Philippe Wagner

Top fundraising tip? Nicolas Benady, Co-Founder & CEO of Swan, had a candid answer 👉 Fundraising shouldn't be the number one thing you have in mind. Swan, founded in 2019 with eFounders, now processes around €300 million in transactions monthly for over 100 companies across ten European countries. Backed by top VCs like Lakestar, Accel, Creandum, and Bpifrance, they're on a stellar growth trajectory. 🚀 This is an absolute must-listen for young and aspiring founders. Links to the full EU-Startups Podcast episode in the comments. Feel free to like, share and follow for more great content. 🙌 #startup #founders #fundraising

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Weekly Workfree.io update coming from the south of France 🇫🇷 Huge progress being made by our team on #UX from building talent pools to simplifying contract management & payments. If you’re a startup, scale up, or enterprise with growth goals & efficiency objectives then it’s time to build your flexible #freelance team. Here are the simple steps we take… 1️⃣ Invite talent to your freelance hub 2️⃣ Discover talent & grow your network 3️⃣ Create talent pools for upcoming projects 4️⃣ Contract talent with compliant agreements 5️⃣ Automate local & global payments with a click

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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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📈 What drives top-tier performance in venture capital? In the latest episode of Entretien avec un VC by Benjamin Wattinne, Serena Partner Sébastien Le Roy, author of the Serena European SaaS Benchmark, unpacks what it takes to make a venture capital fund thrive. 🧑‍💻 Sébastien began as an engineer and entrepreneur until a pivotal trip to San Francisco shifted his career towards VC. Returning to France, he joined Serena as an intern, where his passion took root, ultimately leading him to become a partner. 🎙️ Some key takeaways from this episode: ✨ VC is high-risk, high-reward. Serena’s “home run” philosophy is about backing bold and visionary founders who can multiply the fund’s size and change the landscape of their industry. By partnering with them on strategy and execution, we accelerate growth in high-stakes environments. ✨ Most VC teams typically include two operating members. At Serena, we’ve built a team of eight. This larger structure provides founders with the resources needed to streamline execution and prepare for funding rounds. Our approach, recognized by the France Digitale Operating Talent Award, reflects our commitment to going beyond capital to address founders’ evolving needs. ✨ The Serena Squad, our network of over 500 C-level executives across our portfolio, is a powerhouse for founders. This community grants their teams access to practical templates, growth-focused workshops, and direct peer support. By connecting with other leaders, founders and their teams can navigate common challenges and scale more effectively. ✨ Our focus on Applied AI and Climate Tech At Serena, we’re especially enthusiastic about two areas: ➡️ Vertical AI solutions tailored to industries like finance and manufacturing, solving complex problems at scale. ➡️ Climate Tech, with a focus on decarbonization and biodiversity.  ➡️ One of Serena's standout investments is Descartes Underwriting, which operates at the intersection of AI and climate. Descartes leverages artificial intelligence to build parametric insurance models, assessing and pricing climate risks in real time. 💡 Spotlight: Jimmy A “coup de cœur” for Sébastien, Jimmy Energy is revolutionizing industrial heat decarbonization with nuclear fission—a game-changer for emissions-heavy industries. Tune it to deep dive into the inner workings of VCs!

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💡 7,5€ Billion (with a B). That’s the annual amount the French state provides to innovative companies through just one program: the CIR (Crédit d'Impôt Recherche). As an entrepreneur, my companies have been fortunate beneficiaries! But did you know that beyond the CIR, there are also: CII, JEI, JEA, BPI, CIMA, CICE, ACCRE, ACRE, FSE, ANR, FUI, PGE, FSN, PIA, FISAC, PTZ, FCTVA, AIF, and 1,753 other official grants and subsidies available? Combined, they represent well over €20 billion annually in funding for businesses. 😢 The catch (number 1)? Accessing these funds is often a bureaucratic nightmare. This is where agencies step in—offering to handle the process but taking a significant cut in return. 🚀 Enter REKI. We’ve developed the first software platform designed to simplify access to these subsidies. With Reki, companies can: 🔍 Discover all eligible opportunities   📑 Automatically generate applications and required documents   💾 Manage and update key data for compliance REKI is led by a seasoned duo of non-dilutive funding experts: Cyril Fougères (ex-BPI and iii-financements) and Aurélien Sibiril (repeat CTO). If you are looking for non-dilutive fundings, simply complete for form on our website (link in comment) Go Meghan Regior Victor Gross Nic Touron Calliste Duru Quentin Le Gall Thibaud Elziere Amaury Sepulchre Quentin Nickmans 🥰 catch (number 2) France is not alone, most countries are doing the same and we are going after it too :)

