Driving innovation and VC synergy at CarrefourHélène 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. This integrated model enables seamless scouting, investment, and scaling of innovative solutions that align with Carrefour's retail and sustainability goals.Tackling sustainability with startupsSustainability is central to Carrefour's innovation agenda. Notable projects include optimizing energy consumption in stores through an AI-driven pilot program and reducing food waste via enhanced forecasting for fresh produce. These initiatives demonstrate Carrefour’s commitment to creating measurable environmental impacts while enhancing operational efficiency.Leveraging AI for retail transformationCarrefour has embraced AI as a core driver of its digital transformation. From building data lakes to leveraging generative AI for personalized customer interactions and operational tools, the company harnesses AI to improve decision-making, streamline procurement, and enhance customer experiences. By integrating advanced AI tools, Carrefour ensures it remains competitive and customer-centric in an evolving retail landscape.Bridging startups and retail giantsCarrefour not only invests in startups but also helps them thrive by facilitating connections with internal and external networks. This cross-fertilization approach enables startups to scale faster and integrate seamlessly into broader ecosystems. The company prioritizes collaboration, ensuring that investments align with broader corporate goals while supporting entrepreneurial success.Carrefour's dual focus on innovation and VC investment showcases a powerful model for driving transformation in the retail industry. By combining strategic investments with operational excellence, the company is paving the way for a sustainable and customer-centric future. Find Hélène on:LinkedIn: Hélène LabaumeTwitter/X: @CarrefourGroup Find Ben on:LinkedIn: Ben CostantiniTwitter/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!
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