An entrepreneur on a continual path of career changes
Foundations of an entrepreneurial journey
For a philanthropist and entrepreneur, François-Laurent Renet has an unusual background. His first job was in the French special forces, which he says was essential training for a life in business. “That is where I was taught about teamwork, about discipline, about focus. And I feel that that was the foundation for everything that came afterwards.”
What followed was an unusual blend of undertakings and sectors, even for a serial entrepreneur. His first ventures were relatively straightforward. He worked with renowned New York art gallerist Dominique Levy while launching a children's fashion brand on the side. In 2012, he sold Comme Papa, a brand focused on boys' clothing, for a “high seven-figure sum” to one of his clients. He also remained immersed in the art sector, co-founding an online sales platform, Artwide, in 2013.
I know what I'm doing today, but not tomorrow. The world is changing so quickly right now. But I do know that I will work for the rest of my life. It is my oxygen.
A burst of diverse roles and investments in different sectors ensued, all driven by his desire to be a trailblazer. Renet started working for a tech company that developed laser technology for motor manufacturers in California, leading business development for the company. He then led an e-commerce platform in California focused on digitally-led interior design, before leaving to join a private equity firm near San Diego that invested in real estate – all within the space of seven years.
How and why did he pursue what appears to be a rather disjointed career path, and more importantly, how did he succeed while jumping between sectors frequently? Renet believes changing sector is the key to his success as a business developer. He says he gains insights in one sector that he can apply in others.
“This is the thread of my life. I change profession every four to six years. By moving from industry to industry, I am able to bring certain elements with me, whether it’s a product or service, or identifying a niche that hasn’t yet been recognised. That’s what I’ve loved the most about changing so frequently, because I learn something every time and I take it with me.”
“This has served me really well, because I’ve worked across a range of industries – from military and aviation to transportation, recruiting, finance, art and high tech. I take lessons from each one into the next.”
Entrepreneur François-Laurent Renet also serves as a mentor and advisor to start-up founders across several industries.
Impact investment and philanthropy
Since 2020, Renet has again held a variety of roles, including chief investment officer and managing partner of an impact investment platform called 144 Ventures, as well as running a small magazine dedicated to the art world, a field close to his heart.
He says that 144 Ventures is based on his belief that the most effective philanthropy comes from impact investment – investing for both profit and purpose. The company is committed to establishing 144 positive impact companies around the world.
“You cannot do philanthropy without thinking of profit”, he believes. He gives the example of a business based on using graphene, a very light and strong form of carbon, in building materials, explaining that “buildings made with this concrete would not have collapsed in the 2025 Myanmar earthquake”. He adds that this material improves sustainability as it reduces a concrete mix's Portland cement content by more than half, significantly decreasing its carbon footprint.
“Philanthropy is a lot more powerful when you can bring technology to countries or communities that don’t have access to them and, in doing so, improve people's lives,” he believes.
The Art Talk Magazine, featuring question-and-answer interviews with leaders in the fields of art and photography, has been a passion project for Renet and his business partner, Carolina Conforti, since 2021. They taught themselves how to design the website, create podcasts, videos and the brochure. As they are both highly connected in the art world, the magazine is a tool to expand their networks at art and photography fairs.
Renet and his business partner, Carolina Conforti, launched The Art Talk Magazine in 2021. Credit: Image courtesy Art Talk Magazine
The importance of timely transitions
How did Renet know when to move on from a particular business or sector? “Often, they had reached a point where I felt I couldn't contribute much more. Whoever we hired was better suited for the next chapter. I think that is the right time to exit. You should never stay beyond your usefulness.” He retains his equity in many of the businesses, but stays out of operations. “Allow someone else to take it to the next level. That’s by far the best lesson you can learn, because it also involves letting go of your ego.”
That same instinct – to move on when the time feels right – also informs his approach the future. He has no plan for the next five years. “I know what I'm doing today, but not tomorrow. The world is changing so quickly right now. But I do know that I will work for the rest of my life. It is my oxygen.”
François-Laurent Renet’s biography
Graduated with a BA in Social Sciences and Information Systems from the University of the West of England.
Worked for a year as an administration executive at WR Capital Management in Stamford, New York.
Joined L&M Arts, a major US art gallery, as chief of staff and project manager, before moving into business development at ArtBinder in 2013.
Founded Comme Papa, a boys' clothing brand, and sold it two years later to a wealthy client for a high seven-figure sum.
Co-founded art platform Artwide in San Diego.
Became vice president for business development at Paradyme, a real estate-focused private equity firm based in Temecula, California.
Co-founded The Art Talk Magazine with his business partner, Carolina Conforti.
Chief investment officer at 144 Ventures, a Swiss-based impact investment platform. He leads the company’s global investment strategy and portfolio architecture.