HEC Paris Startup Launchpad

If you are an entrepreneur student with a startup project, the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad is the perfect fit for you! We offer a unique format that combines a 'learning by doing' practical approach with an exceptional community of experts in the startup ecosystem.

The Launchpad is not an ordinary course of entrepreneurship but a startup creation accelerator built on the experiences of successful entrepreneurs and customer development methodologies. In just 11 intense weeks, we equip you with the essential methodologies and cutting-edge tools to transform your project into a thriving startup. You will gain a deep understanding of customer development and acquire the practical skills needed to drive your venture forward.

But the Launchpad is more than just a program; it's a vibrant community. You will have access to the expertise and experiences of over 170 professionals, including mentors, experts, coaches, venture capitalists, and successful entrepreneurs. They will guide you through the crucial initial steps of your project, providing invaluable support to launch your startup successfully.

"Each entrepreneur will go through the same steps, and we provide the ecosystem. By sharing methodologies and experiences, we can optimize your chances of success and save you valuable time. Regardless of the outcome of your project, the human experience gained will be invaluable. It is this experience that will propel early-bird entrepreneurs in their careers."
Guillaume le Dieu de Ville
Head of HEC Paris Startup Launchpad

Profile Diversity

This program is open to students in their final year from the following HEC Paris Master & MSc programmes:

• 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), and NYU Stern.

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.

Program Content

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.