In 2017, Lubomila Jordanova founded PlanA with a simple yet powerful mission: to translate climate science into actionable business strategies. At the time, awareness of climate change and related regulations was minimal. “The science was there, but it wasn’t translated into a business KPI,” Jordanova explained. This gap inspired her to create a platform that aligns decarbonization with corporate growth, proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist.

From humble beginnings—think pie charts recommending energy-efficient lightbulbs—PlanA has grown into a comprehensive decarbonization and policy alignment software. Today, it supports over 1,500 companies, helping them cut emissions by an average of 8% annually.

PlanA’s software is powered by a massive dataset, analyzing over 20 million data points monthly. It offers businesses a clear roadmap for sustainability, calculating the return on investment for every action. What sets it apart? A focus on implementation, not just analysis.

“The real transformation happens after you get the data,” Jordanova emphasized. The platform enables businesses to collaborate across departments, ensuring actionable changes that drive tangible results. When data is missing, AI fills in the gaps, predicting accurate environmental metrics based on industry benchmarks.

One of the most pressing topics Jordanova discussed was the concept of the "carbon bubble," where fossil fuel companies are overvalued due to unsustainable practices. “Legislation is changing fast, and climate change is already coming at a high cost,” she said, citing Hurricane Milton’s $40 billion impact as an example.

PlanA works with financial institutions to prepare for this transition, offering decarbonization financing and helping clients reduce reliance on unstable, overvalued assets. The goal? To ensure businesses remain resilient in an increasingly regulated and environmentally conscious world.

Beyond compliance, PlanA is about creating a sustainable business culture. The platform helps companies not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). By aligning corporate strategies with sustainability goals, PlanA transforms sustainability from a compliance exercise into a driver of innovation.

“Being good to the planet often means being good for your bottom line,” Jordanova noted. Companies like BMW, BNP Paribas, and Chloe are already reaping the benefits of this approach, saving costs while improving environmental performance.

PlanA’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance in tackling global challenges. By turning climate science into actionable business insights, Lubomila Jordanova is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future—one company at a time.

Find Lubomila on:

LinkedIn: Lubomila Jordanova

Twitter/X: @PlanAearth

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

Marta Sjögren spent over a decade as a venture capitalist, but a desire to make a meaningful impact drove her to co-found Paebbl. “I wanted to look my kids in the eyes and say, ‘I did my part,’” she shares. Marta’s transition into climate tech was fueled by her desire to use her expertise to scale transformative solutions, ultimately creating a company focused on turning CO2 into sustainable building materials.

Paebbl's groundbreaking technology chemically accelerates a natural process, turning CO2 gas into carbonate rock. As Marta explains, “We just chemically accelerate a process that has existed since the beginning of time.” By using biogenic sources of CO2 and combining them with crushed minerals, water, and non-toxic chemical accelerants, Paebbl is creating sustainable materials for the construction industry. This innovative process is a game-changer for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like concrete production.

With a team of 45 people spanning 22 nationalities, Paebbl prioritizes diversity in skills and backgrounds. Marta notes that many employees come from industries like oil and gas, mining, and advanced materials, making the company a leader in green job transitions. “We’re hiring for the future,” she says, highlighting the role of generative AI in streamlining operations and reducing costs. This approach enables Paebbl to stay competitive while scaling its impact.

Marta emphasizes the importance of partnerships to decarbonize the built environment, stating, “It’s going to take a movement.” Through strategic collaborations with industry leaders like Holcim and Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Paebbl is driving adoption of sustainable building materials. The company’s mission is clear: to make flagship construction projects, such as Saudi Arabia’s Neom city, massive carbon sinks rather than emitters.

Paebbl exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can tackle one of the world's most pressing challenges: climate change. By turning CO2 into sustainable materials, the company is not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for a greener future. As Marta puts it, “What if the most ambitious construction projects could be the world’s largest carbon stores?”

Find Marta on:

LinkedIn: Marta Sjögren

Twitter/X: @martasjogren

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

Tom Henriksson, a seasoned venture capitalist and General Partner at OpenOcean, began his career in the 1990s when Finland’s startup ecosystem was just emerging. Reflecting on that time, he said, “You could count the truly interesting companies with global potential on one hand.” Today, the Nordics are recognized for their robust STEM education and data-driven innovations, producing companies that excel in analytics and automation despite a small population base.

Tom shared how OpenOcean, founded in 2010, was inspired by the success of MySQL, one of Europe’s earliest unicorns. “We wanted to help entrepreneurs from small places in Europe make similar journeys,” he explained. With its fourth fund aiming to raise €135 million, OpenOcean continues to invest in early-stage, data-intensive business software across Europe, focusing on practical AI applications and vertical-specific solutions.

