Team Startup Sherpas (2023): exploring GenAI around the globe

Who are we?

  • Aurelien, 🇫🇷, MBA graduate (23J) with previous experience in management consulting and tech startups. Holder of a Master of Computer Science, I am passionate about further understanding how can digital unlock business value, specifically in digital health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors in the Swiss Mountains, hiking, cycling, or running.
  • Jakub, 🇵🇱, MBA graduate (23J) with previous experience in management consulting. Holder of a Master in Finance, I am curious about further exploring the role, and impact, AI can have in decarbonizing our planet. In my free time, Jakub enjoy travelling and kitesurfing.

[Pre-SSUP!] Why did we take part in SSUP?

The unique value proposition of SSUP! was very appealing to us. Indeed, we are particularly attracted by:

  • Gaining a better understanding of the startup ecosystem at a global level
  • Accessing to a global network of strong contacts within the startup ecosystem
  • Sharpening a clearer vision of the future and our own entrepreneurial future
  • Getting a renewed sense of excitement and passion for entrepreneurship

Therefore, this convinced us that SSUP! will help us address some of the questions we have:

  • How AI developments (e.g., GenAI) impact traditional industries and what is the work that still needs to be done in each?
  • How can we best apply our current and possible future skills stemming from consulting experience to building a startup?
  • How are startups navigating the dynamic landscape of new technologies (especially AI) and where do we fit?

Who did we interview?

In order to build this 360 view and gain comprehensive insights, we decided to interview (1) stakeholders from the entire industry (e.g., startup founders, VCs, AI thinkers), and (2) from all around the world. In total, we conducted a dozen of interview, in-person or remote:

What are our main takeaways?

This experience was very fruitful and we recommend anyone taking part into SSUP! (more details below). We published our learnings through 2 distinct blog posts:

[Post-SSUP!] How did the program helped us?

Participating in the SSUP! tour became an invaluable extension of our educational and professional journeys, better equipping us to navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of technology, GenAI, and entrepreneurship. In particular, it allowed us to:

  • Bridge theory and practice: fresh out of our MBA programs at INSEAD, the SSUP tour was a natural progression to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings. This tour provided the ideal platform for us to understand the convergence of technology, GenAI, and entrepreneurship in shaping diverse industries
  • Enhance our vonsulting acumen: as management consultants, the tour was an invaluable opportunity to expand our skill set and gain unique insights into emerging technologies and startup dynamics. These experiences have augmented our consulting toolkit, allowing us to bring unparalleled value to our future engagements
  • Fuel our passion for innovation: our shared enthusiasm for technology and GenAI was the cornerstone of our decision to embark on the SSUP tour. We saw it as a way to channel our passions into actionable insights, and to directly engage with the entrepreneurs and visionaries who are shaping the future

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