SIAL Paris has a dedicated space for start-ups again this year, highlighting the latest innovative solutions and industry changes that are driving innovation
Startup Sesame is one of the leading agencies dedicated to tech events in Europe, and has been a partner of SIAL Start-up since 2020. SIAL Daily spoke with Ben Costantini, CEO and Founder of Startup Sesame and its brand Sesamers, about the importance of the programme and his outlook for this year’s event.
Startup Sesame has been a partner of SIAL Paris since 2020. How has this partnership evolved since the 2022 edition?
We’ve learnt a lot from the 2022 edition of SIAL Start-up. We had a lot of discussions with the various SIAL Start-up partners about how to develop the programme further and take into account aspects that could be improved. In 2022, there was a crisis phase for investment in tech in general, and now we’re in a rather positive phase, so the number of start-ups is continuing to rise. We’ve also taken into account the needs of entrepreneurs who are a little further away from the core food industry, in particular companies that create solutions based on scientific tenders, R&D, and what’s referred to as deep tech in general terms. We wanted to develop our ability to respond to this aspect for the 2024 edition.
In your opinion, why is Startup Sesame a strategic choice of partner for SIAL Start-up?
The first reason is our international side. Since the company was founded, it’s been part of our DNA. Of our newsletter’s 20,000 subscribers, for example, 35% are based in the US. If someone calls on us, it’s because they want to make their project known internationally.
Then there’s another aspect which is a bit more niche and specific, it’s the fact that we’re not just in one sector, we’ve worked on projects in the energy, mobility and composite materials sectors for example, as well as on conferences and trade fairs in the tech sector, which is very multi-sectoral, so we’re very familiar with the issues involved in trade fairs globally. This means that we can bring elements we’ve learned elsewhere in other sectors. One last thing that’s important is that we’re very start-up compatible: we have a certain way of working, talking, and communicating with entrepreneurs that also helps.
The concentration and density of start-ups is what makes a tech event worthwhile.
What are the advantages of having a space dedicated to start-ups at SIAL Paris?
The concentration and density of start-ups is what makes a tech event worthwhile. SIAL Paris isn’t a tech event, that’s not its basic ambition, but the density adds to the value and attracts players from the tech ecosystem. In particular venture capital investors, but also open innovation directors, accelerators, etc. There are a whole host of players that by having a place with a focus, it’s easier to attract their attention and for them to meet with start-ups and organise itineraries. It also makes it easier for journalists who want to meet certain start-ups in a specific field to come and meet with really interesting companies over a morning for example.
Having a dedicated space also makes it possible to create a programme of conferences and events aimed specifically at start-ups and this ecosystem, with a stage to feed them with subjects that speak to them and are important to them, and helps to ensure that the space is effervescent over a long period. Its vocation is to succeed in bringing together players who today are a little further away from the show.
SIAL START-UP adapts its offer to early-stage companies
This year, for the first time, SIAL Start-up has designed an offer specifically for early-stage to facilitate exhibiting in the start-up space. Ben Costantini outlined that the team realised that it is difficult for start-ups in the initial phases to allocate the financial and human resources necessary to participate in all five days of the show: “This year we have developed an offer that allows you to come for just one day. This may seem anecdotal, but it’s not. SIAL Paris is an important show with a lot of important names. When companies come for just one day, they’re still going to be able to meet with investors etc. So they have the same type of experience, just that the duration of their exhibition is reduced to make it easier—and of course more affordable—for new companies starting out to take part in the event.”
This means SIAL Start-up this year is highlighting companies that are often working on truly disruptive technologies, in particular with a scientific R&D base. Ben Costantini specified, “If, for example, a company is in the process of developing a certain alternative protein and they’re starting tests outside the lab, they might not be able to come and exhibit for five days. On the other hand, if we create an offer dedicated to them, it can be done. These are the players who will be supporting the exhibitors of tomorrow, except that they may be exhibiting in 10 years’ time. So it’s extremely strategic to succeed in talking to them now and forging links with the structures that will support them.”
SIAL Start-ups: Interpassage Hall 5A – Hall 6A