Who-we-are | Cherry Tree

Leadership

CYRILLE COSTES and FRANCK BLAIS began working together nearly 20 years ago at Total Trading. Recognizing an opportunity in their combined leadership and finance insight, they co-founded Lynx in 2010. Building on their independent success, the two founded Cherry Tree in 2013, to focus on new markets with an eye to the future. At Cherry Tree, their experience, global perspective and intellectual curiosity come together to flourish in the new economy.

Franck

Franck is an entrepreneur, fund manager and angel investor. He has managed Cherry Tree investments since the Fund creation in 2013, along with his long-time business partner Cyrille Costes. Through two different funds, they currently manage a portfolio of over 100 startups with an impressive track record as early investors in Casper, Thrive Market, Pillpack, etc.

Prior to Cherry Tree, Franck had a career in commodities trading and finance, and co-founded Lynx Energy with Cyrille Costes.

Franck holds an M.S. from Northwestern University and a B.A. from the French Institute of Petroleum (IFP).

Cyrille

Serial entrepreneur with a focus on deal origination, Cyrille has more than 25 years’ experience in growing companies. After top positions at Total Trading and Mercuria Energy, he co-founded Lynx Energy, a successful oil trading and investment company. He also co-founded Lynx Consulting, a consultancy company, as well as an art gallery in France.

Cyrille and Franck launched their first Venture Capital fund in 2013, and their second fund in late 2016. Cherry Tree Fund I has a 2.5 return, and Cherry Tree Fund II already holds successful exits. Venture Capital has become Cyrille’s current core business.

Cyrille holds a Master's degree in English from the Sorbonne, a degree from the Political Science Institute of Strasbourg, and an M.B.A. from H.E.C. in Paris.