Why We Invested in Edgee

From Data Loss to Data Gold to Pioneering the Future of Edge Computing Applications

For many businesses, the challenge of data loss is a persistent and frustrating reality. Nearly 40% of critical customer data goes missing due to ad blockers, privacy regulations, and restrictive browser settings. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant obstacle for companies that rely on accurate data to optimize operations, personalize customer experiences, and measure KPIs like user retention and return on ad spend. 

Historically, businesses have either tolerated this data loss or relied on makeshift solutions, many of which are non-compliant or outright illegal. Until now, no best practice has emerged to address this issue comprehensively. In an era where personalization and AI are paramount and require complete and accurate customer data, the stakes have never been higher. The status quo simply cannot continue.

When we met Sacha Morard and Gilles Raymond, we were inspired by their innovative approach to tackling this pressing issue: leveraging edge computing to restore data visibility while maintaining privacy compliance.

Sacha, former CTO of Le Monde, experienced this problem firsthand. As one of Europe’s largest media platforms, Le Monde relies heavily on data for user experience optimization and monetization through ads and content engagement. With diminishing data accuracy, even basic analytics became unreliable. Sacha recognized that edge computing could be the solution—collecting data at the network's edge to bypass the limitations imposed by ad blockers and privacy laws while upholding user consent.

Joining forces with Gilles, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of successful exits and deep commercial expertise, they founded Edgee: a platform that collects 100% of user data by harnessing the power of edge networks like AWS, Cloudflare, and Fastly. The result? Businesses can maintain data flow and compliance while gaining insights that were previously invisible. 

A Bold Bet with Massive Potential

We believe Edgee is poised to make a transformative impact in a market ripe for disruption. Here’s the rundown on why we’re excited about their potential:

Turning a Long-Ignored Problem Into Market Gold

Edgee has cracked the code for a challenge the industry has tolerated for years but has become untenable with the rise of personalisation and AI. Businesses will only increasingly demand real-time, privacy-compliant data and Edgee’s innovative solution addresses this head-on.

Tackling a Market Opportunity That Keeps Getting Bigger

While Edgee’s bread-and-butter is the massive data analytics space, its real magic lies in the potential to naturally expand into other huge areas — think cybersecurity, observability, A/B testing, and AI. These untapped verticals make their opportunity not just big, but boundless.

Open Source Play Driving Flywheel-like Growth

Edgee’s open-source strategy isn’t just smart—it’s a viral growth hack. By sparking developer adoption, building integrations, and creating a thriving ecosystem, Edgee is turning its users into evangelists, fueling network effects that competitors will struggle to replicate.

Poised to Dominate a Winner-Take-All Market

Edgee’s first-mover advantage and open-source-fueled momentum give it the inside track to dominate the edge-based applications market. The combination of early traction and network effects could make them the gold standard in this emerging space.

Dream Team Built to Win

Edgee’s founders bring the perfect blend of technical brilliance and entrepreneurial savvy. Sacha’s deep expertise and hands-on experience, paired with Gilles’ track record in scaling startups, make this team uniquely qualified to bring their vision to life.

At VentureFriends, we’re not afraid to ‘go big or go home’. The Bold bet? We believe that Edgee will become the ‘gold standard’ open-source platform in edge-oriented applications that will bolster the adoption of edge computing across industries. If they succeed, it won’t just redefine how businesses collect, process, and leverage data in a privacy-first world—it will set the stage for what’s possible in edge computing and beyond. 

It's going to be challenging, it's going to be exciting, and it's going to be revolutionary. And we couldn't be more thrilled to be along for the journey!