Gonzague Lefebvre

More prizes for the #1 Impact Startup Awards… Discover them now! 👇 What if we could offer square meters? I recently met the right partner for all startups out there: “We create steady square meters for entrepreneurs to shake things up” - Quoting Alexandre Ponchon and Axel Kuborn - co-founders Silversquare. In a fast-changing world, companies and individuals alike are rethinking their use of space and time, seeking more efficiency and flexibility, while preserving a sense of community and togetherness. Silversquare was born from this state of mind. Aware that the workspaces of tomorrow will be the cornerstone of new lifestyles, we provide state-of-the-art coworking venues to meet every need and every dream. I’m happy to announce the Silversquare prizes of the future #1 Belgium Impact Startup Awards winners. All Prizes are valid for 12 months in the 12 Silversquare spaces across Belgium 🇧🇪 and Luxembourg 🇱🇺: 🥇 1 FREE event in collaboration & hosted at Silversquare + 10 day passes. 🥈 10 day passes.  🥉 5 day passes. + 🏅 Special B2B Prize: 2 FREE FLEX memberships. 🏅 Special B2C Prize: 2 FREE FLEX memberships. Are you an impact #startup or #scaleup? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/gDxeth_C Apply with a 10-slide pitch to make a lasting impact! Let's scale up! 👏 #startups #scaleups #buildingbridges

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You wanna know how startup funding is going on right now in Belgium 🇧🇪 ? 🔮 I shared with Maxime SAMAIN (L'Echo) my point of view on that matter. 🦄 < >🐌 Article here: https://lnkd.in/e9qbCKKX Discover my take on the situation in 4 points: 1️⃣ More experienced 🐼 Belgium's startup scene boomed around 2015. These early-stage investors, the Business Angels, have gained experience through their investments made between 2015 and 2020. This newfound expertise makes them more rigorous in their analysis and more demanding of startups, ultimately limiting funding for a select few. 2️⃣ Investment shift ↩ The 2022 inflation surge reshaped investor mindsets and expectations. This trend solidified in 2023, becoming the "new normal." Consequently, 2024 witnessed a significant decline in funding for startups lacking a clear path to profitability. 3️⃣ Cycle ♻ The pre-pandemic boom in startups (around 2020) is now experiencing its first wave of bankruptcies. This has understandably shaken some Business Angels' confidence. While this cycle is natural, fear currently dominates investment decisions for many. 4️⃣ Post trauma 🤕 We are in a “post trauma” period. The above elements are making Business Angels much more risk averse. To restore confidence, we need to see successful Belgian 🇧🇪 startups emerge. Thankfully, time can be a healer, and some inspiring success stories 💪 are likely unfolding even as you browse this tremendous LinkedIn post 😜. Let's scale it up! 👏 #startups #scaleups #buildingbridges

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🔥🔥🔥 I’m super excited to share Dark's seed funding extension, bringing it to $11m! 🔥🔥🔥 --> https://lnkd.in/eNVhXHBC <-- 🚀 As we’ve set our sight on space security, our road is paved with groundbreaking technologies. These advancements assemble into various strategic assets, unlocking opportunities that far exceed the state of the art. 🗓 With renewed support from our initial investors and the backing of a remarkable new partner, we are now gearing up for the next phase of our journey - a crucial one to operate the first space protection missions. 💪 Yet, achieving extraordinary results requires more than shortcuts; there’s no cheat code. That’s why we hold every team member to high standards. This milestone is a testament to their collective achievements. Shoutout to every member of the Dark team; this recognition is truly deserved! 💫 The ultimate goal behind every technological advancement is to shape the future. To that end, our developments aim to define a new category for space applications, but also hold the potential to transpose into other fields, where they can serve meaningful and positive impacts. 🛫 As we embark on this new chapter, we are expanding our team, inviting like-minded individuals to join us in this journey. -> https://lnkd.in/eWZQEQZR CNES, Commandement de l'Espace, DGA - Direction générale de l'armement, Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile, Direction Générale des Entreprises, Clyde Laheyne #Space #Hirings #fundraise

