Fil Rouge Capital (FRC) invests in early stage businesses from angel investment, seed, VC and Series A rounds through a combination of equity and debt structures. FRC’s approach is to target investments that complement the skills and experience of its Founders so that they can bring more than just capital to help a business grow. Both FRC’s Founders have a core knowledge of technology, services, and an entrepreneurial history that they can bring to the benefit of an investment.  FRC is Europe-centric, and with a base in Ljubljana, Slovenia, there is an additional focus on Central and Eastern Europe, Austria and Southern Germany. On an opportunistic basis FRC will look at deals throughout Europe and also the United States. The Founders are well-connected to accelerators in Central Europe and in Silicon Valley.

Fil Rouge Capital (FRC)

Smartwork

Smartwork is a consumer service company delivering smart and connected furniture for increased productivity. They design and produce smart furniture which fulfills modern market needs by integrating technology into high-quality wood-made furniture, which features led back-light, chargers, electrical outlets, etc.

SmartWorks is a European destination management company (DMC) specializing in end-to-end corporate event planning and logistics management for global companies across the continent. Founded in 2008, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, handling every aspect of event planning from start to finish, including audio-visual production, design, and on-site coordination.

About Us - Our Event Management Company

SmartWorks Professional IT Staffing

FCSA Accredited Umbrella Payroll Company

Technology to customize and procure furniture

Furniture Tech

SmartWorks is a European destination management company (DMC) specializing in end-to-end corporate event planning and logistics management for global companies across the continent. Founded in 2008, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, handling every aspect of event planning from start to finish, including audio-visual production, design, and on-site coordination.
SmartWorks distinguishes itself through its extensive network of trusted vendors across Europe, allowing clients to access the best resources without additional costs. The company's proprietary approach combines destination expertise with advanced technology solutions to create immersive experiences tailored to each client's unique requirements.
A key advantage for SmartWorks' clients is the ability to book events without paying value-added tax (VAT), regardless of the destination. This tax exemption, unavailable when booking directly with local providers, translates into significant cost savings for corporations partnering with SmartWorks.

Casper Sleep Inc. is an award-winning sleep company known for its design-driven products, unparalleled customer support, and seamless shopping experience. The company has revolutionized the mattress industry by offering a direct-to-consumer model, allowing customers to purchase affordable, high-quality mattresses online and have them delivered in a compact box.
Casper's mattresses are designed with three core principles in mind: cooling, support, and comfort. The company's research and development arm, Casper Labs, obsessively engineers its sleep offerings, including mattresses, pillows, bedding, and furniture. In January 2024, Casper unveiled a new line of mattresses reflecting the most up-to-date needs of customers, set to launch in February 2024.
Casper operates on a subscription-based model, where customers can purchase products directly from their ecommerce platform or through authorized retail partners. The company offers a 100-night risk-free trial, allowing customers to return the mattress if unsatisfied, and has it donated to charity or recycled. As of October 2019, Casper served over 1 million customers across eight countries and generated USD 439 million in revenue for the year.

Casper

MADE is a pioneering, family-founded British business dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-end, contemporary furniture. Their pieces are meticulously crafted from sustainable materials like solid wood sourced from European managed forests and estates with proper certifications. MADE embraces innovative technologies and continuously refines its practices to minimize environmental impact, aiming for low resource consumption, reduced emissions, and minimal waste disposal.
The company utilizes its own timber and sawdust waste to heat its factory, offers reupholstery services to extend furniture lifespan, and uses recyclable packaging materials. By producing furniture made-to-order, MADE ensures a respectful approach to resource utilization. With an internal Environmental Management system and ISO14001 accreditation, the brand maintains ethical working practices and a commitment to reducing harm to the environment, achieving the highest 'A' level rating on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

MADE

Simba Sleep is a British company that manufactures mattresses, mattress toppers, and other bedding products. Its flagship product is the Simba mattress, designed using data from over 10 million sleepers and featuring 2,500 conical pocket springs combined with responsive memory foam. Simba utilizes advanced technologies like open-cell foam structures and graphite-infused cooling layers to enhance breathability and temperature regulation.
The company sources materials from local UK suppliers and manufactures its products in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Simba emphasizes environmental sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and processes. Its mattresses are designed to adapt to different body types and sleeping positions, providing optimal comfort and support.
As of 2024, Simba has achieved sales of over 750,000 sleep products worldwide and has amassed over 200,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.76 stars. The company offers a 200-night trial period and a 10-year warranty on its mattresses.

