Station F Launches Online Entrepreneurship Program

Station F Expands Reach with Online Entrepreneurship Program

Station F, the prominent startup campus situated in Paris, is introducing an online platform known as Launch by Station F. This initiative aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs globally with foundational knowledge and resources necessary for launching a new venture.

Background on Station F

Established in 2017, Station F occupies a repurposed rail freight depot and has rapidly become a central hub for the French tech ecosystem. It currently hosts a substantial number of startups within its expansive facilities.

During the launch event, Roxanne Varza, director of Station F, emphasized the organization’s commitment to simplifying the entrepreneurial journey. “From its inception, Station F has been dedicated to streamlining the process for entrepreneurs,” she stated.

Addressing High Application Rates

While numerous avenues exist for joining the Station F community, the program’s selectivity remains high. Currently, approximately 9% of applicants are accepted into Station F programs. This limited capacity prompted the development of Launch.

Varza explained that “Launch represents a novel approach to entrepreneurship. Being a completely online program, it offers accessibility from any location worldwide.” She further added, “It encompasses all the fundamental elements required to initiate a company, ensuring participants grasp essential industry terminology upon completion.”

The Core Components of Launch

Launch is structured around three key pillars: content, tools, and community.

The Station F team has curated a comprehensive library of videos and articles, featuring insights from leading entrepreneurs and investors within the French startup landscape. This content is designed to enhance understanding of the technology sector.

Participants in the Launch program will also gain access to a suite of essential startup tools, including free trials and tiered access options. These tools include platforms like Notion, Asana, Shopify, Bubble, and Qonto.

Fostering Peer-to-Peer Learning

The program emphasizes collaborative learning through peer feedback. Members can connect and interact within a dedicated Slack community, utilize a member directory, and engage in reciprocal feedback sessions.

“The program guides participants through the process of developing a pitch deck, encouraging critical self-assessment of their business concepts,” Varza clarified. Feedback on these pitch decks will be provided by fellow members.

Launch is available at a cost of €9.90 per month, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. Station F anticipates attracting between 5,000 and 10,000 members.

Furthermore, Station F’s diversity partners – including Singa, Les Déterminés, La French Tech Tremplin, and the Fighters Program – will receive complimentary access to the service.

Focus on Foundational Education

This new online program signifies Station F’s increased focus on providing accessible entrepreneurial education. Despite the widespread desire to launch a startup, a significant learning curve often exists.

While completion of the Launch program does not guarantee the creation of a startup, it will equip participants with the knowledge to engage in informed discussions regarding startup business models, product-market fit, and related concepts.

Station F: New Partnerships and Program Updates

Station F is currently home to a diverse range of startup initiatives. These programs are overseen either by external partners or directly by the Station F team itself.

Among the current collaborators are prominent organizations like Ubisoft, Microsoft, Facebook, and HEC Paris. Each partner organization independently selects a cohort of startups to benefit from workspace and networking opportunities at Station F, alongside exclusive advantages.

Expanding the Ecosystem with New Partners

Recently, Station F announced the addition of two new partners: Ecole 42 and CentraleSupélec. This expansion aims to further enrich the resources available to startups within the campus.

In-House Programs Managed by Station F

“In addition to our partner programs, we directly manage three internal initiatives,” explains Marwan Elfitesse, head of startup programs at Station F.

The Founders Program, initially introduced in 2016 during the unveiling of Station F at TechCrunch Disrupt by Varza, welcomes applications from pre-seed and seed-stage startups across all industries.

Elfitesse emphasizes that this program is uniquely structured. “It was conceived by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, from its inception, and the entire selection process is managed by a panel of experienced entrepreneurs.” Currently, 130 recognized entrepreneurs are involved in the selection process.

Supporting Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

Station F also operates the Fighters Program, specifically designed to support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds. Elfitesse asserts, “Exceptional entrepreneurial talent can emerge from any walk of life.”

To date, four cohorts have successfully completed the Fighters Program, with a fifth currently in development. Notably, this upcoming cohort will benefit from sponsorship from TikTok, marking the first time a sponsor has supported this particular program.

Focusing on Female Health Innovation

A third in-house program, the FemTech Program, was recently launched. This initiative concentrates on companies innovating in the field of female health, including women’s sexual wellness and related areas.

Varza highlighted the rationale behind this program, stating, “Our assessment revealed both a significant opportunity and an urgent need for support among startups in this sector. It remains a relatively unexplored field, often subject to societal taboos.”

The inaugural cohort of the FemTech Program is scheduled to begin their residency at the Station F campus next month.