AI has revolutionized how businesses operate, but enterprises still struggle to adopt these technologies effectively. OpenOcean invests in solutions that simplify adoption, such as tools enabling engineers to handle tasks traditionally reserved for data scientists. Tom highlighted a success story: Cambridge, a Finnish company leveraging AI to optimize product launches. “It not only predicts success but also suggests improvements, reducing waste and enhancing profitability,” he noted.

Each year during Slush, OpenOcean hosts a poker tournament that has become an iconic part of the event. Tom credited its origins to Riku Seppälä, a former OpenOcean principal, and shared a legendary anecdote: “The first prize was 3.1415 Bitcoins, which one winner used to pay his rent, while another held onto them—an ultimate poker win!” Beyond the fun, the event fosters meaningful connections in the startup ecosystem.

By blending a focus on data-intensive startups with a deep commitment to the Nordic ecosystem, Tom Henriksson and OpenOcean continue to shape the future of venture capital. Whether helping enterprises navigate AI or hosting iconic events like their poker tournament, their mission remains clear: empowering entrepreneurs to build scalable, impactful businesses.

Find Tom on:

LinkedIn: Tom Henriksson

Twitter/X: @openoceanvc

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

Mikayel Vardanyan’s journey began with engineering and evolved into entrepreneurship when he co-founded Picsart in 2012. Leveraging his earlier experiences, including building and selling B2B SaaS products, he applied his technical and business acumen to scale Picsart into a platform used by over 150 million monthly active users. Reflecting on his roots, Mikayel emphasized, “Engineering is a tool—an enabler to scale businesses and make faster, smarter decisions.”

A key element of Picsart’s growth has been rapid experimentation. Mikayel champions the philosophy of "failing fast," which he describes as learning quickly through iterations rather than over-planning. "Fast means not thinking about approvals or processes too much—just releasing and learning from users," he explained. This approach has allowed Picsart to stay ahead in a competitive creative tech market.

Despite increasing competition in the creative space, Picsart thrives by constantly innovating and seeking partnerships. "Competition pushes us to be better every day," Mikayel noted. Recently, Picsart introduced an AI Logo Maker to cater to small businesses and freelancers. Partnerships, like their collaboration with Getty Images, have also allowed Picsart to enhance its offerings while maintaining a leadership position in the market.

Mikayel stressed that real growth often takes time, sharing, "Two to three years is usually nothing in a startup’s journey. Consistency and persistence are what make a business succeed after five or more years." He encouraged founders to remain focused and resilient, even when faced with early challenges.

Mikayel Vardanyan’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and agility in building a global platform. By blending engineering expertise with a business-focused mindset, Picsart continues to evolve and inspire the creative industry.

Find Mikayel on:

LinkedIn: Mikayel Vardanyan

Twitter/X: @picsart

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

Launching Pokémon GO was a milestone in Mathieu’s career. Despite starting with a small team of just 35 people, the game became a cultural phenomenon, achieving over a billion downloads and generating substantial revenue. Mathieu attributes this success to visionary leadership and close collaboration between engineering and business. “What makes the difference between visionaries and others,” he said, “is the ability to think big, even with a small team.”

At LVMH, Mathieu’s focus is on applying AI across the product lifecycle—from conception to after-sales services. He shared an example of AI enhancing customer relationships: “Imagine a co-pilot for sales associates at Tiffany’s, connecting past purchases and life events to suggest the perfect next product. This is where the algorithm becomes a creative enabler.” Such applications of AI underline the potential for blending personalization with luxury.

Mathieu emphasized that innovation in luxury requires a delicate balance of tradition and technology. At LVMH, efforts include creating digital twins for products and combating counterfeiting with blockchain technology. The group also explores immersive experiences to elevate customer satisfaction in stores. “Luxury is about the invisible—the serotonin you feel when you buy a dream,” Mathieu explained, underscoring the subtle, emotional elements of high-end retail.

Reflecting on his career, Mathieu highlighted the importance of resilience, citing the story of Ernest Shackleton as an inspiration. He also championed the value of openness to new ideas and experiences, saying, “Being open to nature and innovation constantly drives me.” His advice to entrepreneurs and innovators? Stay focused, remain curious, and always be willing to adapt.

Find Mathieu on:

LinkedIn: Mathieu de Fayet

Twitter/X: @LVMH

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

Hélène Labaume leads Carrefour’s unique approach to innovation by merging its venture capital and innovation teams. She emphasizes that while corporate venture capital (CVC) is common, Carrefour’s partnership with the French VC firm daphni sets them apart. "We bring expertise in retail while daphni excels in VC investments," Hélène explains, highlighting the seamless collaboration. This model allows Carrefour to align startup investments with operational goals, ensuring mutual growth and innovation.

One standout initiative discussed by Hélène focuses on reducing energy consumption in Carrefour stores. A recent pilot with Axiom Cloud optimizes energy use for refrigeration systems. "This pilot could scale to over 10,000 stores globally, becoming one of our biggest achievements in innovation," she shares. Sustainability extends to tackling food waste, where Carrefour collaborates with startups like Ida to enhance forecasting and reduce waste in fruit and vegetable supply chains.

