Céline Farcet's journey at L'Oréal R&I exemplifies a profound evolution in corporate innovation, transitioning from material science to spearheading tech partnerships.

She shifted her focus from academia to startup collaborations, particularly in Deep Tech, to enhance L'Oréal's innovation pipeline. "I was super curious about it," Farcet explains, highlighting her proactive move towards more open and collaborative innovation models.

This strategic shift in tech partnering strategies underscores L'Oréal's commitment to integrating sustainable technology and deep tech collaboration into their corporate fabric.

The scope of Farcet's role at L'Oréal is truly global. Her activity spans across the U.S., Israel, Asia, and Europe.

This international strategy allows L'Oréal to "scan globally all the innovations that could come from the ecosystem of startups."

This ensures that only the most fitting advancements are chosen, aligning with their strategic challenges. Such global scanning is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving cosmetics sector.

Farcet shares insights into some exciting projects, such as L'Oréal's acquisition of Lactobio. This Danish microbiome startup (the microbiome is the community of microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria and viruses, that exists in a particular environment) is part of L'Oréal's portfolio alongside Gjosa, a Swiss company. Gjosa developed a low-flow showerhead in partnership with L'Oréal.

These examples highlight L'Oréal's dedication to diversifying its technology base and enhancing sustainability efforts. Furthermore, they reflect L'Oréal's strategic approach to improving product offerings through innovative external collaborations.

Participation in events like Hello Tomorrow is crucial for Farcet and her team.

These events help them identify and integrate cutting-edge technologies. "It's not enough to just meet [startups]," Farcet explains.

She emphasizes the importance of conducting meticulous technical due diligence. This process determines the potential cosmetic value of new technologies. Consequently, this thorough vetting ensures that only the most promising innovations meet L'Oréal's rigorous selection criteria.

Farcet is particularly excited about the role of sustainable technologies in meeting L'Oréal's future goals.

The 'L'Oréal for the Future' program aims to transform L’Oréal’s activity by taking into
account the complete value chain (upstream and downstream) by 2030. One of the commitments leads to increase in the incorporation of bio-based ingredients through sustainable processes without increasing
land use.

This ambitious plan requires continuous innovation and effective partnerships, leveraging both to maintain a balance between growth and sustainability.

This podcast episode was recorded onsite at JEC World.

Stephan Savarese's career evolved from aerospace engineering to climate advocacy, a testament to adaptability. Initially immersed in R&D, a significant moment at COP 21 ignited his shift towards environmental solutions.

Consequently, TechnoCarbon was born. At its core is Carbon Fiber Stone, reflecting a profound commitment to green technology and CO2 negative growth.

Carbon Fiber Stone stands as a beacon in TechnoCarbon's lineup. This composite is revolutionary, surpassing traditional materials in both robustness and eco-friendliness.

Savarese is confident in its potential. Ultimately, he sees this carbon-negative material redefining the industry and spearheading a shift towards sustainable composites.

Indeed, collaboration has been instrumental in TechnoCarbon's rise. The company's journey, from a Paris-based incubator to global accelerators, showcases a series of strategic alliances.

These partnerships have been more than beneficial; they've been crucial. They have propelled Carbon Fiber Stone into the spotlight, emphasizing the collective drive for environmental innovation.

TechnoCarbon's bold vision initially faced industry skepticism. Yet, Savarese addressed these doubts with unwavering advocacy for Carbon Fiber Stone.

He has continually highlighted the importance of embracing new, sustainable materials. Through this, he demonstrates that innovation is not just about creating but also about convincing and converting the market to be change-ready.

With regard to the future, Savarese anticipates TechnoCarbon will experience significant growth thanks to their innovative work in sustainable composites. He predicts a future where such materials are key to business success.

Furthermore, he urges entrepreneurs to establish ventures that align financial viability with environmental advancement. This foresight lays the groundwork for innovations that are both economically beneficial and vital for reducing carbon footprints.

2 more podcast episodes from JEC World with startup founders and other industry experts: Chris Skinner, Blanca Garro

JEC World 2024 Recap

JEC Startup Booster: the premier startup competition at JEC World, where 20 finalists gather in the Startup Booster Village to showcase their innovations, network, and engage with potential investors over three dynamic days.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to be the first to listen to the new episodes.

This podcast episode was recorded onsite at JEC World.

Chris Skinner's transformation from a chemist to a visionary leader in strategic marketing at Owens Corning is a tale of the composites industry's evolution.

