Challenges magazine has just published its 2023 top 100 of start-ups to invest in. 9 ESSEC gems feature in the list! 

A jury panel composed of professionals from the start-up eco-system and Challenges journalists made their selection after a call for applicants and requests to incubators, investment funds and specialised investment banks. Applicant start-ups must be less than 4 years in existence, headquartered in France, unlisted and independent of a major group, earning a turnover (except for biotech, deeptech and industry) and to be seeking funds between now and March 2024. Start-ups which have featured in previous additions cannot re-apply.

9 ESSEC winners

Co-founded by Stanislas de Gabrielli (E12), Carb0n contributes to funding energy transition in the real estate sector by guiding and simplifying energy saving for buildings.  ‘With 10 projects under way, we’re expecting a turnover of €1.4M in 2023.’ The start-up has also signed an investment partnership to the tune of €25M with Tikehau Capital.

Launched by Harold Guillemin (M19), FinX develops biomimetic nautical propulsion systems which could revolutionise maritime transport. ‘We replace propellers by a membrane which undulates like a sea animal, and is 20% to 30% more energy-efficient than standard propeller systems, in addition to being quieter and safer.’ The start-up recently raised €6M. See also our article (in French).

Co-founded by Robin Roumengas (E14), the Juisci platform aims to open up access to scientific publications in order to help healthcare professionals in their daily tasks. ‘The volume of medical content (papers, studies and guides, etc.) doubles every 73 days, making it humanly impossible to read and sort. We developed an artificial intelligence solution which can scan, analyse and simplify this mass of data and sources to provide them in a readable, reliable and up-to-date format.’ 

Co-founded by Léa Philippot (E19), Mindology produces natural CBD oils made in France to relieve stress and insomnia. These 100% natural, vegan products contain a maximum of 4 ingredients, sourced from plant extracts or essential oils. ‘0% THC to ensure no compromise on safety!’ See also our article (in French).

Co-founder by Charlotte Courtois (E19), Omny uses AI to helps brands automate and optimize each step of their products' distribution on marketplaces: referencing, pricing, advertising and logistics. « After a successful €2M Series-A in 2023, we are now aiming for a €M12 Series-B. » 

Co-founded by Tatiana Monseur (E16) and Mohamed Abou (E21), the biotech Polygon Therapeutics aims to enhance therapeutic care of cardiovascular diseases, which currently cause 18 million deaths annually, by triggering their immuno-inflammatory responses. The team is presently seeking to raise €7M. 

Launched by Audrey Destang (E14), Popee offers healthy, recycled, French-made hygiene products. ‘Our products are produced entirely in Normandy and the Grand-Est region, from our raw material to our paper, cardboard and logistics. We use no chlorine, colourings, bleaches or other endocrine disrupters. Our packaging is recycled and recyclable and prioritises cardboard over plastic.’ The brand is certified Ecolabel and Origine France Garantie. See also our article.

Co-founded by Baptiste Laurent (M10), Vertuo creates new planted areas in cities, based on a patented eco-system which collects rainwater and is better adapted to climate change. ‘Optimal growth for plants with no need for watering, enhanced cool islands (5° to 7° cooler in the summer), a boost for biodiversity, and 80% saving in maintenance costs.’ A low-tech solution which obtained Greentech Innovation certification from the Ministry for Environmental Transition.
 

Co-founded by Thibaud Febvre (BBA 12 & M17), Vianova helps cities and transport operators to roll out shared, electric and connected mobility solutions for smoother and more sustainable urban travel. The company has already raised more than €9M and supported over 150 customers.
 

A promising selection

Featuring in the Challenges Top 100 of start-ups to invest in is often a good omen for the entrepreneurs concerned, as proven by the success of previous ESSEC winners: Jean-Cédric Bekale (EXEC M11), founder of TradeIn, which raised €2M and boasts the giant Google among its investors; Emmanuel Bilbault (E10), co-founder of Posos, a decision-making tool for prescribing, dispensing and taking medication; Coline Burland (E11), co-founder of Omie, a B-Corp-certified platform which raised over €15M to distribute products from regenerative agriculture at an affordable price; Paul Cassé (M19), co-founder of Caps, which is developing a self-flying electric taxi; Alexia Cordier (E13), co-founder of Fifty, the e-doing leader; Arnaud Delubac (M20), co-founder of Greenly, the automated carbon footprint monitoring solution for individuals and businesses, which raised around €25 M€; Jeanne Depond (E12), co-founder of the Lyanne platform, which raised €1.2M for solution to optimise insurance cover; Jean-Baptiste Diebold (E03), founder of Ginkio, the community of information talents; Louis Duclert (E10) and  Olivier van den Broek (E10), co-founders of Iroko, a digital, commission-free and committed real estate investment company; Morgan Hilmi (E12), co-founder of Beebs, an application for reselling second-hand baby items, which raised €9M and boasts 1 million users; François Jacob (M10), co-founder of Hiboo, a data-steering solution for public works equipment, used by Vinci, Engie, and Eiffage; Mounir Laggoune (BBA 13), founder of Finary, an online  tool to monitor the performance of all your investments, which raised more than €4M; Delphine Lau (EXEC PROG 16), co-founder of Stooly, an eco-responsible furniture brand which raised €2.3M and whose foldable carboard stool is now a design and decoration reference; Claire Laurent (E17), co-founder of Hors Normes, which collects French organic fruit and vegetables rejected by traditional channels due to their shape, and redistributes them in the form of hampers for individual customers; Mathilde Le Roy (E99), founder of Kazoart, an online sales platform with a catalogue of 50,000 works by 1,000 artists; Rachel Marouani (M94), founder of Talisman By, a brand of customised jewellery, hand-made in France and Italy; Guillaume Moinet (E99), co-founder of the Scalens platform, which digitalises the entire relation between listed companies and their shareholders and investors; Jean Moreau (E07), founder of Phénix, a pioneer in the circular economy and efforts to reduce food waste; Kamel Naït-Outaleb (EXEC PROG 15), founder of OnlyOne, which offers alternative, ethical banking combining innovation and socio-environmental needs; Vinciane N'Cho (M20), co-founder of Kompara, which compares international money transfer providers; Romain Palmieri (E17) and Dorian Perron (E17), co-founders of Groover, a networking platform which connects 100,000 musicians and 300 media firms, labels and influencers; Fabrice Paublant (E91), co-founder of Orixha, developer of a medical device to protect the vital organs of cardiac arrest patients faster and more effectively, thus significantly reducing mortality and morbidity; Adèle Soullier (E10), a partner of En Cavale, which publishes investigative games for children and doubled its turnover between 2020 and 2021, or Kevin Valensi (M16), co-founder of Monga, a smart technological solution to improve the property sector by helping operators and residents to solve their maintenance problems. 

Did you spot other ESSEC entrepreneurs in the Challenges ranking? Let us know!

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