Matis establishes first Swiss office in Geneva to democratize art investment

French investment firm Matis has set up operations in Geneva with the launch of Matis Art Club Deals Suisse SA, marking a significant step in its mission to make 20th-century masterpieces accessible to investors through an innovative co-investment model.

Founded in 2023 by François Carbone and Arnaud Dubois, Matis has rapidly become a key player in European art investment. The company offers investors the opportunity to co-invest in iconic artworks from renowned artists such as Pierre Soulages, Andy Warhol, and Niki de Saint Phalle, starting at EUR 20,000. Since its commercial launch in May 2023, Matis has facilitated the financing of 49 artworks, 9 of which have already been resold, generating an average net return of 17.5%.

Geneva’s selection as Matis’ first Swiss location aligns with the company’s targeted expansion strategy. As a global financial hub with a strong investor base, Geneva presents an ideal market for Matis to grow. By the third quarter of 2025, the company plans to further expand into Zurich, Ticino, and Italy, regions with high potential for high-net-worth investors (HNWIs) seeking portfolio diversification through art.

This expansion was facilitated by Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa), the Office Cantonal de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (OCEI), and the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France-Suisse (CCIFS), which supported Matis in establishing its presence in Western Switzerland.

Art investment as an alternative asset class

Investing in blue-chip art (high-value works with stable demand) provides an alternative to traditional asset classes such as real estate and stock markets. Unlike conventional investments, artworks trade on a global market that is less affected by monetary and inflationary fluctuations, offering investors a relatively stable and resilient asset.

“Our model allows investors to diversify their portfolios while participating in a sector full of opportunities,” explains François Carbone, Co-Founder and CEO of Matis. Arnaud Dubois, Director of Investments, adds that contemporary art combines financial returns with cultural significance, making it an asset class that is increasingly recognized for its stability and long-term value.

Strong growth and future expansion

Matis is on a fast-growth trajectory, having raised EUR 30 million in 2024, with a goal of EUR 100 million for 2025. To support this expansion, the company plans to triple its workforce to 30 employees by the end of the first quarter of 2025, up from just 9 employees in late 2023.

With its Geneva office now operational, Matis strengthens its foothold in the European market and continues to pioneer the democratization of art investment.