"We're at the forefront of merging material science with market demands, a testament to our dedication to innovation in composite materials," he states.

This integration of science into commercial success embodies the progress and adaptability at the heart of the composites industry.

The research and development landscape in the composite industry is undergoing a significant transformation. "The era of solo achievements is evolving into a time of collaborative efforts," Chris Skinner notes.

He emphasizes that in this industry, success hinges on merging diverse talents to drive innovation. This evolution highlights a crucial trend: teamwork is becoming increasingly indispensable for advancing composite technology trends and material conversion strategies.

The Startup Booster Competition in JEC world stands as a testament to Owens Corning's commitment to innovation. It's not merely a contest; it's a visionary platform where emerging technologies gain momentum.

"We're crafting an ecosystem ripe for transformation," Skinner asserts, "where cutting-edge ideas meet opportunity and scalable solutions emerge."

Opting to color Owens Corning’s fiberglass pink and aligning it with the Pink Panther wasn’t just about looks.

Skinner explains, “We’ve crafted a story that changes how customers interact with our products. This move has made them not only noticeable but also more engaging and memorable.”

He highlights how this approach isn’t just branding ; it’s storytelling that resonates emotionally with users, adding a unique and lasting impact.

This strategy shows the effective use of narrative in creating a deep, lasting connection with customers.

Skinner highlights a crucial shift in marketing philosophy—focusing on the present benefits that resonate with consumers.

"We're living in a time when the immediate application and advantage of a product take precedence," he says. Skinner encourages a marketing approach that emphasizes instant satisfaction, thus fostering an immediate connection between the product and its user.

2 more podcast episodes from JEC World with startup founders and other industry experts: Blanca Garro, Stephan Savarese

JEC World 2024 Recap

JEC Startup Booster: the premier startup competition at JEC World, where 20 finalists gather in the Startup Booster Village to showcase their innovations, network, and engage with potential investors over three dynamic days.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to be the first to listen to the new episodes.

While some paths are meticulously planned, Zivile’s entrance into the tech event space was as spontaneous as it gets. Ben recalls how Zivile transitioned from a casual encounter at an event to a prominent contributor on the Sesamers blog.

Zivile remarks, “It was an accident... but sometimes the best opportunities in life are not the ones you look for, but those that find you.”

Zivile's story is a testament to the importance of embracing failure and change. Her attempt at launching a social media platform didn’t go as planned, but this setback served as a catalyst for her eventual success. “I was still very young, very naive,” she says, and sometimes “burned out.”

But through these experiences, she found her way into the Danish startup ecosystem and discovered her passion for tech events.

Interestingly, Zivile's flair for hosting events started at the tender age of eight with a TV gig in Lithuania.

“If you start telling me about advertising studies and working, that's kind of boring,” Ben playfully notes, emphasizing how unique experiences often make the most captivating stories.

The global lockdown posed significant challenges for the events industry, but Zivile saw it as an opportunity to innovate.

“I jumped straight into the hackathon,” she says, demonstrating her ability to pivot and thrive even during difficult times. This period of adversity proved to be a catalyst for her growth and further involvement in the tech event space.

Zivile’s journey culminates in the creation of her podcast, Perception Paradox, which she describes as a channel to share inspiring founder stories that otherwise might remain untold.

It underscores her belief in the power of authenticity and storytelling. “I've realized also how important it is to have a good host and MC because it's someone who sets the energy,” she shares.

Cecilia Tham's journey to the helm of Futurity Systems is anything but traditional. From Hong Kong to the U.S., and then to Barcelona, her path is a testament to the power of embracing non-linear career trajectories.

"I went from starting a co-working space to opening a fab cafe and then a school for women in tech," Cecilia shares. This diverse background laid the foundation for her current role, where she scales impact through innovative technology.

Cecilia’s experience at Alpha Telefonica was a turning point, where she immersed herself in future-thinking methodologies. "It was a moonshot factory," she explains, revealing how such initiatives push boundaries to create technologies with exponential impact.

This experience not only refined her vision but also underscored the importance of patient capital and proprietary technology in shaping the future.

The core of Cecilia’s work revolves around preparing for the unseen and making the unpredictable tangible. "By the time you think you need to be resilient for the future, it's already too late," she asserts.

Her focus is on weaving stories that help people understand and value the future before it becomes the present, especially in realms like AI.

Cecilia identifies herself as an "applied futurist," emphasizing a hands-on approach to futurism.

