Hi everyone!
I just returned from an exciting adventure at SMAU Paris and I'm so excited to share all the details with you! It has been an intense but incredibly rewarding journey, full of networking, pitching and business opportunities.
The week started with a welcome cocktail at the Italian Embassy in Paris, which was a fantastic opportunity to meet other participants and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the event. Among the people present there was also the Councilor for Economic Development, Training and Work, as well as Vice President of the Valle d'Aosta Region, Bertchy Luigi Giovanni. Obviously we already knew him, but it was very important to have the opportunity to talk to him in a friendlier and less formal environment about our project and I think he understood how much the Guideexpress project is close to our hearts and how much we can highlight the Valley of Aosta. Many other representatives of public bodies and high-level companies such as L'Oréal and Trenord were also present and we presented our project to everyone and exchanged ideas and gathered ideas from their great experience.
The next day we moved to Station F, an innovative hub in the heart of Paris, to continue our discussions and business meetings. It was the perfect time to do my pitch, and I have to say it went even better than the one in London! I felt much more comfortable and confident, and this was reflected in the results we achieved. We have concluded several very interesting commercial negotiations that will certainly lead to great opportunities for our company.
As in London where we met Dario from Start up Pick Roll in Paris we bonded a lot with the start ups Babbaiola (the largest LGBTQIA community), BeMyHERO (brings cosplayers, heroes and entertainers into contact with families who would like a visit to the superhero or their children's favorite princess) and Kulto (innovates agritech by fusing sustainable agriculture with advanced vertical farming technologies in the world of cannabis).
Unfortunately, the unpredictable weather in Paris also gave me a nice cold, which made it necessary to skip the third day of the event. But despite this small setback, we are extremely satisfied with what we achieved during our participation in SMAU Paris.
I would like to sincerely thank the SMAU organization for their extraordinary work in organizing such an inspiring and profitable event. We can't wait to return and participate in SMAU Milan in October, where we will certainly continue to cultivate business relationships and look for new opportunities to grow our project.
See you soon with new adventures and new successes!
Participating in SMAU London 2024 was an unforgettable adventure for me and my startup at this international event. It was our first time at such a large fair, and honestly, we didn't know what to expect. The experience turned out to be an emotional rollercoaster, full of encounters, discoveries, and moments of personal and professional growth.
The opening night, held in the elegant setting of the Italian embassy in London, was our baptism of fire. Among waiters offering refined foods and drinks, we found ourselves a bit disoriented amidst many new faces, including industry bigwigs and representatives of other startups. Meeting Claire, a young representative of The Bakery, a well-known London consulting company, marked a turning point. Her direct and friendly approach made me realize the importance of overcoming shyness and fully engaging in networking. Conversing, exchanging ideas, and sharing our project were the highlights of the event.
Thanks to that first conversation, and with the courage infused by a few mojitos, we made connections with various entities, from Treni Italia Inghilterra to various venture capitalists and banking representatives. The evening turned into a unique opportunity for learning, discovery, and a first taste of a world previously unknown to us.
The following day, spent in a historic disused London brewery located in a lively neighborhood with Arab-Indian influences, was dedicated entirely to networking. I don't hide the anxiety I felt at the thought of having to pitch for two minutes on stage; fortunately, being the second to speak, I was able to quickly shake off the weight. The positive feedback received afterward was a source of great satisfaction.
No less important was the friendship that almost accidentally blossomed with a Roman guy, the founder of the startup Pick-Roll, dedicated to basketball enthusiasts. This chance encounter reinforced in me the awareness of how networking can also result in meaningful human connections.
The last day was dedicated to visiting four important London entities, including incubators and corporations, offering us a broad overview of the city's innovative ecosystem.
This journey was not only a professional growth opportunity but also a precious moment spent with my husband, away from the family routine. It allowed us to reconnect as a couple but also to establish new friendships with others we met during the event.
In conclusion, SMAU London 2024 was a transformative experience, a complete immersion in the world of innovation and international business. This event not only enriched our professional experience but also opened up new personal horizons. We look forward to the next edition, hoping to repeat and perhaps surpass these unforgettable experiences in Paris.
RDITALY will participate in SMAU London 2024
The aim of SMAU Italy RestartsUp in London - which will take place on March 26 - goes beyond geographical borders: it seeks to create a strong connection between the Italian innovation ecosystem, the London Hub, and the British market. This initiative provides fertile ground for startups, companies, investors, and various innovation stakeholders from both Italy and the United Kingdom. This collaborative effort is not simply about showcasing the growth of Italian startups and addressing the needs of companies; it aims to provide London investors and entrepreneurs with a direct view of flourishing innovation scenes in various sectors. In particular, startups in the Industry, Mobility, Retail, Smart Communities, AgriFood, and Healthcare sectors will be in the spotlight.
A carefully selected group of 40 Italian startups will represent the pinnacle of Italian innovation, introducing innovative solutions and disruptive technologies. In addition to startups, the innovation teams of about 15 of Italy's largest companies will also be present, interested in connecting with the key players in London's innovation ecosystem.