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In 2024, only 28% of product managers report an optimised product development process. The takeaway? Staying ahead of trends is critical to gaining a competitive edge. The tech landscape is evolving rapidly, reshaping every stage of product creation—concept, execution, and continuous improvement. At SINGULIER, we’ve seen AI-powered tools transform the way businesses scale - accelerating prototyping, refining user insights, and streamlining iteration. For example, during a recent e-commerce re-platforming for a luxury perfume brand, we applied AI-driven design and advanced analytics to boost operational efficiency and customer engagement. But tools alone don’t deliver results. Human expertise remains essential in aligning technology with strategic objectives. Singulier’s combination of commercial, product, and data expertise enables businesses to unlock value, enhance processes, and build lasting customer loyalty at scale. We also leverage our expertise in due diligence with INDEFI x SINGULIER, to assess disruption risks as well as AI readiness 👉 Curious how we can enhance your portfolio companies’ product development and engagement strategies? 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eBKzAiDC #ProductDevelopment #AI #TechInnovation #CustomerEngagement #Singulier

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Are French unicorns ready for their IPO? I'll say yes, and probably even a bit better than German startups! Let me tell you why. Most IPOs are driven by the CEO / CFO couple but there is a third important wheel to this constellation: the CMO! A big part of a successful IPO and then stock exchange valuation is communication. It's all about trust, baby! And trust is built through communication & thought leadership. French startups are often very strong in being transparent and proactive in their communications. So this is a solid basis to work on. Here are my learnings from working on KATEK GROUP's IPO: ‣ It's not all about the press: Yes, mandatory investor relations (IR) news have to be communicated through the press. By going further and also using your company's owned channels you show even more transparency to your stakeholders. Communicating on LinkedIn will enable dialog with your investors. ‣ IR does not need to be boring: Financial reports might not sound as sexy as the next big brand campaign, but it can be. Use videos to explain the numbers further, plan live Q&A sessions with the CEO. Be creative and stay true to your brand's values. ‣ It's about the people: The stock exchange market is a numbers and money world. By involving your C-level in the communication you will be able to build up a stronger trust in your company. In people we trust! Here think about news hijacking to position your C-level as the experts they are, do video interviews or quote statements. You can read more about KATEK's IPO and strategic communication here: https://lnkd.in/dFYscP3k #IPO #ListedInFrankfurt #FrenchTech #StartupCommunication

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Inspired by recent posts like the one by Sebastien Douville, companies like AISDR and Artisan have raised over $40M in seed investments, aiming to automate the outbound sales process. But what can they do it? In my opinion, AI still has a long way to go before it can effectively replace humans in outbound outreach, especially in the more intricate process of deal sourcing. I don't see that happening anytime soon.   Most companies using AI SDRs will burn through their market quickly, generating some leads, but it’s not a sustainable strategy. Business owners are receiving more cold emails than ever—almost 2x what they were 18 months ago. As AI-driven outreach increases, inboxes become more crowded, making it harder to stand out, so it is likely to affect everyone relying on cold email to generate opportunities. Kyle Coleman produces great content around this. AI works best when it’s used within strict boundaries, automating single tasks to free up time for your team. The more complex the task you ask it to complete, the less reliable it becomes. This is particularly true in deal sourcing, where you often have a limited and niche pool of potential targets. Here, human knowledge is irreplaceable. Building trust and closing deals requires relationships, creativity, and strategic thinking. Rather than replacing your team, AI should enhance what they do. It’s a tool to boost efficiency and allow your team to focus on the parts of the process that require human insight and expertise. As outreach continues to become more saturated, balancing automation with human insight will be essential. What are your thoughts on how AI and automation will impact your business?

