Isabelle Bébéar

Director, Head of International & European Affairs at Bpifrance

Presenter

Isabelle Bébéar has been Bpifrance’s Director of International and European Affairs since 2019. She leads the bank’s international strategy to boost its visibility and support the growth of French companies abroad. Her responsibilities include managing relationships with European and global institutions, developing partnerships with sovereign wealth funds and long‑term investors, and advising foreign governments on building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems. She also oversees EuroQuity, the digital platform that connects innovative businesses with international investors and new opportunities.

More than 20 years ago, Isabelle created Averroès Africa, the first European fund of funds dedicated to Africa. She continues to steer its successive programs, including Averroès Africa IV (2023) and the Averroès Venture Funds (2025). Altogether, the funds have invested over €250 million in 35 venture, growth and debt funds supporting startups, SMEs and mid‑caps across 40 African countries.

Isabelle also sits on Proparco’s board and on the board of the Aspen Institute France. She co‑chairs the Montreal Group.