HEC Paris Startup Launchpad HEC Paris Startup Launchpad

The HEC Startup Launchpad program is designed to provide startups with the necessary tools and resources to launch and grow their startup. With direct application to their startup project, students will be able to:

• Understand the key principles of market research, customer discovery, and business model validation;
• Develop a clear value proposition and identify target customer segments;
• Develop sales and marketing strategies to drive customer acquisition and growth;
• Define a suitable and viable business model;
• Learn how to pitch and present their startup to investors and other stakeholders;
• Build a strong team and company culture;
• Successfully prepare a raise funds from investors and other sources.

The program includes masterclasses & coaching sessions with professionals, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, coaching or immersive weeks with professionals on dedicated topics, talks & company visits, numerous pitches to investors, a learning expedition week in London to discover the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UK, and access to HEC's network of investors and partners.

This program grants HEC Paris students 15 ECTS.

HEC Paris Startup Launchpad is not an ordinary entrepreneurship training programme. It is a start-up creation accelerator that draws on the experience of successful entrepreneurs and customer development methodologies.

In just 11 intense weeks, we equip you with essential methodologies and cutting-edge tools to transform your project into a successful startup. You’ll deepen your understanding of customer development and gain the practical skills needed to elevate your venture.

Beyond the curriculum, HEC Paris Startup Launchpad is a vibrant community. You gain access to the expertise of over 170 professionals, including mentors, experts, coaches, venture capitalists, and successful entrepreneurs. They will guide you through the initial stages of your project and provide invaluable support to launch your startup towards success.
 

“Every entrepreneur goes through the same stages, and we provide the ecosystem. By sharing our methodologies and experiences, we can maximize your chances of success and save you valuable time. Regardless of your project's outcome, the human experience gained will be invaluable. This experience is what drives aspiring entrepreneurs forward in their careers.”

- Guillaume le Dieu de Ville, Executive Director, HEC Startup Launchpad,
co-founder of Lingueo

This program is open to students in their final year from the following HEC Paris Master & MSc programmes + their team members (regardless of whether they are HEC students):

• X-HEC Entrepreneurs
• Data Science for Business
• Sustainability and Social Innovation
• Marketing
• Digital Innovation & Acceleration
• Medias, Arts & Creation

We also welcome students from our partner schools: Université Paris-Saclay as part of their Masters in Law, Entrepreneurship and Digital (M2 LEAD), NYU Stern, and ESA Business School as part of their Master in Entrepreneurship.

The programme is open to HEC Paris or partner schools students but welcomes all the members of the selected teams, including students from other schools and professionals from various backgrounds. Whether you specialize in business, law, engineering, coding, design, or other fields, the Launchpad values and leverages the diversity and complementarity of profiles as one of its key strengths.