Start-Up Event 2024 Recap

On June 10th 2024 the annual VSAE Start-Up Event took place. Here is a recap of the day. 

The Start-Up Event 

The event kicked off with an opening speech from the Chairman of the committee followed by a great speech from Andrea Angelou, setting a positive and enthusiastic tone. Each start-up then introduced themselves with a short pitch, highlighting their missions, services, and any available internship or job opportunities. 

Last year’s Attending Start-Ups were: 

Quatronic 
Quatronic, founded in 2018 by four consultants, specializes in helping companies transition to digital strategies. With 30 consultants and over 80 projects completed, they assist clients in designing, delivering, and adopting IT solutions. They work across various industries, including sustainability, financial services, and energy. 

Whayle 
Whayle focuses on leveraging data science to create competitive advantages for companies, particularly in sustainable employment and disability management. They provide predictive models and dashboards to help clients make data-driven decisions and optimize their processes. 

Realstats 
Realstats specializes in real estate and built environment data, providing insights through a combination of sources like rental and construction databases. They offer custom research, housing market monitors, and dashboards, aiming to enhance transparency in the real estate market. 

SkillLab 
SkillLab uses AI-driven career guidance technology to help job seekers create skill profiles, build CVs, and explore career paths. Their platform supports marginalized communities by providing tailored career recommendations and facilitating effective communication between career counselors and job seekers. 

After the openings speeches, it was time for activities such as: 

• Pitches: Each start-up delivered a brief presentation to introduce their company and opportunities. 
• Speed-dating round: This session allowed students and start-ups to engage in informal discussions, fostering connections and deeper understanding. 
• Borrel: The event concluded with a networking session where students and company representatives could further discuss opportunities and enjoy refreshments. 

Ease of Finding Participants 

Finding start-up companies willing to attend was both a challenge and a rewarding process. The committee contacted numerous start-ups, visited various locations, and engaged with many entrepreneurs to secure participation. The feedback from both students and companies was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the success of these efforts.

Organizational Struggles 

Organizing the event involved several challenges, such as coordinating with multiple companies, securing a suitable venue, and ensuring all logistical aspects were in place. However, the committee's dedication and meticulous planning helped overcome these obstacles, resulting in a smooth and successful event. 

Event Benefits for Students 

The event is highly beneficial for students, particularly those studying econometrics, data science, and related fields. It provides a unique platform to: network with industry professionals; explore career opportunities and internships; gain insights into the practical applications of their studies and get inspired by successful start-up stories. On top of that, several start-ups offered internship and job opportunities suitable for econometrics students: 

• Quatronic: Opportunities in digital strategy and IT solution implementation. 
• Whayle: Positions related to data science, predictive modeling, and dashboard development. 
• Realstats: Roles in real estate data analysis and research. 
• SkillLab: Internships in improving AI recommender systems and career guidance technology. 

The VSAE Start-Up Event 2024 was a resounding success, offering valuable experiences for both students and start-ups. The event underscored the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, making it a must-attend for students interested in these areas. Looking forward to another successful event next year!