Month: April 2019

Monaco Tech has hosted an investor day with an academic twist. A mix of local entrepreneurs, investors, and Masters and MBA students gathered at the space in Fontvielle.

Organised jointly with the International University of Monaco, in partnership with the Monaco Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, the event on 11th April was an opportunity for investors to learn about three exciting companies and allow students to observe a real pitch presentation by tech startups.

Fabrice Marquet, Managing Director of Monaco Tech explained: “While the main objective of such events is for startups to get investment, this one was organised in partnership with IUM for an educational component.”

Students were exposed to well-structured companies pitching and investors reasoning. Three companies pitched and a highlight of the event was a presentation by Monaco Tech based company ​YouStock​. The company, which started four years ago, provides full service pick up and drop off storage in the French Riviera. The company is growing and seeking investment to scale its operations, starting in Paris and growing into other large cities in France.

Currently making an annual revenue of EU600,000, co-founders Pierre Charvet and Alexis Bouresche diligently answered questions from audience and shared an exit strategy involving acquisition from a US company in a similar space.

Simon Ardissis, professor of entrepreneurship at IUM and organiser of the event, met his goal to educate the crowd. “A startup is not a normal company. In fact, seven out of 10 will fail. Startups are actually one of the most high risk investments that can be made. However, those that do succeed could pay exponentially to a smart investor.”

Mr. Ardis’s explained that, unlike a traditional company, it’s not just a startup’s success that makes it investable. “Your return doesn’t come from the success of the startup, but by its exit.”

Monaco Tech will host future events to organise education for investors.

John Wright, President of the MVCA, commented: “While it’s always difficult to know which companies will be successful, events like these are a valuable way to create an environment for networking.”

For students, Monaco Tech’s Investor Day was a look into what it takes to make it in today’s startup world. For investors and pitching companies, it was a connection to potential future business.

Members of the Scientific Council for Statistics and Economic Studies have met in the offices of the Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE) for a presentation of its work.

During the session on Tuesday 23rdApril, Pierre-André Chiappori, President of the Council, gave an update on the IMSEE’s situation by mentioning the recent appointment of Sophie Vincent as Director of the Institute last February as well as a renewed Scientific Council with four new members out of 11 appointed in October 2018 for three years. These changes mark a new stage for IMSEE, which is an important component of the Principality, particularly in the context of the definition of public policies.

Sophie Vincent also discussed various studies carried out on major topics for Monaco:

– a survey on addictions and lifestyles among young people that the IMSEE itself advocated and which was carried out in partnership with the DENJS;

– studies on demography, measurement of gender pay gaps and violence against women requested by the Prince’s Government.

Council members then shared their points of interest and made new recommendations on the statistics to be developed and the actions to be implemented for the construction of an efficient statistical system.

At the end of the meeting, participants were welcomed to lunch by Serge Telle.

The Scientific Council for Statistics and Economic Studies has an advisory role to the Minister of State who guarantees his independence. He spoke in particular about the studies to be carried out, the state of the statistical system and the annual survey program. Its 11 members come from civil society, assemblies and the administration.

As part of European Immunisation Week, which kicked off on Wednesday, the Prince’s Government is reminding everyone that vaccines are effective and everyone of all ages should be vaccinated.

Organised by the World Health Organization, European Immunisation Week runs from 24th to 30th April, with the aim of raising awareness about vaccines and promoting their use.

“Each year, vaccination makes it possible to prevent a large number of contagious diseases and reduce their effects, and also to avoid contamination of the rest of the population, via herd immunity, which is essential for protecting the most vulnerable,” said the government in a statement.

“It is the best and sometimes the only protection against certain rare but serious diseases.”

The theme this year is Protected Together: Vaccines Work!, and the campaign will celebrate Vaccine Heroes from around the world, from parents and community members to health workers and innovators.

In 2017, the number of children immunised – 116.2 million – was the highest ever reported. Since 2010, 113 countries have introduced new vaccines, and more than 20 million additional children have been vaccinated.

But despite the gains, all of the targets for disease elimination including measles, rubella, and maternal and neonatal tetanus, are behind schedule, and over the last two years the world has seen multiple outbreaks of measles, diphtheria and various other vaccine-preventable diseases. Most of the children missing out are those living in the poorest, marginalised and conflict-affected communities.

“In order for everyone, everywhere to survive and thrive, countries must intensify efforts to ensure all people receive the lifesaving benefits of vaccines,” said WHO. “Additionally, those countries that have achieved or made progress towards the goals must work to sustain the progress they have made.”

The main goal of the 2019 campaign is to raise awareness about the critical importance of full immunisation throughout life.

“Vaccination is essential for the health of individuals and for public health; it provides a level of preventive protection that is essential for the well-being of the population,” said the Princely Government. “Being vaccinated and keeping up to date with essential boosters are acts of solidarity – it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve the health of all.”

