Urban Tech Ventures — Pre-Seed VC Firm ($100K–$250K Checks)

Francois Pitti stands at the forefront of industry, innovation, and regulatory expertise, showcasing a remarkable career that bridges the gap between foresight and strategic execution. As the former Group Vice President of Foresight, Partnerships, and Strategic Marketing at Bouygues Construction from 2012 to 2023, Francois has been a pivotal figure in steering the company through a landscape of constant evolution, with a particular focus on UrbanTech and PropTech markets across Europe. His profound understanding of these sectors is further demonstrated through his influential role as a board member of the European Network of Construction Companies for Research and Development (ENCORD) from 2020 to 2023. This position underscored his commitment to advancing research and development within the industry, setting new benchmarks for innovation and collaboration. Before his tenure at Bouygues, Francois enriched his expertise in digital markets as the Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Alcatel-Lucent. This role not only deepened his insights into the digital realm but also honed his skills in forging strategic partnerships that drive forward technological and business success. Since 2008, Francois has also served as a foreign trade advisor, leveraging his vast experience to guide trade policies and practices.

Francois Pitti stands at the forefront of industry, innovation, and regulatory expertise, showcasing a remarkable career that bridges the gap between foresight and strategic execution. As the former Group Vice President of Foresight, Partnerships, and Strategic Marketing at Bouygues Construction from 2012 to 2023, Francois has been a pivotal figure in steering the company through a landscape of constant evolution, with a particular focus on UrbanTech and PropTech markets across Europe. His profound understanding of these sectors is further demonstrated through his influential role as a board member of the European Network of Construction Companies for Research and Development (ENCORD) from 2020 to 2023. This position underscored his commitment to advancing research and development within the industry, setting new benchmarks for innovation and collaboration. Before his tenure at Bouygues, Francois enriched his expertise in digital markets as the Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Alcatel-Lucent. This role not only deepened his insights into the digital realm but also honed his skills in forging strategic partnerships that drive forward technological and business success. Since 2008, Francois has also served as a foreign trade advisor, leveraging his vast experience to guide trade policies and practices.

Gilles Babinet is a self-taught and deeply passionate innovator at the intersection of technology, politics, and social issues. Launching his entrepreneurial journey at just 22, Gilles has been the visionary force behind a diverse array of companies spanning consulting (Absolut, Laitao), construction (Escalade Industrie), mobile music (Musiwave), co-creation (eYeka), and decision-making tools (Captain Dash), among others. His unique blend of creativity and expertise has solidified his standing as a pivotal figure in France’s digital landscape. As co-president of France’s National Digital Council and the country’s Digital Champion to the European Commission, Gilles has played a crucial role in shaping digital policy and innovation. His insights and foresight are also captured in his seminal works, including “Big Data: Rethinking Humanity and the World” and the 2023 release “How Hippies, God, and Science Invented the Internet.” Beyond his entrepreneurial and policy contributions, Gilles is dedicated to education and the future of technology. He serves on the board of the EDF Foundation, teaches at INSP and HEC, and is a member of the AI Committee initiated by Élisabeth Borne in late 2023.