US-listed consulting firm Accenture has committed to two funds managed by Partech Ventures, a venture capital firm headquartered in France.
The firm will acquire a minority equity investment in Partech Entrepreneur II Fund, which specialises in seed funding, and in Partech International Ventures VII, which invests in early-stage startups.
Accenture will join Partech’s advisory committee, gaining early access to relevant startups and the opportunity to co-invest in early-stage companies, such as its investment in Drover, a UK-based car-sharing facilitation service.
Paul Daugherty, chief technology officer at Accenture, said: “Through Accenture Ventures, we help our enterprise clients navigate the startup community to find those that address real business challenges or create real value.
“Our unique relationship with Partech will contribute to a robust, high quality portfolio and sourcing that helps us deliver what enterprises need to innovate.”
Christian Nibourel, country managing director for Accenture in France and Benelux, added: “This agreement, along with the recent opening of the Accenture Innovation Centre in Paris, demonstrates Accenture’s continued commitment to drive innovation not only in France but around the globe.”