Carrefour’s adoption of AI has been a game-changer, especially in personalization and operational efficiency. Hélène outlines the use of AI for tasks like analyzing procurement data and enabling dynamic customer feedback through generative AI. "With over 10 billion transactions in our data lake, we’re creating ultra-personalized customer experiences," she says. This approach positions Carrefour as a leader in digital retail, integrating advanced technologies to meet evolving customer needs.

Carrefour doesn’t limit its startup collaborations to investments alone. Hélène emphasizes the flexibility of working with startups through pilots, even when they don’t secure funding. She highlights the importance of cross-fertilization, stating, "We connect startups with the right internal and external networks, creating opportunities beyond Carrefour." This ecosystem-driven approach fosters agility and innovation for both parties.

Hélène Labaume’s dual role at Carrefour exemplifies how large corporations can integrate innovation with venture capital to drive impactful change. From sustainability pilots to AI-powered customer experiences, Carrefour’s strategies offer valuable lessons for startups and industry leaders alike.

Find Hélène on:

LinkedIn: Hélène Labaume

Twitter/X: @CarrefourGroup

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

SnackFutures, the venture investment hub of Mondelēz, is not just about snacks; it's about creating the future of snacking. Richie Gray explains, “We’re not just investing for today; we’re investing for tomorrow, hence the name SnackFutures.” With a mission aligned to Mondelēz’s Vision 2030, the group focuses on sustainability and wellbeing, ensuring their investments create long-term value for the industry. From better-for-you donuts to cell-based cocoa innovations, the emphasis is clear: innovation must lead to disruption and scale.

Unlike traditional funds, SnackFutures doesn’t operate on fixed capital allocation but evaluates opportunities case by case. “We don’t just put money in and sit back,” says Gray. They actively support startups with resources in R&D, supply chain management, and retail connections. For example, SnackFutures worked with Miami-based Craize to resolve manufacturing challenges, improving safety, productivity, and costs. This hands-on, collaborative approach is what sets them apart from other investors.

SnackFutures has invested in a wide range of startups, from brands like Urban Legend, which revolutionized fresh donuts with reduced calories and higher fiber, to tech-based solutions like Celleste Bio’s cell-based cocoa and Torr’s snack bar production technology. These investments highlight their strategic blend of supporting established brands and fostering breakthrough technologies. “We always want to see a path to real scale,” Gray emphasizes, focusing on markets with large growth potential.

SnackFutures maintains a global remit, actively engaging in the U.S. and Europe while exploring opportunities in India and China. Their CoLab accelerator program has further extended their reach, offering startups not only funding but also invaluable guidance in scaling and accessing capital markets. As Gray points out, “It’s about more than the money—it’s about building the future.”

Richie Gray’s leadership and passion for innovation shine through in this episode. With a mix of investment expertise and a people-first approach, SnackFutures exemplifies how corporate venture arms can drive meaningful industry change. As Gray concludes, “If you’re an innovative business in snacking or disruptive technology, we want to hear from you.”

Find Richie on:

LinkedIn: Richie Gray

Twitter/X: @MDLZ

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

Paul Lê’s journey with La Belle Vie is a testament to perseverance. From the start, skeptics doubted the feasibility of competing with industry giants like Carrefour and Monoprix. “Every six months, people told us we wouldn’t survive,” Paul recalls. Yet, the company defied the odds, growing into a €100 million business with 600 employees. His advice? Trust customer behavior over financial fears. “We ran out of cash in 2017, but our growing customer base kept us motivated,” Paul shared.

Embracing technology has been pivotal for La Belle Vie. Paul highlighted the integration of AI and robotics as game changers, allowing for efficiency and scalability. “We’re the first generation using robotics like in the movies,” he said, envisioning a future where technology reduces costs and improves margins. While some tasks remain human-centered, robotics will drive the next era of quick commerce.

Paul is candid about the hype surrounding sustainability claims in the industry. He advocates for a pragmatic approach: build a successful business first, then address sustainability. “If you think about ESG on day one, you won’t survive. But a large, impactful company can truly make a difference,” he emphasized. For startups, his advice is to focus on delivering quality products and exceptional service over crafting PowerPoint-perfect pitches.

Paul’s guidance for entrepreneurs centers on authenticity and customer focus. “Find your first 10 real customers—not friends or family—and make them repeat buyers,” he advised. For founders pitching ideas, he stresses the importance of substance over style: “Don’t get lost in the buzzwords. Build something real and impactful first.” His belief in supporting diverse entrepreneurs further reflects his commitment to inclusive growth.

Paul Lê’s story is a masterclass in resilience, strategic innovation, and grounded leadership. His experiences demonstrate that with customer focus, technological foresight, and unwavering determination, startups can carve out their space—even in the most competitive industries.

Find Paul on:

LinkedIn: Paul Lê

Twitter/X: @paulichon

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

--

Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!