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So, for anyone still not sure what the Agencywise platform offers founder-led agency leaders... Subsrcibers will have access to: Masterclass videos Agency expert directory Tools and resources Event calendars Community and networking info Here is a handy little video about the masterclasses

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I was honored to join a panel yesterday, moderated by Jean Rognetta and Morgan Hunault-Berret, with fellow panelist Olivier Martret. The provocative topic on our agenda: “Have French VCs already lost against US VCs in GenAI?” It was the opportunity to share our thought at daphni, here are a few takeaways: 1) Fund size matters: While it's evident that apart from BPI, French VCs lack the critical size to play a significant role in foundational models funding rounds. However, reducing GenAI startups to 200M+ seed rounds is an oversimplification. We see a clear market segmentation between foundational models - that share caracteristics with infrastructure deals - and application layers. There are probably 4 deals in the last 18 months where French VC could not positionate. The issue of the size of French VC funds is an old debate, older than ChatGPT. 2) International mindset: French startups have been criticised a lot in the past for lacking ambition and international mindset. We have been expecting what’s happening right now for a while: it's time to celebrate. Most of the world's leading VC funds are now co-investing with us in France. 3) A Seed GenAI startup still have the problematic of a seed startup: Seed has always been dominated by local actors for sourcing reasons but also because the support you can bring is really ecosystem specific. 4) Co-investment: We're actually very enthusiastic about co-investing with US VCs, who bring added value and help French startups penetrate international markets. From an exit perspective, pursuing a US IPO remains the best scenario and requires to success in the US at some point. Having the right US VC in series A is a great support. 5) Building a Top Ecosystem: France is on track to establish itself as one of the world's top three ecosystems for GenAI, a feat not possible without foreign VCs. This isn't just national pride – it's a sentiment echoed by global investors who recognize the dynamic changes occurring within our borders and knock at the door to exchange about it. More to come soon! Thanks Louis Petitjean and Matthieu Bouhelier 

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Let's talk about HRTech solution of Agorize in Japan...?

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An inspiring day yesterday at La French Tech Aix-Marseille Région Sud as we welcomed Clara Chappaz, the new Secretary of State for #AI and Digital Affairs (and former head of La French Tech). Alongside the board of La FrenchTech Aix Marseille, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of AI, innovation, and the vital role our ecosystem plays in driving technological progresses. Many topics were discussed! Of course #LaFrenchTech which is representing, over the past 10 years: 25,000+ startups and over a million jobs. Its maturity is coming with resilience. The era of hypergrowth without concern for profitability is probably behind us, but innovation in artificial intelligence is not incompatible with profitable business (we are by the way reminded of this by Photoroom, demonstrating that #GenAI and profitability are possible together)! Finally, the connection of this new Secretary of State for AI and Digital to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research is a huge opportunity. While strong ties remain with the Ministry of the Economy, it underscores the crucial role of education and research in AI and entrepreneurship! It might also be a chance for th #deeptech startups, for whom the scientific dimension is an essential foundation for their future development. Exciting times ahead for La French Tech Aix-Marseille Région Sudand its members as we continue to foster collaboration and innovation at the heart of #LaFrenchTech. Looking forward to seeing how this synergy will shape the future! Julie Sébastien Théophile Volta Medical Diane Christophe Charlie Elodie Pierre-Emmanuel Alex Béatrice Frédéric Sophie Emilie Diana Nicolas Gabriel Ines Romain Alexandre Emmanuel Anne Yann Tanguy Selim Mathieu Jules Joséphine Roxana Amina Arnaud MERCIER Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence Christophe Hugon Emmanuel Roux Julie Huguet #ArtificialIntelligence #tech #education #research #startup

