Géraldine Le Meur, born in May 1972, is a prominent French innovator and business executive known for her significant contributions to the digital technology landscape. A graduate of Skema Business School in 1995, she has spent over two decades at the forefront of the tech industry, co-founding multiple successful companies and initiatives that have shaped the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Early Career and Founding LeWeb
In 1997, Géraldine co-founded RapidSite France, a pioneering web hosting service that later caught the attention of France Telecom, leading to its acquisition. This experience marked the beginning of her impactful career in the digital domain. Following RapidSite, she took on the role of marketing director for Ublog, an early blogging platform that merged with Six Apart in 2004, where she played a vital role in expanding its reach across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from 2003 to 2007.
In 2004, Géraldine and her then-husband, Loïc Le Meur, launched LeWeb (initially called LesBlog), which evolved into a prestigious series of conferences celebrating digital innovation and entrepreneurship. These events attracted thought leaders and pioneers from around the globe, fostering collaboration and networking among tech enthusiasts.
Business Space and Leadership Roles
Géraldine’s entrepreneurial journey continued as she took on senior roles in various ventures, including her return as CEO of LeWeb after its acquisition by Reed Exhibitions in 2012. In April 2015, she and Loïc reacquired LeWeb through their Paris-based firm, Business Space, recognizing the potential for revitalizing the conference series amid a changing market landscape.
Currently, Géraldine serves as the CEO of Business Space and is actively involved in initiatives that support French-speaking entrepreneurs. In November 2020, she joined FrenchFounders as a partner, where she leads LeFonds, a program designed to assist and empower entrepreneurs in the Francophone community.
Recognitions and Impact
Géraldine’s influence in the tech sector has not gone unnoticed; in 2016, she was honored as one of the “Most Inspiring 50 Women in Tech” in Europe. Her portfolio also includes investments in several successful startups in Silicon Valley, such as LinkedIn, Lending Club, and Evernote, showcasing her keen insight into emerging technologies.
Now based in New York after 13 years in San Francisco, Géraldine continues to inspire the next generation of innovators while balancing her role as a dedicated mother to three sons. Her journey exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating how vision, resilience, and a commitment to innovation can drive meaningful change in the tech landscape.
