Former Uber Executive Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty Joins Plural

Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, a prominent figure in the tech industry, has joined the early-stage investment firm Plural as a full-time partner. Previously a key executive at Uber, where he played a vital role in the company’s growth over 13 years, Gore-Coty aims to leverage his extensive experience to foster European startups.

Founded in 2022 by a group of notable entrepreneurs, including Taavet Hinrikus of Wise and Ian Hogarth of Songkick, Plural seeks to inject operational expertise into the European venture capital landscape. The firm has successfully raised €750 million across two funds and invested in innovative startups such as spacetech company The Exploration Company and defence unicorn Helsing.

Gore-Coty’s transition to Plural highlights a growing trend in the venture capital sector. He emphasizes that many investors in Europe come from finance and consulting backgrounds rather than having hands-on experience in building and scaling businesses. “Too few of those who have actually founded, run and scaled businesses,” he told Sifted.

His journey with Uber began in 2012 when the ride-hailing service was still a nascent company with just 100 employees. Gore-Coty took charge of the French market, leading significant expansions throughout the EMEA region. By 2020, he was part of Uber’s executive leadership team, overseeing operations outside North America and later taking on the global leadership of Uber Eats. Under his guidance, this segment grew to achieve a gross merchandise value of $90 billion and delivered $727 million in EBITDA in just the last quarter of 2024.

Gore-Coty’s decision to join Plural stems from a desire to contribute more actively to the European tech ecosystem. He has observed that while Europe is home to immense talent, the region still lacks a sufficient number of global tech champions. He aims to cultivate a culture of ambition and execution among European founders, stating, “We need investors who can roll up their sleeves, work hand-in-hand with founders and help turn ambition into execution.”

He believes that the current environment presents an unprecedented opportunity for European startups. “It’s a snowball effect,” Gore-Coty explained, noting that for every successful company, numerous individuals gain experience and eventually start their own ventures. This growing network is essential for creating a thriving tech ecosystem.

In his role at Plural, Gore-Coty plans to focus on businesses that require operational expertise, particularly in sectors facing leadership challenges during scaling. His background at Uber equips him to guide startups through the complex process of international expansion. “We figured out the right way to localise the business,” he said, reflecting on his experiences in various markets.

As part of his commitment to Plural, Gore-Coty will oversee the firm’s first office in Paris. This strategic move underscores the importance of the French tech landscape and signals Plural’s dedication to supporting startups across Europe. While he will initially focus on French companies, he is clear that his investment scope will extend throughout the continent.

With his extensive background and a firm belief in the potential of European startups, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty aims to make a significant impact at Plural. His insights and operational know-how are set to benefit many founders eager to transform their ambitions into successful enterprises.