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The Making of Klipy AI We are 3 co-founders... 2 female founders 👩🏻‍💻👩🏻‍💻 1 male founder 👨🏻‍💻 from 🇰🇷🇺🇸🇭🇰 with experience in multiple industries 💻🛍️🎬🏨🎰🏀 (just to name a few 😅) … coming together with a common goal: to solve sales problems! We created Klipy to help entrepreneurs, solo-preneurs, and small-to-medium businesses in overcoming the hurdles that come with business growth. Individually, we have encountered the very problems we are striving to address, in different sectors and companies. Our firsthand experiences provide us with an understanding of the obstacles faced. Throughout our development process, we talked with numerous business development (BD) and account management (AM) reps from around the globe to validate our ideas and refine our solutions. As we prepare for our public launch on Product Hunt, we need YOUR feedback and insights on how to make Klipy even more powerful and tailored to your needs. Join us on this journey and share your feedback! 1️⃣ Visit https://lnkd.in/gDrkGdRs. Click "Notify Me" and receive a special promo code via Product Hunt. 2️⃣ Like and comment on this post. 3️⃣ Spread the word to your network. 4️⃣ Start using Klipy when it launches on July 10th PST. #sales #CRM #femalefounders #womenintech #startups #entrepreneurship #product #technology #AI #klipy

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Ending the week on a high note, I am delighted to announce that INDEFI x SINGULIER has successfully conducted the Strategic and Digital vendor due diligence for Nutripure. This collaboration not only showcases our e-commerce expertise but also strengthens our presence in the health and wellness sector - an area we are passionate about. Founded in 2018, Nutripure is an online pure player specialised in the development and distribution of premium food supplements and sports nutrition products. The brand has quickly become a market leader, known for its holistic approach to health, sport, and wellness. Nutripure empowers individuals to unlock their physical and mental potential while optimising their health. Looking ahead, PAI Partners' investment will fuel Nutripure’s growth, drive new product development and innovation, and enhance its presence in the health and sports communities. On completion of the transaction, PAI Partners will be the majority shareholder, alongside the founders and Bpifrance. 👏 A heartfelt congratulations to Nutripure’s management team Christophe Carrio, Florent Carrio, Clément Thibault, alongside PAI Partners Lyna Lalami, Stefano Drago, and Yasmine Karger (Bourenane), as they embark on this new journey together. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with you! 🙏I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at Natixis Partners, François Rivalland, Guillaume du Repaire, Veran Berard-Quelin, Elvire Sds, Théo Pijoulat. And of course, a special shoutout to our dedicated Digital & Strategy team: David Toledano, Mathieu FEREL, Nicolas Lamour, Clara Thery, Maxime Lapraye, Abbi Stolagiewicz, Ali Hayek, and Corentin HARDY. Your contributions have been instrumental in the success of this deal. #VDD #DigitalStrategy #Singulier #Indefi #Ecommerce #BusinessGrowth #HealthSector #WellnessSector #PrivatEquity #DealNews

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Is your startup ready to conquer new markets? France, a strategic springboard for Europe! If you are a startup based in France or another French-speaking country, you already know that the French economy is a key player in the eurozone. But did you know that France is also ranked #1 in Europe for venture capital investments? Our Mini-Guide on France provides you with the essential tools to optimize your growth strategy in this competitive market. We cover the legal and regulatory challenges specific to France, while highlighting the development opportunities you should seize. 📩 Fill out our form to access the guide and prepare your startup to succeed in France and Europe! https://lnkd.in/gexc7pt #Entrepreneurship #FranceBusiness #StartupExpansion #VentureCapital #TransatlanticLaw

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🚀 Super new blog post about the partnership between Smeetz and Adyen: The perfect combination for seamless payments in the leisure industry 🎢 Kudos to the teams 👏 who contributed to this joint success Morgan Siffert, Liza Tripet, Jorge Lopes, Sami Chiadmi, Edouard Coiraton and Daniel L.. Smeetz and Adyen have joined forces ! With a modern payment platform and a unified SaaS solution, leisure venues can now centralize their transactions and provide a seamless payment experience. Discover how this collaboration is transforming the leisure industry! 🚀

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