Bénédicte de Raphélis Soissan is a trailblazing French entrepreneur recognized for her innovative contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence and human resources. As the founder of Clustree and the venture capital firm Emblem, she has established herself as a leading figure in tech entrepreneurship. Her journey is marked by a series of remarkable achievements and a commitment to leveraging technology to foster fairness and efficiency in hiring practices.
Born with an innate curiosity for technology and a keen analytical mind, de Raphélis Soissan pursued higher education with a passion for learning. She holds two master’s degrees: one in economics and applied mathematics, and another in information systems strategy, management, and consulting. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future ventures in the tech industry.
In 2014, she founded Clustree, a groundbreaking platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to eliminate biases in hiring and promotion decisions. Under her leadership, Clustree quickly gained traction, securing partnerships with major corporations including L’Oréal, Sanofi, and Carrefour. The company’s innovative approach to human resources not only attracted significant attention but also garnered praise from industry leaders such as Xavier Niel and Roxanne Varza, who championed her vision.
In recognition of her impact, de Raphélis Soissan was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 laureate in 2017 and later featured in Forbes Europe’s Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018. These accolades reflect her dedication to driving change within the industry and her ability to inspire others.
After successfully leading Clustree to an acquisition by the American HR software giant Cornerstone for $18.5 million, de Raphélis Soissan took on a new challenge: creating Emblem. In 2023, Emblem announced a significant milestone, closing €50 million for its inaugural fund, a testament to her strategic vision and leadership in the venture capital space.
Bénédicte is also a sought-after public speaker, frequently sharing her insights on the applications of AI at renowned tech conferences such as Viva Tech and SaaStock. Her engaging presentations highlight the transformative potential of technology in reshaping the workforce and promoting equitable hiring practices.
In her personal life, Bénédicte is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Together with her partner, who is the last venture capitalist of Clustree, she continues to explore new horizons in the tech landscape through Emblem.
As a pioneer at the intersection of technology and human resources, Bénédicte de Raphélis Soissan embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder of the profound impact that technology can have on society.
