Company directors help project leaders get on the right track with “A Streetcar Named Startup”

Meetings in the French Tech Space

The ambiance was lively in the privatized tramway car decked out in French Tech colors, on its two round-trips across town from Odysseum to Mosson. Seated side-by-side, creators and coaches get straight to the point with speed coaching sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes. The journey gives each project leader time to meet with six experts in entrepreneurship, funding, and design.

“The symbolism is strong, letting people know that they don’t have to take the entrepreneurial voyage alone,” says Renaud Frémont, human resources consultant at Umaneo.

After their tramway trip, startup founders continued their discussions at the French Tech Space in group workshops and round-table sessions. It was a further opportunity for them to ask their many partners, such as CitésLab, more questions. “We advise project leaders in Montpellier’s nine priority districts,” explains Sabah Bouguern, project manager.

Committed companies

A prize for the “Most Committed Company” founded less than two years ago was awarded to the startup Fraichy, a future online store for Montpellier area grocers and greengrocers that will provide healthy local food.
“I would like to thank everyone! I received excellent advice for my project,” says Arnaud Cebollada.
Adeline Lefevre, an engineer and new Montpellier resident, was excited to discover the vast pool of local resources available to help her develop her project in the circular economy.

Funding partners: Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Banque Populaire du Sud, EDF, Agence Patte Blanche, TaM Voyages, Pôle Emploi. Intervening partners: Airdie, ENSCM, Human Booster, IMT Mines Alès, Montpellier Management, Pepite-Lr, La Fabrique à Entreprendre, Pulse, La Lettre M.