Speaker details

9th Annual IBA European Start-up Conference

12 Nov - 13 Nov 2026

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Paris, France

Speaker information

Sofia Dahoune

Biography

Sofia is a Partner at daphni, where she brings several years of experience in deep tech venture capital and a strong passion for science-based entrepreneurship. She began her career in 2012 at Bpifrance Investissement (formerly Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement), working on private equity and venture investments in the digital field. In 2016, she co-founded Little Panda, a startup in the circular economy, before moving to École polytechnique as Head of Startup Programs, where she supported more than 20 deep tech projects. From 2018 to 2023, Sofia was a Partner at Elaia, leading investments in over 10 startups including Alice&Bob, Aqemia and Harfanglab, and contributing to two funds in partnership with major research institutions. She has also advised institutions such as the World Bank (IFC) and UM6P, and gives lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship at ENS Ulm. At daphni, she is the go-to person to discuss the challenges of building deep tech companies and the unique role of scientists and researchers in driving innovation.

Session

Roundtable discussions

Friday 13 November (1300 - 1400)

Speaker