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Dear network, 🌟 It has been a while since I last shared updates, and I'm thrilled to bring you up to speed on all that has been happening and what is ahead! 🌟 Over the past six months, I have embarked on a journey across the USA, engaging with investors, industrial partners and most importantly, users. Reflecting on my time in Silicon Valley, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges of fundraising in today's landscape. While the allure of seed-stage investment remains strong, I have observed a shift where investors increasingly seek near-series A achievements. Even as a deeptech startup, I have encountered expectations for user traction and revenue before advancing discussions. In response to this feedback, I am happy to announce that we have launched the beta-testing phase of our Orusight platform across the USA, collaborating closely with optometrists and patients to iterate and enhance our service based on their invaluable feedback. 🚀 Furthermore, I am proud to announce that RetiNov has evolved into a multinational entity, following the incorporation of our US branch. 🇺🇸 Also, I would like to extend my gratitude to Bpifrance and Les Deeptech 🚀 for featuring #Retinov in the insightful article below, which encapsulates our journey and our mission to promote healthy aging by providing healthcare professionals and their patients with predictive, actionable, and targeted solutions. Last but not least, starting next month, I commit to sharing regular updates on Retinov's progress via email every first day of the month! If you are interested, please feel free to DM me your email address, and I will ensure you are included in our mailing list. Thank you for your continued support, and here is to the exciting journey ahead! 🥂 #startup #healthcare #medicaltechnology #entrepreneurship #innovation #siliconvalley

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🚀 Attending @VivaTech, it's always a feast for the eyes (and ears 😅). With Olivier Mathiot we discussed the development of Back Market 10 years later. Challenging panel title... : "BUILDING A RESPONSIBLE STARTUP!" *🔍 How did it start ?* Working for Neteven I discovered the passion and expertise of refurbishers and got mind-blown by the potential for giving tech a second life. The car market was already doing it... why not extending this philosophy to #Tech products ? That's where Quentin Le Brouster and Vianney Vaute were crazy enough to take part in this incredible adventure as co-founders. Ten years later, millions of people joined the refurbishing revolution. We are in 18 countries. 🌎 Our #impact is getting global. And we operate with an amazing team of 700 Back Makers. Our scale, market depth, and quality-price algorithm promote responsible tech use for over 10 million consumers, supporting refurbishers worldwide. "Small is beautiful," but "big is useful" when aiming for change. *🎢 Highs and lows... are part of the journey* Starting from scratch meant : - Building Trust: Ten years ago, refurbishing was unknown. We aimed to create more than a trusted brand: a movement. - Changing Perceptions: Proving that second-hand isn't second-best but the best option was a challenge. We wanted to turn skeptics into advocates. - Diversity: A diverse and inclusive team drives innovation and creativity. That is the focus of our recruitment strategy. I think about those who were part of this journey. They built what Back Market is today. A force for good. And we want to keep it that way moving forward. *🧐 Asked by Olivier what were my tips for Entrepreneurs...* - Make sure your business is impactful by design. Really. Don’t fake it. - Make sure to surround yourself with great people with skills that you don’t have. trust them then. Starting with your business associates. Complementary backgrounds are key to make the magic happen. And make sure they are fun or you will get bored😅 #VivaTech #BackMarket #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #GlobalImpact #TechInnovation

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The new edition of 🇫🇷 French Tech Updates is here with everything you need to know this week including: 🚀 A new accelerator program at STATION F 💶 Startups who raised €296 million 👩‍💻 Interesting job opportunities with French startups 📆 Upcoming startup and VC events Read the full update here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTMUZiDy #frenchtech #startups #venturecapital

