The inaugural edition of Monaco Inspire, a new business event organised by the Jeune Chambre Économique de Monaco (JCI Monaco), brought together business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs in a setting designed to help startups transform their ideas into actionable plans. Three keynote speakers from the world of business – Ledger co-founder Éric Larchevêque, Monte Carlo Capital founder Ian Sosso, and Catherine Barba, an expert in e-commerce and digital innovation – were invited to guide Monaco’s next generation of businesspeople through topics such as scaling companies, the importance of resilience and self-belief, and investment strategies.
On 30th November, Monaco Life attended the first edition of Monaco Inspire, an event dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation in the Principality, at the Méridien Beach Plaza.
The event featured three keynote speakers: Éric Larchevêque, co-founder of Ledger and a prominent figure in French tech; Ian Sosso, founder of Monte Carlo Capital and recipient of the Best European Angel Investor award; and Catherine Barba, a pioneering expert in e-commerce and digital innovation.
Larchevêque shared personal insights on resilience and self-belief, encouraging participants to focus on sustainable growth. He remarked, “It’s better to go slower but go further.”
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, he admitted, “When I started my first company, I had no idea what a startup was or how to run one.”
He also emphasised the importance of clear communication in building a successful venture, noting, “The more you communicate, the more you can align values and create meaningful connections.”
Sosso, a Monegasque entrepreneur, focused on the intricacies of venture capital. His keynote speech, ‘Strategy of a Venture’, detailed the processes of creating deal flows and selecting promising projects, offering practical guidance on navigating the complexities of investment.
Barba, renowned for her work in digital transformation, has been a driving force in helping businesses adapt to the demands of online commerce. She is also a mentor for startups, advocating for entrepreneurial growth and encouraging more women to enter the field. During her address, Barba shared practical advice on scaling businesses, emphasising the importance of clear strategies and effective communication.
A platform for ideas and spontaneous opportunities
The day included a networking breakfast, interactive workshops, and roundtables designed to equip participants with the tools needed to advance their projects. A standout moment was a spontaneous pitch by Barba and a representative from JCI Nice, who shared their ambition to replicate the event in Nice but required €15,000 in funding.
Encouraged to present their idea on stage, they received immediate feedback from Larchevêque and Barba, who offered practical advice on fundraising. In a surprising turn, an audience member pledged €5,000 towards their goal, showcasing the collaborative and supportive spirit of the event.
The event was widely regarded as a success, with Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, describing it as a “key and inspiring initiative”.
Larchevêque also highlighted the importance of the event’s community spirit, stating, “We know we have a good entourage when people lift you up.”
With plans for Monaco Inspire to become an annual event, the success and positive reception of its first edition demonstrate its potential to play a significant role in supporting entrepreneurship in Monaco.
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JCI Monaco empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with new start-up initiative
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Photo credit: Philippe Fitte