Sébastien Le Corfec

Remember the fiasco with the French-German Interrail project? They aimed to sell a massive number of tickets but ended up leaving the data of about 245,000 registrations almost unprotected on the web. We hear this happening to SaaS companies often. For non-technical founders, it can even be crippling. The silver lining — it's avoidable! Let's talk about how you can prevent similar mistakes in your SaaS products.

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New week, new list of fresh EU pre-seed / seed startups. Here are 4 leads from this week's list of 37 leads: -Pelago is a B2B SaaS and Services company based in France (Data and Analytics, Productivity Tools, Enterprise Software), offering an alignment app to achieve your digital transformation. Founded by one of the co-founders of Odaseva. -there is a B2B SaaS company based in France (AI, Data and Analytics, Productivity Tools), optimizing report preparation with easy importing, formatting, and sharing, using AI to reproduce your style and simplify the process. Founded by the ex-CEO of Finalcad. -Eleonora Mantovani from the UK is in stealth mode. -Pablo Valverde from France is in stealth mode (formerly Head of Data at Modjo.ai). ✉️ DM us if you want more free leads from this week's 37 leads. If we're feeling generous, we might even share all the free leads from previous weeks with you! 👇 Subscribe to our Substack (link in the first comment) if you don't want to miss any of our future weekly free leads. ❓Have any questions about how The Hidden VC can help you turbocharge your sourcing skills? Chat with us on WhatsApp (link in the first comment) so we can craft a plan that best fits your needs. See you next week, The Hidden VC (your VC analyst-as-a-service)

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Whether you're a French startup founder or investing in the French tech ecosystem, this is a must-have resource: The Serena 2024 Edition of the Ultimate VC List is live! Fundraising can be incredibly time-consuming. That’s why, back in 2016, Serena created the Ultimate VC List to streamline the process for entrepreneurs in France. Now an interactive platform, it has supported over 100,000 entrepreneurs and VCs in the ecosystem. Some key trends Sébastien Le Roy and Maxime Furet spotted when putting this edition together: 🚀 The French VC ecosystem is thriving with new funds like Resonance, OVNI Capital, Yellow, and Varsity, signaling a vibrant and expanding market. 🌍 There’s increased interest from US and European funds for French startups, particularly in AI and climate tech, and a rise in non-traditional investors such as Business Angel Clubs and Family Offices (which are now covered by a new section). 🔧 Infrastructure investors are playing a critical role in funding innovative hybrid models amid global warming challenges. ♻️ The growing presence of impact VCs highlights the focus on socially and environmentally impactful investments.

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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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𝗠𝗘𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗: 𝗔 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝟯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 💎 When we learned that The MEGLAND had been selected among more than 700 startups to join STATION F, it was already a highlight. But today, we are reaching a new milestone: we will be presented to more than 𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗩𝗖𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟳𝟬𝟬 𝗕𝗔𝘀 – that is, more than 𝟭,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 – via Station F's investors newsletter. This moment is a real recognition for #Web3 Projects, which continue to prove that they have a solid future in traditional investments. It is no longer a niche, but a sector that is increasingly establishing itself among savvy investors. Since the beginning, we have continued to consolidate our position, thanks to a clear vision and a team determined to overcome all the challenges that have come our way. Being featured by #StationF and listed as one of the startups to watch is proof that $MEG has not only built a strong brand but has also earned the trust of the ecosystem. This milestone confirms that we are ready for the next phases of our journey. 🚀

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This is interesting! Do keep working on it Naza Metghalchi! In our experience, we often see the desire to use existing tools (e.g. CoPilot) for individual activities that are actually enterprise processes in disguise. For example, drafting a policy or job description. Sure, one person could draft a JD, but in practice it involves a hiring manager's expertise, an HR leader (for org chart), a recruiter, and often other stakeholders. An AI equipped to help the initial author often fails to automate enough of the workflow to be considered valuable. Then, teams revert back to previous workflows. I'm curious to see where users draw the line between high/low complexity and individual/enterprise processes. And if this is a gradient, where along each axises will we find the most value addition?