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My friend Michel Vandenberghe has done a lot of thinking reconceptualizing the commons, and the kinds of institutions / businesses we would need for the coming shift, including changes in our monetary system. It's in French, but worth putting in your translating tools: "Monetization of future potential - Risk-based currency is designed to represent and value future potentials rather than current values. - It encourages economic actors to invest in projects with transformation prospects, rather than simply seeking immediate growth. Major consequences. - Transformation economy: The economy is structured around the imperative of transformation. This means that the primary objective of investments and economic activities is to provoke beneficial long-term changes, rather than merely increasing short-term growth figures. - Sustainability requirement: To ensure the continuous ability to transform, it is crucial to preserve the resources and capacities necessary for these future transformations. This introduces an intrinsic requirement for sustainability, where economic decisions must consider their long-term impact on resources and the environment."

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🎬 Wrapping up my video trilogy with a personal anecdote from my early days at AFIGEC! 😅 #Recruitment #CareerJourney #FinanceProfessionals #Teamwork #PersonalGrowth

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📰 Proud of the incredible impact of the “Spendesk Mafia” on the startup ecosystem! This article by Les Echos highlights how our journey at Spendesk has paved the way for over a dozen groundbreaking startups, including my latest venture, Better Call. At Spendesk, we experienced hypergrowth, relentless innovation, and a culture of excellence. These experiences honed our skills and ignited our entrepreneurial spirit, leading us to launch ventures that transform industries. Better Call embodies these lessons, providing urgent expertise solutions that businesses need to thrive. Here are some stellar startups born from this adventure: • The Mobile-First Company (2022, France) - Co-founded by Jérémy Goillot • Cargo (YC S23) 🧱 (2023, USA) - Co-founded by Maxence de Villepion 🧱 and Aurelien Aubert 🧱 • Ceamless (2024, Germany) - Founded by Deniz Can Sebik • Defacto (2021, France) - Co-founded by Morgan O'hana and Jordane Giuly • Highcast (2021, France) - Founded by Vivien Robert • Hyperline (2022, France) - Co-founded by Lucas Bédout and Clément Garbay • Kulipa (2023, France) - Co-founded by Karl V. and Axel Cateland • m.ai club (2023, France) - Co-founded by Nicolas Marchais and Guillaume L. • Mithril (2023, France) - Founded by Kevin Bonte • næctar (2023, Denmark) - Founded by Andrea Karan, a breakthrough I’m proud to be part of this vibrant community, helping launch transformative businesses driven by Spendesk’s entrepreneurial spirit. 📖 Full article in the comments

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🚀 French Startups Break Fundraising Records!   June 2024 has been a milestone month for the French startup ecosystem, achieving an all-time high in fundraising with an astonishing €1.1 billion raised. This remarkable feat was spearheaded by Mistral AI, a leader in artificial intelligence, which secured a mega-raise of €600 million   🌟 Paris Region continues to be the heart of French innovation, attracting a staggering €879 million, nearly 80% of the total funds raised this month. This impressive concentration of investment underscores the Region's magnetic appeal for entrepreneurs and investors alike   Home to numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, Paris Region fosters a dynamic environment for startups to grow and thrive. Its world-renowned universities and research institutions contribute to a rich talent pool, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors. Coupled with funding opportunities and government initiatives, the Region offers comprehensive support to startups at every stage of their journey 📊   Read more: https://lnkd.in/dQtMs_E6   #startups #AI #investment #ParisRegion

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I just listened to an interesting Mozza podcast interview with Arthur Muller, co-founder and CPO of Explain. It was great to learn about how they're using generative AI to improve the way businesses interact with the public sector. I noticed quite a few similarities between Explain's approach and our own at Meero. A couple of key points that stood out to me: 1️⃣ The value of vertical AI applications. Like Explain, we believe that AI solutions tailored to the specific needs of users in a particular industry can deliver more relevant and impactful results. Focusing on a well-defined domain allows for a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities. 2️⃣ The importance of integrating with users' existing workflows. Many AI proofs-of-concept struggle to translate into production because they don't align with how people actually work. To be effective, AI tools need to fit seamlessly into users' daily routines. 3️⃣ Structuring teams for success in the age of AI. We've also found that embedding AI/ML talent within product & software teams, rather than siloing them in a separate research group, leads to better outcomes. This approach ensures that AI development is closely tied to the product and design process, while still allowing for longer-term explorations. It's always nice to see other companies taking a thoughtful, user-centric approach to building AI products. Looking forward to seeing what Explain does next. #AI #GenerativeAI #ProductManagement #Startups

