Mathieu Joubrel is an alumnus of the MSc Data Science for Business from École Polytechnique and HEC.
Today, he is the co-founder and CTO of Valuecometrics,the first plateforme that promotes responsible investment.
In this interview, Mathieu talks about his experience at École Polytechnique, explains his career plan and gives you some advice.
Who are you ?
My name is Mathieu, I am French and I graduated from the MSc Data Science for Business from Ecole Polytechnique and HEC.
Before following this MSc, I followed the Polytechnicien Program at Ecole Polytechnique in order to work in Artificial Intelligence.
When I found out that Ecole Polytechnique launched this Program, I was immediately attracted by the applied dimension of the training: a theoretical year and a year of practical application.
Today, I founded my own company in social data analysis for finance: Valuecometrics.
Why did you choose to continue your studies at Ecole Polytechnique?
The reputation and rankings of the Ecole Polytechnique obviously played a role in my decision. Beyond being one of the best engineering schools in France, there is a very differentiating human, military and sporting dimension that attracted me a lot.
I already had in mind to set up my own business when I was looking for a Master's Degree. So I was looking for a training in the field of data science and artificial intelligence with concrete applications rather than advanced theory.
What is your role today?
I am the co-founder and CTO of Valuecometrics.
My goal is to enable our clients (investment funds, banks or professional investors) to improve their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and analyze the companies in which they wish to invest.
On a daily basis, I mix technical tasks (product, software development or analysis) and commercial tasks (development of the company's activity).
What do you like most about your job?
I got into entrepreneurship because I wanted to have a job with a real positive impact.
After doing an internship at Amazon where I was modeling carbon emissions, I was looking for a more systemic vision of the transition issues that await us. It seemed important to me to study the synergies of environmental and social issues rather than just focusing on the climate.
Beyond that, I am fascinated by the ability of Data Science to adapt and tackle problems in any field.
What did this diploma bring you?
Studying at Ecole Polytechnique and HEC gives more confidence to the majority of my interlocutors and brings a certain legitimacy.
Besides that, I was able to have access to a very important double professional network.
In terms of skills, I learned a lot about theory in data science and statistics classes, but also about organizing, popularizing and making connections between business expertise and the data collected.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I still see myself in the company I created. Entrepreneurship pleases me a lot even if it is a demanding path. Developing my own project, having a positive impact on society and progressing in an exciting field is close to my heart.
And to be honest, I don't think I'll be able to overview every aspect of my company anytime soon!
Do you have an anecdote to share with us?
I almost didn't take the plunge several times, for several reasons. In particular the fact that I had to change teams twice and that I found myself alone several times. The ups and downs are part of the entrepreneurial adventure and it is never easy to form the right team!
In any case, it is important not to stop on a failure and to continue to move forward.
How would you describe this training in 3 words?
1. Balance
2. Diversity
3. Fellowship
Do you have any advice for future students?
Dare, take risks and find your way, the one that excites you. At the end of your studies and even during, you will be very solicited by large companies. Remember that there are plenty of paths and that now is the time to try something new!