Diversity Success Stories

Women Founders

Céline Lazorthes - Leetchi/MANGOPAY - Founded group payment platform - Sold to Crédit Mutuel Arkéa - Now leading fintech investments - Advocate for women in tech

Key Insights: - "Being different was my strength" - Built strong support network - Focused on profitability early - Mentors crucial for growth

International Founders

Diana Plieva - EyeEm - Bulgarian founder in Berlin/Paris - AI-powered photography platform - Raised €24M - Built diverse, global team

Success Factors: - Leveraged multicultural perspective - Built bridges between ecosystems - Used diversity as innovation driver - Created inclusive culture

Social Impact Leaders

Jean Moreau & Maud Sarda - Phenix - Fighting food waste through tech - B2B2C marketplace model - International expansion - Acquired by Warp in 2021

Lessons: - Impact and profit can align - B Corp certification valuable - Storytelling crucial for mission-driven companies - Partnerships accelerate impact