Caroline Faucher-Winter: the New Yorker who whispers in unicorn ears

La French Tech New York brings collectively a big group of French entrepreneurs, a few of whom are long-term expatriates in america. However aside from that, additionally it is a gathering place for French individuals in know-how and the native tech group. A real “unicorn producer”, as she likes to name French Tech, Caroline Faucher-Winter shares his skilled and private expertise and affords invaluable perception into the range and high quality of French entrepreneurial initiatives within the American tech world.

Are you able to introduce your self and inform us about your skilled background?

I began within the subject of communication after ending research in Biochemistry in Paris, which I did not actually like. I then thought that my profession would happen within the pharmaceutical business. However in 1998, the world of startups and know-how revealed itself to me after I joined the crew of the primary French startup incubator, Tokamak. In 2004, I moved to Washington DC with my tech entrepreneur husband and my child. Regardless of my lack of fluency in English, I rapidly discovered my place within the American skilled surroundings – even when it wasn’t about communication at first. I began by working for him Mission of the European Fee in addition to for consultant European Central Financial institution to the IMF. After that, I returned to my first skilled love by working for American corporations attempting to ascertain themselves in France. My journey took a brand new route after I was employed by Enterprise in France as liable for the financial profile of France in North America led by Pascal Cagni, appointed similtaneously Chairman of the BF Board, which allowed me to be actively concerned in French Tech New York since its creation in 2015.

In parallel with French Tech in New York, I’ve been working for five years for the Galion Challenge, the primary membership of French entrepreneurs. I handle the group of these entrepreneurs who’re primarily based in america or follow their actions on American soil. Since 2022, I’ve been working with the press relations company Kalamari, which completely meets the wants of French know-how corporations that want visibility and flexibility of their messages on each continents. My predominant mission is to help the event of French startups on American soil.

America is the main financial energy on this planet, and 50% of French entrepreneurs who assume internationally will achieve this via america.

As co-president of French Tech New York, what are your predominant tasks and targets?

As a result of co-president of French Tech New York from January 2021my predominant duties, divided by Nicolas Girard CEO of Oxio, together with overseeing and coordinating the actions of our group and naturally making certain monetary stability. The truth is, we’re a non-profit group and our board is completely made up of volunteers. Donations and monetary partnerships are important to conducting our mission right here.
French Tech in New York brings collectively a group of about 300 French entrepreneurs but additionally a complete ecosystem of skills (engineers, scientists or others). The French Tech communities in North America are fascinating as a result of they’re typically led by early vacationers who right now need to help newcomers. 20 years in the past, the skilled ecosystem in France didn’t encourage their skilled growth. So many selected to remain in america, the place they stayed. At the moment, after efficiently establishing a number of corporations, they really feel the will to contribute to France. This sense of “giving again” was amplified by the creation of French Tech 10 years in the past, giving them a framework to current their data inside the French technological and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Does america supply extra alternatives for younger entrepreneurs than France?

In america, it’s uncommon to listen to individuals say ” it isn’t attainable, do not do it, you will not succeed “. The tendency to take dangers isn’t so pure within the French thoughts, it’s true. However, in lower than 10 years, France has improved loads. The final roof Select France for instance clearly displaying how enticing the French tech scene is to overseas buyers and skills. However I used to be additionally capable of see an actual change in mindsets in France relating to entrepreneurship. The French now have a “Can Perspective” that enables them to intention greater and additional.

In america, solely 2% of tech startups are based by girls.

What challenges have you ever confronted as a girl working within the subject of know-how and innovation, each in america and in France?

It is nonetheless laborious to make progress in entrepreneurship whenever you’re a girl, particularly on the subject of know-how. In america, solely 2% of tech startups are based by girls – a determine that’s nonetheless comparatively comparable at worldwide stage and has not modified considerably since 2015. Along with this the truth that only one% benefit from these startups… Which signifies thatas a girl, you could have half as a lot funding obtainable out there as a person. These statistics present the persevering with boundaries for ladies on this sector. Regardless of initiatives and actions that intention to vary issues, funding funds are nonetheless largely run by males. I feel that fewer girls are daring to pursue entrepreneurship, particularly in fields akin to know-how, due to these variations that make these sectors much less enticing to them. However time is on the facet of equality and variety. You must be affected person. Minds are evolving and the adjustments are seen nonetheless.

There’s a historic and financial relationship between France and america.

How do you see the present French Tech panorama in New York and what are its future prospects?

France and america have a historic financial relationship. Regardless of political adjustments on either side, these relationships have remained secure for years. America stays a horny vacation spot for startups, whereas France’s profile has improved considerably. With the arrival of many corporations and startups on American soil, the standard of initiatives and the preparation of entrepreneurs to cope with American buyers and enterprise companions has elevated considerably. This growth represents a big change in comparison with latest years. France can also be beginning to achieve visibility on the worldwide know-how scene, which was not all the time the case prior to now.

In america, a whole bunch of 1000’s of startups are born yearly, and the variety of “unicorns” is spectacular. As compared, France has about thirty unicorns. What I discover with French Tech is that too typically, the primary motivation of French entrepreneurs is to accumulate, an strategy that’s totally different from the American mentality that focuses on development and growth in the long run. This is the reason the mission of French Tech communities just like the one in New York is vital: inject different minds and habits into the entrepreneurial spirit of France. Along with all the opposite gamers in French financial diplomacy in North America, we offer basic help that contributes to the success of those startups.

What, in your opinion, are the “keys to success” for French entrepreneurs who need to set up themselves and succeed within the New York know-how ecosystem?

I am not essentially saying that I’ve the keys to success, however primarily based by myself expertise, particularly as an entrepreneur’s partner, I might say thatIt’s important to organize effectively on your discharge. While you go as a household, it’s important that everybody is concerned within the mission, that the principles are clear and that each one relations are aligned. I’ve seen that many {couples} have issues as a result of the tempo of growth within the American market could be very totally different from the tempo in Paris, which may trigger rigidity at house and hinder the progress of the mission.

Then, from an expert perspective, I might emphasize the significance of the phrase “Know earlier than you go” . You must perceive what you might be moving into. Earlier than you journey to america, meet with buyers and develop your go-to-market technique, it’s important to seek out out in regards to the variations in taxes, HR, board writing, communication or advertising and marketing. This advance preparation avoids altering every little thing later, which may waste time, vitality and cash. It’s due to this fact advisable to seek the advice of attorneys, professionals and accountants as early as attainable. That is what I’m attempting to do right now: put my data and my community of specialists in america on the disposal of French startups to assist them anticipate these adjustments and combine them. into their growth course of as quickly as attainable.