Passing by the window of the Ribolzi Gallery, one sees what seems to be a rubber Michelin tire on display. Upon further inspection, the viewer sees that it is, in fact, an intricately carved piece of black marble by the artist Fabio Viale.

Colourful impressionist scenes of nature are displayed in the same room as contemporary sculptures with clean lines. Abstract figures of warriors are painted on larger than life canvasses. The gallery is filled with paintings and artefacts that show artists’ playful use of mediums to generate a mood of curiosity. The variety, and synergy, in the collection is something that must be seen during Monaco Art Week.

The opening of the Ex Tempore exhibit at Galerie Adriano Ribolzi was attended by some of Monaco’s most influential residents, including the Ambassador of Italy for Monaco Cristiano Gallo. Currently on display are works from four contemporary artists: Fabio Viale, Pablo Atchugarry, Mario Schifano and Sergio Fermariello. All but Mr. Schifano are alive today, and the works are a glimpse into Italy’s contemporary art scene.

“This is the best piece in the show,” said Adriano Ribolzi as he pointed to a colourful, larger than life painting with abstract water lilies that garnered the excitement of Spring. A handsome young Italian art expert visiting from Milan, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared stories of the tattoos on Fabio Viale’s classical marble sculptures.

“It is not just painted on, it is actually tattooed into the stone, and the tattoos are from the Japanese Yakusa and Russian Mafia.” He revealed that the tattoos are copies from two of the artist’s lovers. The stories behind the art pieces were almost as interesting as the works themselves.

Viale’s sculptures are particularly unique. Using marble, the artist plays with the medium to create objects that look like styrofoam, paper, rubber and even tattooed skin. Atchugary, also a sculptor working in marble, has a completely different style, using the highest quality Carrera marble available to create contemporary designs.

Schifano’s work in pain focuses on nature. One of the most important Italian artists from the Post War period, the gallery has on display a large painting reminiscent of water lilies.

Finally, Fermariello’s works are paintings with figures that can be interpreted as warriors.

Ex Tempore is on exhibition until 31st August at the Galerie Adriano Ribolzi, 3 avenue de l’Hermitage.

Monaco Art Week is being held from 24th to 28th April. 

The Champagne and Oysters Cycling Club is back for another charity ride from Saint Tropez to Monaco, and more than 100 riders are signed up to take part.

The annual ride has once again attracted a mix of professional cyclists and amateurs who go along for the fun, the physical challenge and to raise funds to support the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

“It’s a very social ride, that’s what’s great about it,” says Tiffany Cromwell, one of Australia’s top female road cyclists. “I see many of the men and women who don’t really ride much and, every year, they build up for the COCC. For them, 140km is massive!”

Now in its eighth year, the COCC charity cycle has become a fixture on the Monaco calendar. Each spring, more than 100 cyclists take part in the coastal ride from Saint Tropez to Monaco. Participants have included HSH Prince Albert II, F1 Formula One drivers and professional cyclists. Participants take a break from the gruelling ride with a refreshing drink at Ma Nolan’s in the Port of Nice, before reaching the finish line at Stars’N’Bars in Monaco.

Celebrations continue into the evening with a street party and live music for more than 200 people at Slammers Bar. A celebratory lunch is organised the following day at Anjuna Beach, Eze.

Since the first ride in 2012, more than €600,000 has been raised for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to increase awareness of water safety and the risks of drowning. As in 2017 and 2018, funds raised will be used to support a first aid and CPR training complex in Loumbila, Burkina Faso.

A donation can be made on the COCC website.

Visitors to Monaco will have at their fingertips a virtual tourist guide thanks to the launch of a new app, developed in the Principality. The technology will allow users to experience 3D models of some of Monaco’s most famous landmarks, as well as a host of other useful features.

The app, called CardMap, was created from a collaboration between Monaco’s Tourist and Convention Authority and the company K-Rma tech.

Available for Android and iOS, CardMap offers users an augmented reality view of their destination. By scanning a flyer that can be found in a variety of strategic locations or the map of Monaco, visitors can learn more about the country’s different tourist attractions through a 3D model of the location, an audio guide, photos and videos, making their visit more dynamic and interactive.

The Princess Grace Rose Garden, Fontvieille Park, the Japanese Garden, the Casino, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace are already available on the app, and other locations will be added soon including the Exotic Garden, the Observatory Cave and the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.

Over the coming weeks, users will also be able to learn more about the Changing of the Guard.

K-Rma tech Sarl was founded in Monaco in 2017 and brings together professionals working in new technology and finance. In addition to creating CardMap, the company is also developing innovative solutions in the fields of tourism, music, sport and medicine.