En 2021, Micropole launched Databoost'R, a startup gas pedal program. This project was designed to respond to the growing innovation challenges facing businesses, while reinforcing Micropole's positioning as a key player in the digital transformation sector. In our latest podcast, we had the honor of chatting with Yves Colinet, Director of the Databoost'R program, who shed some light on the motivations behind this initiative and the key developments in startups.
What is Databoost'R?
The genesis of Databoost'R began in 2021 against a backdrop of post-Covid recovery. Micropole wanted to rely more on innovation and strengthen its teams with new talent. This program also enables the group to market SaaS solutions developed by startups or in-house, such as the Scoring.ai and CIAM tools.
With the primary mission of creating a collaborative ecosystem to foster innovation, Databoost'R enables Micropole to meet around 50 startups a year, to select one or two, and also to work with networks such as Réseau Entreprendre and France Digitale. The aim is to meet its customers' digital transformation challenges, drawing on cutting-edge technologies such as AI and SaaS.
Via Databoost'R, Yves has been able to establish partnerships with startups such as Betuned, Wequity, Karomia and Talk'R. He's been in close contact with entrepreneurs for several years, enabling him to work on some great opportunities. This is one of the reasons why Micropole was asked by ANDRH in June to set up a prompting workshop with all the business knowledge needed in this fast-growing sector.
What does it tell him about the evolution of startups?
This strategic position within Databoost'R gives Yves a front-row seat to developments in startups. In particular, he has observed significant changes in the profile of startup founders, who are increasingly experienced. The average age of startup founders now exceeds 45, indicating a growing maturity in this sector. What's more, startups are incorporating commercial innovations that make them more credible and attractive to large corporations.
Another key point highlighted by Yves is the evolution of startup valuations. Prior to 2021, these were often determined empirically. However, the slowdown in investment in 2022 has pushed investors to focus more on profitability prospects, transforming the way startups are valued.
Yves sees a future in which the startup ecosystem continues to evolve dynamically. Successful founders are increasingly involved in investment, contributing to the creation of a true "startup economy". This new dynamic could make this model even more attractive to future talent.
This podcast with Yves Colinet highlights not only the importance of innovation in the business world, but also the essential role that startups play in this transformation. We leave you with a final word from Yves to all those who would like to launch their startup: "Be prepared for failure, but above all aim for the Moon".
