Conference Program
Our program is currently a work in process and will be updated regularly in the upcoming weeks leading up to this year's edition.
Striking the Right Balance: Founders’ Mental Health
The entrepreneurial journey is often an emotional rollercoaster, pushing 49% of founders to consider leaving their startups in 2024. This sentiment is heightened by the current challenging economic conditions in the tech market. Outside of their growth challenge, founders also face additional pressures, including maintaining work-life balance and navigating internal conflicts as their companies grow. But a positive shift is emerging: mental health in the startup ecosystem is becoming a more open conversation. Founders and industry leaders are increasingly sharing their personal experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering awareness about mental well-being. This session explores practical ways to build support systems for founders and their teams. Together, we’ll discuss how to normalize mental health conversations in the tech ecosystem and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for innovation.
Founders’ Story with Factorial & Atomico
Discover the story behind the innovations and the collaborative networks that propelled their startup forward through the unique journey of its founder.
Most Recent AI Venture Trends in Silicon Valley
Pr. Ilya Strebulaev dives into the future of AI by identifying the current major trends, most promising investors, startups, and themes across layers of the entire AI landscape. Predictions over the next 12 months based on his in-depth research work and talks with major investors.
Exit Backlog: What Alternatives To The Traffic Jams?
2024 was a slow year for startup exits, with the backlog of companies awaiting an exit surging to over 55,000, according to PitchBook—a record high. While smaller startup exits continued at a steady pace, the absence of IPOs created a bottleneck, slowing down both late-stage companies and the broader VC market. This stagnation has forced mature startups to explore alternative exit strategies, including secondaries, M&As, or extended private market stays, while in Europe, many startups are looking across the Atlantic for IPOs or acquisition opportunities. Some anticipate a return to normalcy in 2025, with a wave of unicorn IPOs. However, the geopolitical climate could disrupt these expectations, reshuffling the exit landscape. This session will explore how seasoned VCs in the US, China, and Europe are navigating the backlog and what alternative exit strategies are emerging.
Founder’s Story: “Going Global: Strategies for European Expansion
Breaking into the European market is more than just expanding your reach—it's about seizing new opportunities for growth in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Leveraging insights from local successes to understand and penetrate new markets can unlock immense potential. However, entering unfamiliar territories brings significant challenges: navigating financial requirements, overcoming legal hurdles, and adapting to cultural differences. Timing is crucial — knowing when to make the move can determine the success of your venture. How can businesses effectively establish themselves abroad? What strategies help surmount financial and legal obstacles? And how do you identify the best new market for your enterprise?
From Sketch to Shelf: Transforming from End-to-End the Entire Visual Pipeline with AI
Step inside Genera.Space — an AI-powered SaaS platform built to solve fashion’s most pressing production challenges. By replacing outdated, fragmented processes with a fully digital and scalable system, it enables brands to create faster, smarter, and more sustainably. Session curated by Institut Français de la Mode (IFM).
Garments that fit : How Can We Make Virtual Try-On Truly Accurate and Inclusive ?
The fashion industry is embracing virtual try-on, but how can we ensure it truly reflects real bodies and real garments? This live demo explores the impact of using real graded pattern data and inclusive avatars to deliver a try-on experience that feels precise, and representative. Join us to see how accuracy meets inclusivity — in real time. Session curated by Institut Français de la Mode (IFM).
The Future of Eyewear: Made To Fit, Made To Order, Made In France
Discover how Visages is reshaping the eyewear industry through local, on-demand and zero-waste production using the full potential of AI and 3D-printing technologies. From VR design to 3D face-scanning and personalization, this live demo reveals how any creative can design and launch a custom eyewear model in hours – sustainably, and inventory-free. Session curated by Institut Français de la Mode (IFM)
Vibe coding: Brands as Destinations in Gamified Shoppable Worlds
Explore how VLGE AI empowers brands to become immersive destinations through gamified, shoppable virtual worlds. This session unveils the future of experiential commerce, where storytelling, interactivity, and AI converge to create vibrant, engaging ecosystems that turn audiences into communities and transactions into journeys. Welcome to the next evolution of brand engagement. Session curated by Institut Français de la Mode (IFM).
At the crossroads of tech and creativity with La French Touch!
Travel through history, interact with iconic artistic figures and artworks and dive into immersive expeditions with four leading startups of La French Touch bridging the gap between tech and creative industries. EXCURIO: Discover how Excurio is redefining immersive entertainment with its groundbreaking Immersive Expeditions. This innovative experience sets a new benchmark in the industry, combining cutting-edge technology with a sustainable, profitable business model for VR creators and operators. HISTOVERY: Histovery is the leading company in scientifically validated and engaging 3D reconstructions of the past. With over 3 million visitors annually across 20 cultural institutions worldwide, they will present how their experiences are revolutionizing cultural visits, both on-site and beyond museum walls through international traveling Augmented Exhibitions. ASK MONA: Discover how generative AI can turn any object — from a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa to a bottle of wine — into a conversational companion. This demo showcases immersive dialogues projected on screen, revealing how technology reshapes storytelling, education, and consumption by making physical objects speak, inform, and enchant. SYNEGRAM: Step into the world of Synegram.com — the empowering app that makes music visual and logical. Chords, melodies, and songs become intuitive shapes through their powerful visual system. For all music lovers, pros and newbies. Experience it — and you'll soon say: "I see music!