As with any good idea, one asks itself why the “Start-up of the Year Award” had not been created before…
Kossi Adzo: bonjouridee.com started by organizing the start-up of the month contest.The event turned out to be so successful and unique that we decided to extend the concept over a year, while opening to partners. At present we aim at promoting the ecosystem of French start-ups. The Bonjour Idée contest wants to communicate on entrepreneurship possibilities in France. The competition between start-ups is worldwide. Although some French start-ups do have a vocation, to remain competitive, to expand abroad, it would be highly detrimental to see them go into exile out of unawareness of the French entrepreneurship support networks.
Since the bonjouridee.com site’s creation in 2011, which evolutions were you able to observe in the French entrepreneurial ecosystem?
Kossi Adzo: We see true enthusiasm! The ecosystem of French start-ups is everyday more structured. The development of start-ups is supported by the French Government but also by large groups. True exchanges are set up. Innovative solutions meet markets’ needs. Today’s preferred innovation areas are collaborative solutions and social and solidarity-based economy. One identified trend is the clear progression of “boxes” - the packaged subscription-based offers.
How does the partnership with GDF SUEZ benefit Bonjour Idée?
Kossi Adzo: For Bonjour Idée as for any start-up, a partnership is a great opportunity to exchange. While start-ups bring a certain amount of boldness, large groups offer their know-how. To that extent, the Openinnov by GDF SUEZ platform is a good lever to present start-ups at a development phase that crave for visibility. GDF SUEZ has committed to support one of the contest’s award-winning start-up; we are naturally delighted at this.
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