Nicolas Vandel

Cybersecurity corporate venture launched in collaboration with several AFM companies, with the objective of strengthening the ecosystem’s cyber resilience. The venture was incubated and launched within The Field’s corporate venture studio framework. Core operational foundations were established, including key processes, KPI frameworks, and governance structure. The CEO was recruited and onboarded, with a leadership path defined through strategic coaching and structured operational handover. The excubation process framework were executed in order to ensured a smooth transition and a full autonomy of the venture.

AFM's (Association Familiale Mulliez) corporate venture studio — collaborating with companies such as Auchan, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, Kiabi, and over 150 others. The mission focuses on scouting, testing, building, and excubating transversal ventures aligned with the strategic ambitions of the ecosystem. More than 15 venture opportunities were identified and rigorously assessed across various industries. Six were developed through structured ideation processes, leading to the launch of three MVPs with validated business models and early market traction. The venture building pipeline was optimized to reduce exploration and incubation timelines by 30%, while ensuring strategic alignment and execution readiness.

DeathTech platform designed to help grieving families manage post-death administrative procedures through a combination of automation and human support. The company evolved from early-stage concept to scale-up phase, with a focus on structuring internal operations for efficiency and legal compliance. Emphasis on customer care led to consistently high satisfaction. Growth was supported through strategic partnerships and investor engagement, culminating in a successful acquisition by its main competitor in Belgium.

Leading real estate classifieds platform in Belgium, part of the Axel Springer Aviv Group. Led business development managers, responsable for key customer segments, including real estate agencies, notaries, real estate developers, and private sellers. A new B2B acquisition model was designed and rolled out to improve outreach and engagement. Internal processes were aligned to optimize delivery and client satisfaction, contributing to stronger market positioning and improved operational efficiency.

InsurTech startup developing smart devices to prevent property risks such as water leaks in multi-unit buildings. Oversaw day-to-day operations during a critical growth phase. Operational workflows were streamlined to ensure timely production, delivery, and installation across multiple concurrent projects. Cross-functional teams were coordinated across technical, logistics, and client-facing functions. Budget management and resource allocation supported efficient project delivery under tight deadlines.

Canadian leading marketplace connecting homeowners with selected contractors, acquired by RBC Ventures. Led business development initiatives with a focus on scaling client acquisition and improving partner retention. Strategic partnerships were established to reduce acquisition costs and broaden reach. The marketing department was structured from the ground up, enhancing visibility and lead quality. Business growth was further accelerated through the acquisition of a direct competitor and expansion into new regions.

Digital media group operating several high-traffic websites focused on everyday life and home improvement. Led the home services vertical, driving lead generation and monetization strategies through the group's digital website. Targeted lead analysis and personalized follow-up processes were implemented, significantly increasing contractor engagement and conversion rates. Collaboration with internal marketing and product teams ensured alignment on performance and growth objectives.

Online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted local contractors, acquired by Groupe Pratique. Took over leadership post-acquisition to accelerate growth and streamline operations. Cost structures optimization through process redesign, improving both efficiency and service delivery. Research of strategic partnerships to unlock new market opportunities. The company was successfully integrated to 118 000.fr (Groupe Pratique)

Lead generation platform for contractors, part of Solocal Group (Ex Yellow Pages Group). Launched and managed a new business unit dedicated to website creation services for contractors. Oversaw the full operational scope, from lead acquisition to client retention, while supervising a team of 20. Revenue streams were diversified through complementary product offerings, and performance was tracked through structured KPI and P&L reporting.

Digital communication agency Launched and drove the agency, serving a diverse portfolio of over 60 clients. Projects ranged from branding to full-scale campaign execution, often in partnership with larger agencies as a subcontracted project lead.