Dubai-based Global Ventures led a EUR 7.5 mn seed investment round for French sovereign cloud provider PoliCloud, according to a press release (pdf). The funding round also saw participation from Inria, OneRagtime, and Mi8, and the new capital will be used to hire the operating team and grow its business globally, focusing on public entities in Europe.

The pitch: The investment comes amid European efforts to diversify the USD 800 bn cloud market away from reliance on US-based providers. PoliCloud already deployed four systems since its February 2025 launch and is projected to bring in revenues of EUR 6 mn this year. The company’s distributed model claims lower operational costs than traditional hyperscale cloud providers.

About PoliCloud: The Cannes-based company provides sovereign cloud infrastructure through a decentralized network of micro-data centers. Cities like Cannes have used its PoliCloud system, as have private firms like Data Factory.

IN OTHER STARTUP NEWS–

Dubai-based startup-focused entrepreneurial platform idea-L secured USD 1 mn in pre-seed funding to develop its AI and Web3 platform that guides entrepreneurs from concept to funded venture, according to a press release. The oversubscribed funding round was led by angel investors and includes undisclosed partnership commitments.

Where will the money go: The funding will support technical hiring and launch plans for the company’s GovToken and decentralized VC fund. idea-L’s core product, the Idea Realization Platform, uses AI for rapid venture validation through its fast-feasibility tool, with additional features for market analysis and funding access set to be rolled out by the end of the year.

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