Currently taking place is CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas, the world’s most publicized consumer electronics trade show.
Indeed, while CES is certainly the most publicized event, over the years it has become less of a reference than in the past. Other major international shows in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia are either larger or have more pragmatic themes that stick to market reality and trends (MWC Barcelona, WebSummit Lisbon, GITEX Dubai, VIVA Technology Paris, IFA Berlin, CEBIT Hannover, CEATEC Japan …).
CES nevertheless remains an interesting lens through which to read the influence of mainly American startups and firms, and we will take the time in the years to come to go there for monitoring and real discovery missions, and to share our impressions with you.
Regarding French innovation, there has clearly been a dynamic of innovation expressed for 8 or 9 years, and competitions, promotion campaigns, and startup shows are flourishing everywhere across the country.
It must be said that it is a trend that appeals to everyone because all age groups are starting to want to create a startup, and it is a rather positive phenomenon in the democratization of a form of entrepreneurship.
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Nevertheless, in reality, 8 to 9 out of 10 startups “die” within 3 years of their creation; fundraising, which is the lifeblood of a startup’s life, is very cautious and complex in France, and the number of unicorns (Blablacar, Criteo, Vente-Privée) is quite low and testifies to the difficulty of French startups to endure over time.
However, to be a “unicorn” you must have strong growth, have raised a lot of funds and existed in the territory for at least 10 years … 10 years is perhaps the time still lacking for some French startups to truly allow several other unicorns to emerge.
Warning: despite everything, we believe that this trend of promoting startups at every turn must be done with more support and experience by relying on serious existing structures (associations, nurseries, incubators) with the possibility of testing several … because some private structures do not hesitate to rush your projects so they can use your success to enhance their own value … or leave you to perish if you do not move forward, without providing the necessary support (training, means, …) you would need.
Before creating your startup, inform yourself clearly about:
- What does it imply?
- Is a “startup” type operating structure really what suits you?
- Does your creativity and experience (professional or life) meet real needs and are they a plus?
- Are you passionate and ready to “fight” to defend your innovation and your project to get support (financial, advice, premises, partners, collaborators, …)?
- Do not create a startup just to create a startup, because it’s trendy …
Lamine Talakela – CEO Consulting TIME, MotDiese
