Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
I’m a multi-entrepreneur and tech VC turned professional coach and mentor specialized in development of CEOs of technology and industrial startups. I leverage both operational experience in 6 startups (from simple developer to CTO, COO, CEO and Chairman) and 10 years as deep-tech investor for CEA Investissement (now SUPERNOVA INVEST) where I financed, structured and developed technology startups. I now solely focus on developing Human Capital, through coaching, training and mentoring startups founders and their management team. Developing and empowering startup founders is THE most powerful evolutionary force, as important as getting the project funded. In 2019, I received the Best Coaching Case Award from the ESMT Berlin Coaching Colloquium for my work on entrepreneurial coaching (along with Pauline FATIEN and Silja KOTTE).
Working Capital is a pioneering coaching consultancy specialized in VC-backed technology and industrial startups. We mainly provide: A personal long-haul mentoring program that focuses on developing startup founders and turning them into full-fledge CEOs and industry leaders. The program covers many different areas, from building self-confidence in the role, managing one’s team and organization, structuring roadmap and milestones, running a startup, learning the industry/VC codes, growing oneself and one’s team to allow company growth. Off-Site Management Team Seminars with selected topics such as Leadership, Responsibility and Accountability, Team Building, Communication, Culture Values and Alignment, Strategy & Roadmap… Training programs for tech incubators and government agencies : - Leadership and Entrepreneurship - CEO Role/Posture and Team Building - Access to Capital Funding - VC-backed Startup Governance - How to become a better Board Member (for VCs) Management Due-Diligence Services to 1st-Funding by VCs Co-founders/Executives Dispute Resolution CEO transitioning Exit/integration Coaching I mostly work in the following industries: med/healthtech, cleantech, IT, semicon, chemical, aero. 2024 engagements include Quantum Computing, Decarbonized Aviation, Carbon Capture, Implantable Medical Devices, Electronic Components, Technical Software...)
CAELI ENERGIE is a Grenoble-based CleanTech startup that aims to help us adapt to climate warming by providing air-con solutions with a much lower carbon footprint than existing technology. I co-founded the company in 2020 with Rémi PERONY (CEO) and Stéphane LIPS (CSO).he
GENOSKIN is a Toulouse/Boston-based CRO using live human skin platforms & hi-tech data analysis to secure drug development
LIFT was a web based digital product helping consumers think proactively about their life, set and review goals in any life domain, align short-term actions on long-term decisions and find answers through introspection with help of self-coaching protocols. The product had roots both in classic self-help literature as well as in recent academic advances in Psychology and Goal Setting. Although we received support from early backers and some grant funding, we failed to reach a convincing proof of concept, both of the product usage and value, and of the projected business model. We couldn't manage to find the right balance between simplicity and powerfulness. We didn’t manage either to demonstrate our value proposition to a wider audience, a prerequisite to further funding. LIFT was nevertheless a lifetime experience where we tried to crack and pioneer the upcoming digitization of self-help. Thankfully, I was helped by an outstanding team.
WeWantToKnow A/S is a developer of learning games for families and schools, focusing on primary and secondary education. Our products are designed to engage young learners and to efficiently teach subjects known to be tedious and time-consuming to learn. We create fun games that motivate and inspire children by playing on their curiosity and natural ability to explore and learn new things. Our first product DragonBox about learning algebra was released in 2012 and was immediately recognized as a breakthrough in mathematics teaching. It is widely regarded as setting a new standard with regards to game-based learning. As a result, DragonBox has earned more than 18 international awards in gaming and education. DragonBox was acquired by Kahoot in 2019. Marketing/Sales - Built a marketing team. Developed revenues (both B2C through app stores, and B2B through sales to schools, educational institutions or distribution partners). Business Development, contract negotiation and closing (mainly in US and Europe). Strategy/Organization - Defined the overall corporate strategy, product strategy and business model. Coordinated board and shareholders meetings. Finance/Legal/HR - Built and kept up-to-date the Business Plan, cash and sales forecasts. Management of corporate finance and funding. Secure that the company has the necessary financial resources to afford a high level of ambition. Management of all legal affairs (corporate, commercial and social). Acquisition of a Paris-based company in 2013. Several recruitments and labor disputes.