Sébastien Bonte (BSB'94), investor and impact entrepreneur
Portrait of the Founder of Angelor
Impact is the common thread in the journey of Sébastien Bonte.
The impact and the international dimension, since his steps led him successively to Vietnam, India, Switzerland and Africa. “It was my end-of-study internship that put me on the path. I discovered another way to create value by supporting the creators of an impact social enterprise.”
For his first job, Sébastien explores the Vietnamese market... wheelbarrows, cranes and scaffolding. What could be more useful in a country under reconstruction! Then, he settled down in Calcutta, commissioned by Charbonnages de France to support technology transfer. “I did financial management, but also a lot of other things: economic, cultural, humanitarian and even diplomacy.” The third stage, within the elevators Schindler, offers him the opportunity of additional training at INSEAD1. “Schindler was my second school after BSB. I worked in strategy and operations in Africa, again in India, and then finished in Switzerland and France.”
From BSB, Sébastien Bonte remembers a “rich” period, during which I took full advantage of the academic offer and the opportunities for associative commitments. I also got to know each other and made great friendships there. And I suppose that being president of AIESEC fuelled my desire to start by looking elsewhere.”
Social utility and Lyonnais fiber
In 2008, the foundation ofAngelor, a management company dedicated to young innovative companies, synthesizes the know-how and know-how of a globetrotter who is passionate about societal utility. “We are a company with a mission, which brings together investors in line with our preference for responsible SMEs on this criterion. Involved in supporting the fifty companies in our portfolio, our partners also support our policy of inclusive redistribution of part of our profits to associations.”
Several Alumni have invested in Angelor. In general, Sébastien maintains an intact commitment to BSB, in particular by maintaining a permanent availability for the school's students, former and current alike. “When an alumni contacts me, I always say yes for an interview.” The president of Angelor is following the development of BSB with interest. “I remember Stephan Bourcieu's visit to Lyon and the program he sketched out at the time. I have the feeling that he has kept his promises and that our school is now up to date. The creation of the Lyon campus, which obviously affects the Lyonnais that I am, is added to other very positive and visible signs of dynamism. And this without affecting the family spirit that is the hallmark of our school.”
When Sébastien Bonte's footsteps lead him to the new campus, where he intervenes as much as requested, his message is to emphasize responsibility and commitment. So hold on! “Having the chance to go to higher education requires giving back to those around you. Everyone must find their way and their place in the world without ever losing sight of the fact that life is only worth sharing with others.”
1European Institute of Business Administration
Meet Sébastien Bonte in This podcast directed by a BSB student.