La passion d'entreprendre | Steve Rosenblum | TEDxTélécom SudParis

Steve's Journey in Business

• Steve returned to Montreal after 6 years to take over his father's photography business.
• He spent 9 months learning from his father and modernizing the company by digitizing processes.
• In 2000, Steve convinced his father and uncle to give him 3 months to match a 30 million euro offer for the company.
• Despite limited qualifications, Steve raised funds from a venture capital fund and banks, learning about shareholder agreements and leveraged buyouts.
• The signing ceremony took place, but just 3 days later, the investment fund backed out of the deal.
• Despite setbacks, Steve secured funding and closed a deal in December 2021.

Pixmania's Success and Sale

• Steve started Pixmania, an online photo development company that expanded into selling various products.
• Pixmania experienced rapid growth, reaching €1 billion in revenue within a few years.
• In 2006, due to rapid growth and debt obligations, Steve decided to sell Pixmania through an auction, resulting in a €354 million deal.

Post-Pixmania Ventures and Challenges

• After selling Pixmania, Steve diversified investments by creating a small investment fund with friends.
• Pixmania experienced a downfall in 2012 due to a partnership with Dixons.
• Steve and his team started a new venture called The Kase, facing challenges due to a fraudulent partner.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, they acquired over 120 stores and ventured into phone recycling.
• In 2020, they reacquired the Pixmania brand and relaunched it as a marketplace with innovative distribution models.

lia: AI-Assisted Marketing Company

• lia is a company that converts long marketing PDFs into short videos using AI-assisted humans.
• The company is expected to generate €120 million in revenue this year.
• lia pivoted from blockchain to the regulated world of financial institutions due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of blockchain technology.
• The company aims to make AI industrializable in the next 18-24 months.

Steve's Entrepreneurial Philosophy

• Steve believes that this is the best time to be alive due to technological advancements.
• He emphasizes the importance of human relationships, team building, and passion in achieving success.
• Steve encourages individuals to pursue their passions and not accept unacceptable situations in the workplace.