As you might have already heard - or, as you will discover today - we have happily started operating the program of the most recent Station F partner.
And you might believe that working with corporations is a completely different job from working with startups.
You could be wondering about our decision, and the rationale behind it.
So before you ask us the question, we thought we would answer it for you.
But for that, let’s talk about shoes.
Etienne Klein (whose recent talk on campus about gender diversity and sciences you should not miss) recently made popular - again - the concept of ultracrepidarianism, and the associated story.
In case Pline the Elder is not your favourite bedside reading material, here’s a shortened version:
Pline recalls the story of a shoemaker, having noticed a mistake in the painting of a sandal within a greater work, approaching the painter to correct his mistake.
Emboldened by the artist’s compliance to his first remark, the shoemaker therefore continued on sharing comments on other aspects of the piece, before being halted by the proverbial “Sutor, ne supra crepidam”.
“Shoemaker, not beyond the shoe”.
The painter thus compelling him to advise on his field of expertise, and no further.
We already mentioned it, but we believe that one’s voice should mostly be heard where it matters, and that hubris is a dangerous slope.
In truth, we see ourselves as nothing more than simple craftsmen, having developed an expertise through toil and chance.
And if we be makers, then our sandals would be the startups we support, and the founders that we help.
Therefore, if we were to choose a creed for that craft, then it would never cease to be the pursuit of resources that will help them prosper.
And so that creed is our key of appraisal.
And anyone sharing that purpose with us is welcome is our community.
You came here to learn something 📚
Our open-source series 🎥
As you might have noticed, we are experimenting with content, thanks to our beautiful HEC Records studio.
And since we need guinea pigs, the Incubateur HEC Paris staff is volunteering to share the experience they have gathered working with entrepreneurs.
Whether you are comfortable with conflict or you avoid it at all costs, you should watch our chat (and stay tuned for part 2)
One masterclass a day keeps ignorance away 📺
We know you are all busy, and if your calendar looks like ours, we know that it is always tough to fit events and webinars into your schedule.
However! You don’t have any excuses not to listen to the replays!
If you want to be enlightened about the world of marketplaces, come listen to David, operating partner at Serena.
Our professors bring all the brains to the yard 🧠
It would be a shame not to benefit from the knowledge which is freely shared by the professors at HEC Paris, thanks to Knowledge@HEC.
Jean-Michel Gauthier is professor of Finance and Executive Director of the Société Générale Energy & Finance Chair at HEC Paris, so you best believe he knows a thing or two about energy. If you want to understand better the Ukrainian crisis, come read and listen to him.
A little spotlight never hurt anyone ✨
Our community recent achievements 🏆
Luko is not stopping their growth, after purchasing the German Coya, they just acquired Unkle, another Station F alumni.
Spacefill just raised €25M to expand their logistics network, partly thanks to the involvement of our HEC Ventures fund.
Should the next French president focus more resources on mission-driven companies? Ask Oscar from Domani what he has to say about it.
Are you doing advertising without using UGC? Listen to Clémence from AdAlong to know why you should.
If you are looking for ways to eat cheaper and better food, check out Hors Normes impact on regional agriculture.
Stanislas is not one of our incubees, but we still have to congratulate him and the whole Doctolib team for raising €500M to become the biggest French unicorn!
Supporting the next wave of energy startups 🔋
Unless you have lived under a rock, you know that we have an issue with electricity production today (some of us more than other…)
But the glimmer of hope is that we see every week new companies and new technologies being developed to help us cushion the pain of the energy transition process.
This is why we are happy to announce that Incubateur HEC Paris will be operating the new Station F program TotalEnergies On, for innovating companies within the energy sector, including renewable energy generation, storage, decentralized energy management, electricity trading and sales, and electric mobility.
Do you know a founder that would be a great fit? Send them our way!
Our community is nothing if you don’t join it 💪
Where is your dream job? 🎯
Can CBD be one of the keys to help solve our anxiety issues?
Mindology is hiring for interns and apprentices.
Bidding on a tender is a long and complex process.
AITender is hiring two new staff to simplify the industry.
If the internet is too big, it’s - partly - because of pictures.
Join Twicpics and become part of the solution.
Second-hand is the new chic! But what about sports equipment?
Campsider is hiring 10 people to solve that issue.
If you are not sure what the future of flex office is…
have a look at Deskare, they are hiring.
If you believe that world-class horses and auction platforms go together.
Ekestrian is hiring a skilled Sales, don’t miss out!
„It is far from easy to determine whether Nature has proved to man a kind parent or a merciless stepmother.“