DFJ Esprit becomes Draper Esprit

In addition to the rebranding, Tim Draper also plans to spend more time investing with the firm’s team. Successful investments include Horizon Discovery, a personalised medicine company.

London-based DFJ Esprit, a venture capital firm making primary, angel and secondaries deals, has been renamed Draper Esprit as Tim Draper plans to intensify investments with the firm in Europe, according to a statement.

Draper Esprit’s portfolio companies have raised more than $250 million from investors in the first half of 2015, representing one of the most active periods for the firm since it was founded nine years ago. Draper will now work more closely with the team of nine partners at the firm to find more opportunities in Europe.

Draper is an American venture capital investor who founded Draper Fisher Jurvetson in 1985. DFJ Esprit is part of the DFJ network.

One of the goals of the firm is to “find, back and scale the next wave of European unicorns, as the number of European companies reaching a $1 billion valuation continues to rise,” according to the statement.

Draper Esprit’s portfolio companies include Trustpilot, which offers reviews for internet-based businesses; Lyst, a fashion market place; Horizon Discovery, a personalised medicine company; and Miura, a payment systems company.

“For 30 years, Tim Draper has expanded the horizons of venture capital and entrepreneurship always focusing on the big ideas and teams that really can change the world,” said Draper Esprit founder and chief executive Simon Cook, in the statement. “We are excited to continue to lead that mission in Europe alongside Tim.”