Two KEDGE alumni raise 1 million euros to develop their business!

1. Hello Philippe and Jean-François. To begin, tell us about your educational background. What did you study before and at KEDGE?

Philippe Rudowski: After my prep classes, I decided to go to KEDGE Bordeaux in 1986 because it required that each student be provided with a portable computer. A novelty! I didn’t specialise at the time because I didn’t know yet what I wanted to do, so this way, I was able to learn all the business roles and learn management. Also, I was able be involved with the sports association. This gave me a foundation in the theoretical basics, and allowed me to establish a network that has ended up serving me my entire career. That fact that today I am with a fellow graduate to talk about Roadoo Network, our common project is proof!

Jean-François Delepoulle: After I got my DUT (university technology degree), and after a gap year spent in the UK, the US, and Spain, I returned KEDGE Bordeaux to do the ESC programme via the parallel admissions path to specifically develop my knowledge in finance and business, which are central to my current activities. I still have excellent memories of my time in Bordeaux, and our Thursday night Rugby matches.  

2. Tell us about your careers after you finished school. What jobs have you had? What did those jobs teach you?

Jean-François Delepoulle: As for me, I started off working in various investment banks before starting my own business in 1997, which specialised in the rescue and turnaround of companies. These experiences allowed me to acquire solid expertise in mergers and acquisitions, as well as legal and financial frameworks, particularly in the real estate sector. I have now my own companies - consulting and real estate development businesses - and I am involved in the expansion of digital businesses. I also carry out crisis management tasks and "reversal" of companies for investment funds.

Philippe Rudowski: I have had a more of a working career, conducted between the UK, France, and Spain in general management positions and purchasing. I created my own business in Spain, in Barcelona. I support European packaging companies in developing their sales in France and Spain. In France, I recently launched the marketing of an innovative tool for cardio massage, Cardio First Angel, a project that is very important to me. And, of course, at the centre of my current activities is Roadoo Network.

3. What is your current project / position? What gave you the idea and what compelled you to do what you do today?

Jean-François Delepoulle: In 2016, we teamed up with Christophe Tremoulinas, a childhood friend of Philippe, who had just created Roadoo Network, an automated incentive platform. It is a collaborative digital space that allows managers to support, motivate, and challenge their teams. In concrete terms, it is an application that companies and employees install on their laptops. The manager creates his challenge in a few minutes, results are automatically uploaded during the challenge period, and users can easily follow their progress. This seemed to meet a need expressed by all companies and, due to the growing number of companies of significant size, our sales are growing. 

Philippe Rudowski: The Roadoo Network modernises business challenges by making them adaptable to the performance of the individual or group. We see an increase in the level of commitment which lets you to go further in performance and satisfaction. With Jean-François, we raised 1 million euros by bringing together investors to finance the project. We also sit on the board of directors, and I manage operations. 

4. How has the project been received? What you’re your development goals for the future? 

Philippe Rudowski: We’ve seen a lot of excitement at the companies we deal with, and have gotten a lot of positive feedback. We really feel that Roadoo meets a need. The potential is not limited to the sales and the customers, but can extend to the entire company, as each employee contributes to its success. In the future, we want to continue to grow in France and Spain, and establish ourselves in one or two other European countries. And to test a major market like the United States.

Jean-François Delepoulle: We were allowed to present our concept on TV and BFM Radio, and there were several articles in specialised media, generally in reports on motivation in businesses, which is the heart of our business. Companies are becoming aware that we can’t move forward sustainably if our employees are not motivated. We’ve got a long way to go while solutions like Roadoo Network are still little known. In 2016, Edgar Grospiron, Olympic Freestyle Ski Champion, did us the honour of joining our board and investing in the company. He had already worked with many companies where he offered conferences on motivation. With Roadoo Network, he found a tangible motivation tool that links to his conferences and lets him follow his long-term progress. 

5. How did your education at KEDGE Business School help you develop this project? 

Philippe Rudowski: We graduated almost 30 years ago, no doubt the school has changed a lot since then! One thing for sure is that the school gave me the chance to meet people with diverse profiles, and to open myself to other cultures. This experience has served us throughout our careers. We have done very different things, I think both of us can say that all aspects of the education received at KEDGE combine together. You have to learn how to learn and learn how to adapt. 

6. Any advice to give to KEDGE graduates and students?
   

Philippe Rudowski: In your career, you will have people under your responsibility. Don’t ignore the level of motivation of your employees – both you and your business will be better for it!

7. Anything else to add, a message to pass along? 

Philippe Rudowski: To paraphrase Edgar Grospiron, "the performance of a company depends on the motivation of the employees who make it up". Roadoo Network has confirmed that "mountains can be moved" when you have teams that are motivated.

More information : 

• Contact : philippe@roadoo-network.com / 33 (0)6.46.85.66.14
• Site : http://www.roadoo-network.com/ 

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