"Futures have a lot to do with the past," she states, highlighting the importance of collective memory in shaping what's to come. This perspective is crucial in developing strategies and solutions that are grounded in reality yet forward-thinking.

Finally, Cecilia touches on the significance of public speaking in her field. It's a vital tool for sharing her vision and connecting with potential collaborators. "It's a conversation with the audience," she says, highlighting the importance of engagement and storytelling in conveying complex ideas about the future.

Fourteen years ago, Fatou Diagne, along with her co-founder, Stephanie, embarked on a journey that would significantly impact the tech and life science sectors in Europe. Bootstrap Europe, born out of their vision, diverged from the traditional equity-based investment model, opting for venture debt – an alternative Fatou passionately advocates for. "We invest in venture... not with equity, but with venture debt," Fatou explains, highlighting the unique approach of their firm in supporting burgeoning technologies and startups.

Fatou reflects on the early days of Bootstrap Europe, recalling a pivotal moment when they realized the potential of venture debt. It began with a Swedish AI startup's struggle to find suitable loan terms in Europe, leading them to an American venture lender. This encounter opened Fatou's eyes to the benefits of venture debt, both in terms of saving equity dilution and as a lucrative investment avenue. "It saved us a lot of dilution... but we also thought that it was a great investment," she notes, underscoring the dual advantages for investors and founders alike.

Navigating the complex world of startup financing can be daunting. Fatou simplifies this by outlining the ideal stage for a startup to consider venture debt. It's not for the early days but for those who have achieved product-market fit and have a clear growth trajectory. "You don’t take it before you get a product market fit... you need to know your unit economics," Fatou advises, emphasizing the importance of a startup's maturity in considering debt financing.

The recent shakeup in the venture debt landscape, particularly with the exit of Silicon Valley Bank from Europe, presents both challenges and opportunities. Fatou sees this as a pivotal moment for venture debt in Europe, noting the significant gap left behind. "Silicon Valley Bank... was providing something like 700 million just in the UK per year," she points out, illustrating the vast demand for venture debt solutions in the European market.

Fatou shares her enthusiasm for deep tech investments, an area where Bootstrap Europe has carved its niche. These investments, often complex and requiring substantial capital, align well with their venture debt model. Fatou explains, "We like the nerdy stuff because they tend to create a massive step change in the way we live," highlighting their focus on transformative technologies that promise significant returns and advancements.

Daniel Dumig's transition from the corporate world to the realm of innovation is a fascinating journey. He recounts his early days leading marketing for major sports lifestyle brands and how that led to the creation of the TenKan-Ten Startup Accelerator under Asics. This venture further evolved into two separate entities – The MotherTrees and U-Skale, leading to his latest project, the Venue Barcelona. "We spun off into our own companies," Daniel shares, emphasizing the seamless move from corporate to innovative entrepreneurship.

The Venue Barcelona, an upcoming innovation zone located in the city's Olympia Stadium, is poised to become a central hub for music, sports, and a variety of events. Highlighting the project's origins, Daniel explains, "Our landlord is the City of Barcelona via B:SM (Barcelona Serveis Municipals)... They had the innovative concept to transform a section of the Olympia Stadium into a dedicated innovation zone." This ambitious initiative, actively supported by the Barcelona municipality, aims to cultivate an ecosystem that further enriches Barcelona's already vibrant culture in music and sports.

Daniel and his team are driven by a clear mission for the Venue Barcelona – to actively stimulate and support innovation in the realms of music, sports, and events. Utilizing Barcelona as their dynamic playground, the project ambitiously aims to provide a creative sandbox for testing innovative solutions, particularly in areas like fan engagement, media, and sustainability. Importantly, Daniel underscores the significance of addressing key challenges such as water consumption and overall sustainability in large-scale events, noting, "When you think about big events, there's inherently a sustainability challenge around it."

The Venue Barcelona approaches corporate-startup collaboration uniquely, steering clear of what Daniel terms 'innovation theater.' Instead, they focus on practical, value-driven partnerships. "It's actually corporate-driven," he states, emphasizing the importance of real-world application and impact. The project aims to create tangible solutions, moving beyond mere ideation to implementation and scaling.

Looking ahead, Daniel envisions the Venue Barcelona playing a significant role in transforming business events. Drawing from his experience with networking dinners, he aims to challenge traditional event formats and create more engaging, value-driven experiences. "We always look at the stuff and ask ourselves why people do what they do and what the result is out of it," he explains, highlighting his commitment to innovation not just in products but also in event experiences.