The Refiners, the new San Francisco-based accelerator of French startup gems, chooses WINGiT for its 2017 crop
“Silicon Valley produces world leaders. That is WINGiT’s aim” Alban Sayag, CEO.
- Why did The Refiners choose WINGiT?
The Refiners are looking for projects meeting the Valley’s expectations: a global project (Silicon Valley produces world leaders) and a technology-intensive dimension. This is so of WINGiT, with a foothold in 15 countries, 170 cities, and an algorithm for social listening recommending over 5,000 events a day.
- Why The Refiners and not another accelerator?
We believe in the cross-border model promoted by The Refiners. Knowing how to make good use of both worlds (Europe and USA) is a considerable competitive advantage. And then, the founders have an unparalleled network in the Valley. In short, with The Refiners we have got the best people around us.
- Everyone goes to SF, few come out on top. In what way is it different for you?
We’re not going there to “see”, hoping that there’ll be a miracle after 3 months. Our determination to set ourselves up there and our objectives are very clear:
- To tailor our offer and our approach to the new environment
- To meet strategic prospects working in the Valley
- To involve a US fund in our ongoing fundraising
- To recruit our first local Sales & Marketing team
The team and our shareholders are also extremely motivated.
- What prospects are you aiming at?
Several world leaders on the Travel/Transport segment are headquartered in SF. These are potential publishers who are key to the development of our advertising platform, alongside our more national clients such as the SNCF French railway company.
WINGiT, the ad network www.wingit.business
WINGiT, the app: iOS: bit.ly/wingitapp // Android: bit.ly/W_android
ABOUT WINGiT
Set up in 2013, WINGiT is an events recommendation platform that connects events organizers, users in search of hangouts and editorial media (apps, sites, etc.) in real time in 15 countries and 170 cities.
WINGiT uses a unique algorithm that automatically offers users great hangout ideas depending on what’s buzzing on the social media around them at that very moment.
WINGiT offers:
· An API publisher enabling media (Travel, News, Music, etc.) to add to and monetize their editorial content with a tailor-made hangout recommendation service
· Native, ultra-targeted advertising (Sponsored Event) enabling advertisers to promote their events among people in search of hangout ideas
· Its own mobile application (WINGiT app) and its Bot (WINGiT Bot), counting almost a million users.
WINGiT has raised €4M to date with top-ranking European investors.
- The Refiners program, 2017 crop, in San Francisco.
- Microsoft Ventures Accelerator program, Class 8.
- Present in 15 countries and 170 cities
- 5,000+ events a day
- 10M+ impressions a month
Free on Apple Store, Play Store, and web
App recommended by Apple Store, ELLE MAGAZINE, GQ and VANITY FAIR.
ABOUT THE REFINERS
The Refiners program is open to both early and venture-backed technology startups with a vision for making a global impact on the technology space. The Refiners provides participating companies with investment capital, access to co-working space and mentor support and guidance from top Silicon Valley executives, entrepreneurs, investors and other notable business leaders from the technology community.
The Refiners was launched in 2016 by entrepreneurs Carlos Diaz, Géraldine Le Meur and Pierre Gaubil.