Simba Sleep

Havenly is an online interior design service that provides professional design assistance to customers across the US. It connects customers with vetted interior designers who create customized design plans based on the customer's style preferences, space, and budget. The service offers two main packages - the Havenly Mini (USD 79) for a room refresh, and the Havenly Full (USD 129) for a complete room redesign.
The design process begins with a style quiz to determine the customer's design aesthetic. Customers are then matched with a designer based on their preferences, and they collaborate through an online platform. The designer shares initial concept boards, which the customer can provide feedback on, leading to a final design with a layout plan, 3D renderings (for the Full package), and a curated shopping list for purchasing furniture and decor.
Havenly's strength lies in its ecommerce integration, allowing customers to conveniently purchase the recommended products directly through the platform. The company partners with over 200 retailers to offer a wide range of furniture and decor options across various styles and price points. In February 2022, Havenly acquired The Inside, a direct-to-consumer home furnishings brand offering customizable furniture, expanding its product offerings.
In May 2022, Havenly introduced in-person design services in select US markets, combining virtual tools like 3D renderings with hands-on consultations and styling by designers. This expansion aligned with the company's mission to make interior design more accessible and personalized.

Havenly

GAIA is a leading Mexican furniture manufacturer renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The company is the first in Mexico to develop furniture using certified wood sourced from sustainable forests, steering clear of materials like MDF. GAIA's product line encompasses a diverse range, including sofas, chairs, dining sets, tables, beds, wardrobes, and more, catering to residential and commercial spaces alike.
The brand prides itself on offering high-quality, natural designs that prioritize functionality and durability. GAIA's philosophy revolves around creating innovative, eco-friendly products that can be recycled, thereby minimizing their environmental impact. In addition to its nine branches across Mexico, the company has forged partnerships with local NGOs, further solidifying its dedication to sustainability.
GAIA has pioneered a new concept of modularity for its bathroom furniture line, enabling customers to customize and compose their desired solutions from various components. This approach allows for tailored aesthetics by selecting from nine distinct front panel designs, including Simple, Natura, Twist, Robin, Orizzonte, Auto, Wave, Domino, and Garden. Customers can independently create and price their ideal furnishing solutions, ensuring a personalized experience.
The company's recent catalogue expansion introduced a range of vanity unit configurations, with options for drawer modules, door modules, open compartments, and side modules. GAIA offers a versatile selection of countertop materials, including polished or matte white ceramic, crystal glass, matte resin, marble, and wood, catering to diverse design preferences.
In February 2021, GAIA unveiled its flagship store in Mexico City's Colonia Roma area, a vibrant cultural and commercial hub. The store's façade features a striking design with hand-made black concrete panels and steel beams, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

GAIA

Includes companies that offer furniture for a monthly rental, offered on a subscription basis or rent-to-own basis

Companies that develop customized furniture based on specifications (material, color, design, etc.) selected on the website by the customer

Companies that develop IoT-enabled furniture, usually controlled via a mobile app (e.g., an app-controlled bed that allows users to customize bed settings, create lighting scenarios, open safe drawers, etc.)

Companies that provide an online marketplace for P2P and B2B2C buying and selling for both used and new furniture

Companies that offer ready-made furniture sold directly through the website

Companies that offer virtual interior design solutions to design spaces, including furniture. These companies also typically offer furniture sourcing, installation, and coordination activities

Companies that develop lego-like and modular furniture systems that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Also includes space-saving expandable furniture systems

Customized furniture based on specifications selected on the website by the customer or virtual designs

IoT-connected furniture typically with the option of control through a mobile app

Furniture rental platforms that offer furniture on subscription basis or rent-to-own basis

Some companies offer IoT-connected furniture with the option of control through a mobile app

Smartwork

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