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Candice du Fretay is the Founder and General Partner of Outlier Grove, an early-stage venture capital fund based in London, United Kingdom. She recently launched the $20 million solo GP vehicle to invest $200,000 to $500,000 tickets in European B2B startups across the artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and fintech sectors. Before establishing her own firm, du Fretay spent four years as an investor at Accel and held a principal role at Atomico, backing notable technology companies including Sorare and H Company. Her earlier career includes working in investment banking at Lazard in the United States before earning a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Du Fretay currently focuses on leveraging her transatlantic network to help European founders scale globally and engage with the US market from the angel and seed stages.
Candice du Fretay stands as a key investor at Accel, one of the world's leading venture capital firms. As a Principal, she plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing early-stage technology companies across the vibrant European and Israeli startup ecosystems. Her investment thesis is deeply rooted in understanding the foundational shifts driving the digital economy, with a sharp focus on sectors such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), fintech, developer tools, the future of work, artificial intelligence (AI), and data infrastructure.
Candice's approach to investing is informed by a rich and diverse career background that blends strategic consulting, operational product management, and early-stage venture capital. Before joining Accel, she honed her analytical skills at McKinsey & Company, where she advised clients on critical strategic initiatives. This foundation provided her with a robust framework for evaluating market opportunities and business models. She then transitioned into the operational side of technology, serving in product management at Doctolib, a leading European health tech company. This experience gave her invaluable insights into building and scaling products, understanding user needs, and navigating the complexities of rapid growth.
Her journey into venture capital began at Point Nine Capital, a renowned early-stage VC firm, where she gained hands-on experience in sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies from their nascent stages. This blend of strategic, operational, and investment expertise makes Candice a highly sought-after partner for founders. She brings not only capital but also a deep understanding of product development, market dynamics, and the challenges inherent in scaling a startup.
At Accel, Candice leverages this comprehensive background to back ambitious entrepreneurs who are building disruptive technologies. She is particularly passionate about companies that are leveraging AI to create new efficiencies, empowering developers with innovative tools, or transforming financial services through cutting-edge fintech solutions. Her contributions help Accel continue its legacy of identifying and supporting the next generation of global technology leaders, providing them with the resources and strategic guidance needed to achieve significant impact. Candice is dedicated to working closely with founders, offering mentorship and strategic support as they navigate the journey from initial concept to market leadership.
Candice du Fretay is a Principal at Accel, a leading global venture capital firm. She is an investor specializing in early-stage technology companies across Europe and Israel, focusing on sectors like SaaS, fintech, and AI.
Candice du Fretay primarily invests in early-stage technology companies within key sectors such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), fintech, developer tools, the future of work, artificial intelligence (AI), and data infrastructure.
Candice du Fretay works at Accel, a prominent venture capital firm with offices globally, including in London and Palo Alto. She contributes to Accel's investment activities, particularly across the European and Israeli startup ecosystems.
