Emilie Vallauri’s deep expertise in nurturing pre-seed startups and building thriving entrepreneurial communities makes her an invaluable asset to the startup ecosystem. As a Program Lead at Techstars, she’s currently focusing on accelerating the startup landscape in Southern African countries. She also contributes to the growth of the French Tech Berlin community as a Board Member, helping create valuable networking opportunities for entrepreneurs. In this interview, Emilie shares her journey into the startup world, her mission at Techstars, her contributions to the Berlin ecosystem, and her valuable advice for founders. Read on!

1. Hi Emilie, thank you so much for agreeing to do the interview. Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you got connected to the startup world?

Sure, thanks for having me! My background is in business and political science, and I studied at two institutions in France — one, a business school, and the other, the Institute of Political Sciences of Aix-en-Provence. After finishing my studies, I did an internship at the French Embassy in London, working with Business France, the trade arm of the embassy. This role focused on supporting French startups expanding into the UK, and it was there that I really got immersed in the startup ecosystem.

After that, I worked in consulting and innovation for a while, particularly in the public sector, before moving to Berlin. In Berlin, I joined LEONARD, the innovation arm of a major construction company called VINCI, and was in charge of developing LEONARD in the German-speaking region. Eventually, I shifted back to working closely with startups, which led me to my current role at Techstars, where I’m fully immersed in the startup world.

2. You’re the Program Lead at Techstars, the most active pre-seed accelerator in the world. Could you tell us more about your mission?

As a Program Lead at Techstars, my mission is to build and support startup ecosystems. Right now, I’m focused on Southern Africa, specifically Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. I lead various programs to help foster the regional startup community, ranging from ideation programs for aspiring entrepreneurs to pre-seed funding readiness programs. These initiatives help startups refine their business models and get ready to raise funding.

Beyond this, I’m heavily involved in community and ecosystem-building efforts, organizing conferences, events, and workshops to bring together decision-makers, thought leaders, and key stakeholders. The goal is to spark collaboration and accelerate the growth of these emerging ecosystems.

3. You’re also a Board Member of French Tech Berlin, an organization that helps ecosystem members grow through direct access to experts and networking opportunities. Tell us more about your contribution to the ecosystem.

French Tech Berlin is part of a larger French government-backed initiative that aims to support the creation and growth of the tech ecosystem, both in France and abroad. I joined the board in 2022, and my primary focus has been revitalizing our community after the pandemic. One of the first initiatives I launched was our monthly community breakfasts, which allowed us to reconnect with entrepreneurs, freelancers, investors, and tech professionals.

In addition to the breakfasts, I’ve organized larger events and conferences on important topics such as sustainability, the VC industry, female founders, and how to recover from failure. My goal is to foster a supportive community for French-speaking entrepreneurs in Berlin and provide them with valuable networking and learning opportunities.

4. Your day-to-day life is connected to the startup world. Could you share the three most useful tips for founders with our readers?

Of course! When I assess a startup, I look at three main factors: the team, the product, and the execution. Here’s how I would break it down:

1. The Product: It’s essential to clearly communicate your product’s uniqueness and market fit. What makes it stand out? What problem does it solve? If you have intellectual property, highlight that as well. It’s all about presenting your product in the best possible way to attract attention.
   
2. The Team: Investors want to know that the team is capable of executing the vision. It’s important to demonstrate that your team has the skills and experience necessary to solve the problem you’re addressing. Founders should explain why they’re the right people to be working on this problem and why their background makes them qualified to lead the company.
   
3. Execution: The ability to execute is often what sets successful startups apart. For many early-stage founders, especially those just out of university, this can be the most differentiating factor. Being resourceful, hitting milestones, and achieving results with minimal resources are key. Focus on demonstrating that you can make things happen, even with limited resources.

5. What do you predict for the startup ecosystem in Berlin?​ What are the challenges and the opportunities the ecosystem is facing?

Berlin has a vibrant startup scene with a lot of opportunities. The community here is fantastic for founders, as it offers a lot of support through meetups and networking events. The key is to find the right community that resonates with you—whether it’s French Tech Berlin or another group.

However, there are also challenges. One significant issue is that Berlin is becoming increasingly expensive. The city used to attract many founders because it was one of the more affordable capital cities in Europe. As the cost of living rises, it may become harder for early-stage founders to afford to live and work here. This could have an impact on Berlin’s status as a top startup hub, especially for those with fewer resources. That said, Berlin will continue to attract entrepreneurs due to its international appeal and position as a central European city.

Thank you for sharing your insights and your story, Emilie. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

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