding startups. Dulcie is also known for her active engagement in the Silicon Valley ecosystem, having previously scouted for Headline. At Founders Future, she will harness her insights to spearhead initiatives in AI and consumer investments.

On the other hand, Jonathan Karlson, who previously operated within ICONIQ Capital and BlackRock, will take on the role of Senior Associate, focusing on direct investments for technology entrepreneurs and families. With a solid academic background in economics and computer science from Dickinson College, Jonathan is prepared to handle early-stage analyses and cultivate relationships that will enhance transatlantic synergies.

Vision for the Future

The establishment of Founders Future Inc. signifies a commitment to direct investments in U.S. startups, aligning perfectly with their ambition to create a leading-edge, global platform that supports innovative tech leaders wherever they emerge. As the company targets managed assets reaching €1 billion and eyes a transatlantic growth fund launch in 2026, they anticipate bolstering their team further in areas such as growth strategy, investor relations, and operational excellence.

“Our goal is to build an international investment platform that empowers visionary founders, regardless of their location,” articulated Marc Menasé, the founding partner of Founders Future. “By connecting Europe and the U.S. with an AI-first approach, we are fulfilling our transatlantic mission while nurturing the next generation of global tech champions.”

With this new venture, Founders Future is poised to play a key role in the ongoing evolution of technology entrepreneurship, potentially reshaping how innovation is fostered and financed on both sides of the Atlantic. Entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of growth across borders may find the resources and insights from this newly established office invaluable in their journeys.