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A few weeks ago, Pauline from AA & Sons came to Refael Benadmon, Datasset’s CEO, with a burning question 🔥 Pauline leads the venture investments of AA & Sons, the family office of Romain Afflelou. AA & Sons has 130+ direct investments and has been working with Datasset for the past 3 years to monitor and value its venture portfolio. 💬 Pauline: “I see a shift in the VC industry, as an increasing number of startups in my portfolio companies aim for profitability in the next months. I really value these startups that manage to find the right balance between growth & profitability. As a fund, I wonder how to integrate these efforts into their valuation." 💬 Refael “You’re right - startups that control their costs and extend their runway have the most value these days. Let’s ask my Datasset team to work on a new valuation model that includes the profitability aspect." After weeks of hard work, we came up with a whole new valuation model to answer Pauline’s burning question - let me introduce you the “𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡”. Curious about how it works? Read our latest Datasset article 👉 https://lnkd.in/eEsSgUYu 😊 And reach out to Refael Benadmon or me if you want to test it on your portfolio and be among the first early adopters of the 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡 The article deep dives into VC literature and metrics, featuring: The Rule of 40 Rule of 40 by Brad Feld The Rule of X by Byron Deeter and Sam Bondy from Bessemer Venture Partners The Burning Multiple by David O. Sacks The Burn Multiple by ARR by Justin Kahl and David George from Andreessen Horowitz Our unique Datasset proposal - The "𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡" 👇 would love to hear your thoughts / comments 👇

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instructif !

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‘Le Chat’ ‘la platform’ Mistral AI artificial intelligence, France’s Startup Darling, Takes Aim at the US Market : Mistral's edge could come from customers that want to avoid being locked into particular cloud companies “Customers are even saying ‘Le Chat’ and ‘la platform’ It seems that the French touch is having an effect.” opportunity is huge — Bloomberg Intelligence estimated that the software and cloud market in generative AI market could reach $350 billion by 2032 : Mistral is going after OpenAI’s home turf “They do not want to be forced into an AI stack” “They want choices” Mistral released a series of AI models, which power generative AI services, and a ChatGPT-like feature called Le Chat : US manager says businesses are looking for alternatives to Big Tech : will find customers through these partners as well as via direct deals with companies using its open-source models. Open source is one of Mistral’s main selling points : the approach — where the underlying computer code is openly shared and tweakable — as a safer, more versatile method than closed systems offered by OpenAI and others : Mistral’s open-source models on-premises, with data stored in local servers instead of with public cloud providers ---- generative artificial intelligence ---

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What do you need to be top quartile as a SaaS company in Europe? Sébastien Le Roy started to share the results of the Serena European SaaS benchmark during #Saastr Europa this week. Great way to quickly check whether you’re on track for a next VC round or simply what you have to improve. More results coming soon with the whole report.

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🌟 Attending this event was an incredible experience! 🌟 It was amazing to connect with professionals from various industries and stages of their business journeys. Each conversation was enriching and insightful. Visiting the Google Offices was a highlight—it felt like an upgraded WeWork space! Congratulations to everyone who participated and made this event a success. I’m eager to continue networking with all the fantastic people I met and to participate in more events like this in the future. It was a fantastic opportunity to enhance my networking skills as I develop new strategies for client acquisition. Got any tips or tricks for client acquisition? Drop them in the comments below! ⬇️ #Networking #ClientAcquisition #GoogleOffices #BusinessGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

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