Julien Lepleux

Principal

2023 - Current

Bleu Capital is a venture family office deploying a permanent capital base to scale ultra-efficient climate companies. We take a concentrated and highly active approach to investing. Efficient growth is in our DNA: As operators, we've bootstrapped to $200M+ in sales. As investors, we bring a bold, brutally honest and high conviction partnership to founders. https://www.bleucap.com/

Investment Associate

2020 - 2022

Advisor - Growth Strategy

2020 - 2022

For Days is the first closed-loop marketplace company, on a mission to make zero-waste clothing available to everyone. For Days was highlighted as the 7th fastest growing retail brand in 2020. I took an operating role at For Days and focused on the planning and execution of the brand's customer acquisition and retention strategy, as well as the implementation of management and reporting best practices. I built the marketing team that took over after my mission. https://fordays.com/

Sr. Manager - Growth Strategy & Operations

2019 - 2020

I managed driver supply growth and new market launches, During that time, I helped turn Ara Labs (formerly Cargo) into the fastest growing rideshare adjacent business (40K active drivers, 200K historical signups), introduced the venture’s first profitable operating model, launched our largest market in LA and managed multiple local teams. In 2019, we achieved 100% YoY user growth while reducing CAC by 65%. A hyper-rapid masterclass in what to do (and not to do) in growth marketing (OOH, SEM, radio ads, paid social, guerilla marketing, referrals, lifecycle management)... https://drivecargo.com/

Manager - Growth Strategy & Operations

2019 - 2019

I planned and executed the launch of paid acquisition campaigns in the US, Brazil and Mexico. Worked with the product team to execute a product roadmap that improved Cargo’s 30-day retention, consequently increasing our north star KPI by 30%. I also launched 3 markets, deployed hubs and directly managed local teams in Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

Associate - Operations

2018 - 2019

Joined as employee #14 I developed a network of 30 affiliate partners across the mobility industry, generating 20% of all US signups and project coordinated Cargo’s largest market expansion in Los Angeles, including go-to-market plan, logistics planning and inventory management.

VC Analyst

2017 - 2018

I performed analysis, modeling and valuation on inbound dealflow for Wharton's SoCal investment club.

VC Analyst

2017 - 2017

My internship at Bleu Capital was my first experience within the VC and tech space. I evaluated investment potential of retail SaaS ventures, conducted cohort analysis and competitor reviews. My mission was to study innovations at the intersection of technology and commerce while embedding myself into the NYC tech community. I also performed due diligence process for Bleu Capital's largest investment at the time.

Research Assistant

2015 - 2015

Conducted research on the impact of Chinese & South East Asian tourism on the Maldivian economy. TLDR: It was large, and growing.