PARIS — Agency start-up accelerator and venture fund MXP Ventures has backed its latest agency launch: Ellipse Communications, founded by international communications specialist Coraline Bardinat.

The new strategic communications, public relations and events agency is MXP’s first foray into France. The $10 million venture fund was set up last year by Michael Young, the founder of San Francisco-based agency holding company Millwright Holdings, and Tilo Bonow, the founder of Berlin-based PR agency Piabo.

Bardinat has worked as an independent consultant and in senior roles at US government relations specialist Richard Attias & Associates and French PR agency Wellcom.

She said: “The world has fundamentally changed, and there is a real challenge for companies, from series A start-ups to mature institutions, in reaching new audiences and opening new markets in the global context while staying true to their core identity. Ellipse leverages communications strategies focused on innovation, values and mission to help companies expand globally and connect with their audience.”

MXP has so far also backed two UK agencies: Bound to Prosper, founded by Lydia Hoye, previously the managing partner at Kazoo, last September, and Upside PR, launched by former Flagship MD Mark Pinnes in January this year.

Bonow said: “The French tech, corporate and innovation scene includes an incredibly diverse array of start-ups, scale-ups and global champions, and Coraline’s experience in international corporate, investment and development-related communications projects is the exact right fit for us as we expand our agency portfolio into France.”