VINCI is one of the major global players in construction, real estate, mobility and energy. As VINCI’s innovation and foresight platform, Leonard’s role is to be a key enabler of the emergence of a European and international ecosystem around these sectors. The aim of the SEED program is to support early stage startups in our verticals in order to build together the cities and infrastructures of tomorrow.

The SEED program is open to early stage startups. We focus on startups under 2 years old, generally pre-seed stage with a prototype or at the initial pilot stage operating in VINCI’s verticals (construction, mobility, real estate, energy) and looking to refine their value proposition in order to prepare for their first fundraising. 

Applications are open from June to October. All startups that have completed their application before October 1st are reviewed by a committee composed of VINCI experts, top managers and external partners. Startups may be invited to a phone interviews. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to pitch your project in front of a jury consisting of VINCI top manager and external investors.

We select around 10 startups per year.

The eligibility requirements are the following:
- Quality of the team: skills relevance, complementarity, expertise and market knowledge
- Value proposition: existing prototype or MVP, unfair advantages, initial traction (actual customers or potential customers)
- Market dynamic: Market size, market dynamics and maturity
- Fit with the SEED program: relevance with specific VINCI business lines, maturity of the company (pre-seed / seed stage looking to prepare a first fundraising), capacity and willingness to question current value proposition and strategy

The SEED program will help you refine your value proposition, go-to-market strategy and prepare your fundraising round. You will have access to:
- A state of the art training program developed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.
- On-demand coaching sessions and specific workshops organized by Leonard
- Mentorship with VINCI experts to validate the relevance of your project
- Access to Leonard’s network of Business Angels and VC partners
-Office and meeting space at Leonard:Paris
- Financial investment of 30K€
- A Demo Day with VINCI decision makers, partners and investors

In return for this investment in cash and services, VINCI subscribes to a bon de souscription d’actions - accord d’investissement rapide (BSA Air) which is the equivalent of simple agreement for future equity (SAFE) in French Law. The BSA Air is a financial mechanism that allows investments to be made in a startup without having to define a valuation (subject to a floor and a cap valuation). In clearer terms, until the startup has not raised funds, VINCI is not a shareholder and the BSAI Air is considered quasi equity. Leonard won’t ask any special control or unusual investor rights in your company. The aim of Leonard is to be considered as a partner helping your company succeed. Specific details of the terms and conditions of the BSA Air agreement will be communicated as you progress through the selection process. For more information on SAFE (US documentation).
For more information on BSA Air (FR documentation).

The SEED program takes place from January to June and can be followed remotely, although regular in-person events are planned throughout the program to facilitate peer-learning and networking (kick-off, workshops, Demo Day). Accommodation at Leonard in the heart of Paris is optional but strongly recommended to take full advantage of the numerous learning and networking opportunities available.

The program is suited for pre or early post-revenue stage startups with at least a working prototype. The course focuses on structuring your strategy, on challenging your current assumptions and on preparing your fundraising like a pro. The program is organized around 4 key topics covered in 10 weeks:
- Assess business opportunity, market viability and product market fit
- Develop a robust business model architecture, go-to market strategy and product development roadmap
- Create an execution roadmap through effective planning, KPI definition and financial modelling and build a relevant business plan
- Understand fundraising mechanism and storytelling to prepare a compelling pitch deck and presentation
- The program also includes optional online weekly workshops including discussions, exercises and expert guest speaker.