Benoit Tessier / REUTERS
The director of the French technological mission for three years had already announced that he did not want a second term. Here he is now Secretary of State in Barnier’s first government.
From Bercy to Rue Descartes, from the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. This is the flight that Clara Chapaz made this Saturday, September 21. Before that, director of the French Technology Mission, a non-governmental organization that supports start-ups, he joined the first Barnier government as Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies under Minister Patrick Hetzel. “It’s a great honor,” he commented online, who said he was “happy to continue [son] commitment to public action.”
Solid reputation
A surprise nomination and an extra step in this thirty year meteoric rise. Esek and then Harvard graduate Clara Chapaz has worked in London, Hong Kong and Bangkok and held a number of positions of responsibility. Daughter of entrepreneur Pierre Chapaz (Teads, Kelkoo…), she also founded Lullaby, a used children’s clothing platform. And joined Vestiaire Collective as Chief Business Officer in 2020. “He was one of my first recruits,” recalls Vestiaire Collective CEO Maximilian Bittner, who met him in Asia. Clara is extremely intelligent, determined to get things done and get results. He did a fantastic job with us as later in the French technical mission. I was not surprised by his appointment.”
At the time, she combined her position with leading a task force dedicated to empowering female employees at the startup, the only French unicorn founded by women, Fanny Moisant and Sophie Hersan. “Becoming a chef at such a young age, he acquired a rare knowledge of fashion, but also of digital dynamics,” emphasizes entrepreneur Yann Rivoalan, president of the French Federation of Women’s Ready-to-Wear. She is also a woman, young and progressive, with a desire to participate in the common good.”
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“I want to take risks to serve the cause of the ecosystem, considering my potential impact,” said Clara Chapaz. Madame Figaro in February 2023. At that time, he had already been in charge of the technical mission of France for two years. His road map. “Keep accelerating,” he told us shortly after his appointment. Boost fundraising volume, encourage public procurement of French start-ups, support the recognition of French regions as centers of innovation… Clara Chapaz pushes the issues in all directions, takes responsibility to protect hyper growth and disruptive innovation, especially in industry. “He strongly believes and is fundamentally committed to the value that technology can bring to the economy and the future,” continues Maximilian Bittner, “especially in terms of job creation, sustainable development or social inclusion. It’s a lot more exciting than counting unicorns.”
Encouragement…and fears
In an industry still largely dominated by men, it is particularly keen to increase the number of female managers, notably through an equality agreement signed by more than 700 startups. Having become pregnant shortly before taking office, Clara Chapaz also decided to take it out loud. “Yes, you can be thirty years old, hold a leadership position and have a family,” he assured us again. We will have to accept it if we want more female entrepreneurs and managers.”
Along the way, the director builds a strong reputation. Well-versed in digital subjects and the daily life of entrepreneurs, but also a networker capable of sincerity and roundness. After the announcement of her appointment, enthusiastic messages have multiplied to welcome the profile of the new secretary of state or to rejoice at the addition of artificial intelligence to her portfolio. “The previous government digitized the fifth wheel of the car, and its predecessor understood almost nothing about it,” breathes an entrepreneur who is used to rubbing shoulders with politicians. At least we have a competent one there. It’s a breath of fresh air that he’s there.”
Some, however, are concerned to note that Clara Chapaz occupies the last rank of the new executive, as a matter of record, and that her portfolio is being shifted from the economy to higher education. As well as signs of a possible French weakening in this highly strategic area. “I can’t imagine him doing anything other than going to work and getting results,” says Maximilian Bittner. I predict a bright future for him.” As a plenipotentiary minister, for example “Or even beyond that.” It remains to be seen what place Clara Chapaz will be able to carve for herself in the government.
Source: Le Figaro
