They are the ones who will now wear the pants of the French Tech Côte d’Azur (FTCA). Betty Seroussi, co-founder of Travel Planet in Sophia Antipolis and Elodie Bondi, general director of Qualisteo in Nice, are the new co-presidents of this organization.
French Tech? It is this wave of tech fervor that François Hollande wanted to ride in 2013, sending Fleur Pellerin, then Deputy Minister of SMEs, Innovation and the Digital Economy, to develop this Label. The idea? Highlight French innovative gems. French Tech label launched, red rooster as mascot, a national branch and territorial variations are therefore deployed. All are responsible for identifying and supporting talent to make the territories shine internationally.
That’s it for the frame. On the Côte d’Azur, French Tech brings together four associations: Nice Start (s) Up, Telecom Valley, CannesIsUp and the Club des Entrepreneurs du pays de Grasse. There are 350 start-ups there, which represents around 5,000 employees. Over the last five years, 500 million euros have been raised by these young companies, until then pampered by César Camy and Frédéric Bossard, the outgoing co-presidents.
It was therefore time for the handover on November 9 during the annual general meeting. Betty Seroussi and Élodie Bondi share the task and the least we can say is that they intend to move the lines. Cross interview.
Why get involved in French Tech Côte d’Azur?
Betty Seroussi: I wasn’t born into Tech but I grew up with it. I have been on the FTCA board for 18 months and am learning about the talent housed there. We need to make them more visible. This is what I am going to devote all my energy to. I attach great importance to this mandate.
Elodie Bondi: With my company, Qualisteo, I am one of the French innovation companies that have experienced the path of the cross for any startup that launches. I was at the heart of the reactor and I want to share this experience with young startups, guide them in their development.
What do you think is the first thing to do to make the FTCA, and therefore our gems, more visible?
Betty Seroussi: We have an atypical territory with specificities in each association that makes up the FTCA. We need the same common thread. Federate without removing identities. I’m going to try to approach politicians and put what’s needed in the bride’s basket so that it makes sense. They have to find an interest in it. We will also have to complete this digital mapping of startups, it is important. So that everyone can see what tech is nearby etc. And make a white paper. Yes, there is work!
Élodie Bondi: Contact the national French Tech to find out what they expect from local branches. And above all, rethink the FTCA business model! Seek more financial resources for more human resources.
César Camy and Frédéric Bossard, your predecessors as president, did they work well?
Betty Seroussi: They worked to get the young shoots out of the ground, but after that? They are leaving. This is where we will try to act. Make them want to stay, whether they become successful mid-caps or SMEs in the area.
Elodie Bondi: Yes, they got the shirt really wet. There were some great fundraisers. They brought to life the French Tech 120, The Next4O, the French Tech springboard, etc… Outside, we know what that means. And that boosts the visibility of a startup. It’s up to us to do even better.
What is the crux of the matter when you are a Tech startup?
Betty Seroussi: The financier, the network, knowledge of the ecosystem. Hence the need to create this map for greater synergy, across all our sectors. Let there be real interactions.
Elodie Bondi: We need to create links with local businesses. Doing business here first. How many innovative companies are developing elsewhere than on the territory? Too much. My example already: Qualisteo is present in 50 countries but very few locally. It is also true that the territory is not very industrialized and that it is therefore difficult to attract partners. We will have to redouble our ingenuity.