The synergy between startups and corporate giants creates a dynamic environment for the exchange of ideas and expertise. As London investors and companies engage with Italian startups, they gain insights into flexibility, creativity, and transformative potential within these specific sectors. Furthermore, this collaboration serves as a conduit to enable startups to access valuable resources, mentoring, and industry-specific knowledge, enabling them to thrive in a competitive landscape.
For these reasons, SMAU | Italy RestartsUp in London aims to be a crucial catalyst for corporate innovation. It is an initiative designed to strengthen ties between the Italian and British innovation scenes, promoting an environment where different sectors converge, collaborate, and drive forward the innovation process.
RDITALY will be present and will offer its new features in the tourism sector to a broader market, this time at a European level. We will then tell you how this new adventure unfolds!! Wish us Good luck!!!
The TEDxCourmayeur is an event that transforms the atmosphere of the renowned TED into a highly evocative and exclusive setting, reflecting the spirit of the majestic mountains surrounding Courmayeur. The main goal of TEDxCourmayeur is to create a memorable experience enriched with high-level cultural and scientific content, thanks to the participation of various personalities, mainly from the Aosta Valley, capable of offering perspectives beyond conventional boundaries.
The event took place on July 23, 2023, on the summit of the Skyway di Courmayeur, in collaboration with the Institut Agricole Régional and the Mavel edt of Pont-Saint-Martin, where the "Be The Founder" workshop was held.
During this event, startups and realities from the Aosta Valley had the opportunity to present their innovative projects, asking participants to contribute ideas that could come to life in the splendid Aosta Valley. The enthusiasm and commitment of the participants generated insights of great interest and inspiration.
For the Guidexpress project, this was an extraordinary opportunity not only to share ideas and grow but also to enjoy a day of relaxation immersed in the extraordinary beauty of Mont Blanc.
The pitch was delivered by CEO Coralie Pellissier.
On September 30, 2023, was a special date, marked by the celebration of the Italian Night of Researchers at the charming Ferme du Montfleury, organized by the Regional Agricultural Institute.
The event offered an engaging and informative experience divided into two distinct moments:
In the morning, we welcomed students from local schools, offering them the opportunity to explore the services we offer.
In the afternoon and evening, our stand hosted local authorities, organizations, and the interested public, eager to learn more about our reality.
The team composed of Coralie Pellissier and Valerio Falcicchio was the protagonist of the day, presenting their extraordinary project Guidexpress. It was surprising to note the enormous interest generated especially among the young visitors, who showed particular enthusiasm in discovering the potential of this innovative initiative.
The Italian Night of Researchers was an extraordinary opportunity to share our passions, discoveries, and innovations with the local community, demonstrating our commitment to promoting research and innovation in the territory.
Pitch at the Demoday at the Pépinières d’Entreprises.
June 9, 2023, will be remembered by all those who took part in the Demo Day at the Pépinières d’Entreprises in Aosta as a milestone event in the annual training journey of startups. On that emotionally charged day, entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, including the promising Guidexpress, enthusiastically presented their innovative ideas.
Alongside the bright proposals of the young companies, authoritative figures from local institutions took the stage, including the President of the Young Entrepreneurs of Confindustria Valle d'Aosta. The Expo that framed the event provided an extraordinary showcase not only for the services and products of startups incubated in Valdostan incubators, but also for representatives of local entities interested in promoting innovation and economic development.
The Demo Day represented a unique opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurial talent and emerging innovation in the region, highlighting the hard work done by startups throughout the year and their tangible contribution to the economic and social growth of Valle d'Aosta. Among the participants, Coralie Pellissier made her public debut presenting the Guidexpress project, whose pitch was warmly received by the audience.
However, the day was not without turbulence, as it was marked by out-of-place and unjustified "political" events that cast a shadow over the celebration of innovation. These events undoubtedly undermined the morale of Coralie Pellissier and her team, who found themselves facing an unexpected and unsettling situation. However, as true entrepreneurial resilience shows, the obstacle only ignited an even stronger flame in the hearts of Guidexpress members.
In life, challenges are inevitable, but it is the reaction to them that determines success or failure. The Guidexpress team suffered a harsh blow that day, but instead of succumbing to despair, they chose to rise with determination and turn that experience into a springboard for even greater success. Their resilience and fighting spirit demonstrated that, even in the face of the most hostile adversity, it is possible to emerge stronger than before.
The entrepreneurial journey is often fraught with obstacles and pitfalls, but it is through adaptability and resilience that the most challenging hurdles can be overcome. The Guidexpress team has shown these qualities in abundance, turning a negative experience into an opportunity for growth and further strengthening their commitment to advancing their innovative vision.
Despite the unexpected events, the Demo Day was still an extraordinary success for the Valdostan startup community, showcasing its potential and determination in pursuing innovation and development to the world. The event confirmed the fundamental role of startups in shaping the region's economic and social future and underscored the importance of supporting and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation at both local and national levels.