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🌟 What are the benefits of the OVHcloud Startup Program? Christopher Apedo highlights the many benefits, from personalized mentoring to cloud credits, to get your startup off the ground! ➡ Register now and get your project off the ground: https://lnkd.in/e73k8wx7 ------ 🌟 Quels sont les avantages du OVHcloud Startup Program ? Christopher Apedo met en lumière les nombreux bénéfices, du mentorat personnalisé aux crédits cloud, pour faire décoller votre startup ! ➡ Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant et faites décoller votre projet : https://lnkd.in/e73k8wx7 #Soolvit #OVHcloud #InfoSession #StartupGrowth #Innovation

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🇫🇷 French innovation is leading the way in 2024! This year, Generative AI (GenAI) has clearly emerged as the most funded technology in Europe, with French companies taking the top spots. As seen in this article from Sifted, the top three largest funding rounds are all led by French startups in GenAI. It's an exciting time for French tech, and I’m proud to be involved as a business angel in all three of these companies — poolside, Mistral AI, and H Company. GenAI is driving major innovations across industries, and it’s fantastic to see France at the forefront of this transformation. 🚀

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What's a good startup? - Founder and Investor Point of View Creating a successful startup goes beyond just having a great idea. According to Jeremie Berrebi, one of the most active angel investors, here's what you need to focus on: Key Points: 1) Have a Big Vision: Aim for long-term impact and forget about quick exits. 2) Solve Real Problems: Focus on meeting genuine needs, preferably those you understand personally. 3) Build the Right Team: Find co-founders who share your vision and complement your skills. 4) Be Passionate: Be ready for a long journey—passion sustains you more than the promise of money. -------- Follow All Chance Hub to learn from more innovative insights.

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🚀 Launch of Holycode Labs : Your No-Code Solution for Rapid MVPs! 📣 I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Holycode Labs dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs. We can now boost the European innovation & startup scene like never before 🙌 What is Holycode Labs? 🔬 Our new no-code development team that gets your groundbreaking ideas into the market ASAP, so you can start testing right away. We’re all about launching your prototypes & MVPs faster and cheaper using the latest no-code tech like Bubble. What's in it for you? ▶ Speed: Launch your prototype or MVP in record time. ▶ Efficiency: Maximise your impact and minimise your spend. ▶ Testing: Validate your product with real user data. Whether you're a startup founder or testing a new product line, Holycode Labs is here to turn your vision into reality — fast and efficient. Do you know peers that can't wait to launch their startup?? 🚀 We are ready to discuss it, consult and deliver. Get in touch today! 🚀 Nenad, Laurent, Milana, Bojana, Theresa, Tobias, Lars #startup #MVP #nocode #HolycodeLabs #leanstartup

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🚀 Navigating the Startup Tech Landscape: Fleet's Innovative Approach In the vibrant tech ecosystem of today, startups continuously seek strategies to optimize operations without draining resources. Fleet, a Paris-based startup, stands out by shunning traditional fundraising paths and focusing on sustainable growth through its innovative hardware-as-a-service model. 🌍✨ Here’s how Fleet is shaping the future for small businesses: 🔹 Cost-Effective Solutions - Instead of hefty upfront costs for technology, Fleet lets companies lease laptops, driving down initial expenses and easing financial pressures. 🔹 Bundled Software Services - Beyond hardware, Fleet integrates essential software services such as device management, cybersecurity, and even insurance into its offerings. 🔹 Diverse Client Base - With a clientele spanning 120 countries, Fleet isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving by serving a wide array of industries. 🔹 Future-Proofing SMBs - By providing up-to-date tech and robust IT support, Fleet positions itself as a crucial partner for future-focused small and medium businesses. This agile approach not only addresses immediate logistical challenges but also aligns with broader digital transformation trends. As small businesses and startups navigate their paths, partners like Fleet can be instrumental in scaling operations efficiently and securely. Dive deeper into Fleet's services and strategies: https://lnkd.in/dCzxHQAQ #TechStartups #SMBs #Innovation This post was generated by an AI. Please contact us for more information.

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€25M, to build the one finance platform to rule them all. Proud to be partner of Pauline Glikman and Joseph A. from Day 0! When we first invested in Payflows, there were many other FinTech SaaS startups focusing on individual pain points felt by CFOs and their teams. Some of these companies try to improve accounts payable or procurement. Others tackle cash management or try to modernize the payment stack. Payflows stands apart by offering this and more as modules within an automated platform bigger than the sum of its parts. Each module can be purchased and deployed independently, but the offering becomes much more powerful when all the pieces of the puzzle are combined.   We partnered with Payflows team on their €5M Seed round, together with Ribbit Capital - all thanks to an intro from my friend Salomon Aiach, GP at Origins Fund. Their product quickly turned out to be such a customer hit that they never had time to announce the round. Fast forward one year. Customers include both public enterprise companies as well as growth-stage tech companies like Ornikar, Spendesk, and Swile and Podimo. Welcome Balderton Capital in today’s combined €25M funding round! In the comments, the story on Les Echos and an in-depth piece on why we invested. Can't wait to continue seeing the ultimate financial automation platform come together! (Photo by Samuel Sotto)

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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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Check out all the selected startups that will be part of this years Hinterland of Things conference. The LHoFT - Luxembourg House of Financial Technology Telekom TechBoost Antony Martini 🚩 Alex Panican #fintech #cashmanagement #financialnavigator

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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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🚀 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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