Biography
Francisco Velázquez is founder and Chairman of Axon Partners Group, a global investment and consulting firm focused on technology and innovation, founded in 2006 and listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange [BME: APG]. Through Axon, he has invested in nearly one hundred technology companies across Europe, the Americas and the Middle East—frequently serving as a board member—and oversees commitments in approximately fifty venture capital funds worldwide covering all technologies from software to biotech. This extensive portfolio reflects Francisco's exceptional track record as an investor, with Axon consistently delivering successful investments, including notable exits through IPOs.
Francisco plays an active role in the development of Europe's innovation and venture capital ecosystem. He is a former board member of the European Innovation Council of the European Commission (EISMEA) (2023–2025), and currently serves as a member of the Listed Managers' Committee of Invest Europe and the board of SpainCap (the Spanish Association of Venture Capital and Private Equity).
Francisco holds an MSc in Aeronautics and an MBA both from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, and completed his thesis at the Polytechnic of Milan. He began his career in the aerospace sector at EADS/CASA Espacio (now part of Airbus), contributing to the design of components for the Ariane V launcher. He later joined Hispasat as Mission Manager for the H1C and H1D satellites, also leading joint projects with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission.
Before founding Axon, he spent five years at the British strategy consultancy Analysys Consulting, where he led major operations and strategic projects for companies, funds and regulators in the telecommunications and media sectors across Europe.
Francisco is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.