LEKO Labs is an innovative tech company focused on designing and manufacturing Zero Energy housing technology. We asked François Cordier, CEO and co-founder of LEKO Labs, to share some insights about his journey and his collaboration with InnoHub Luxembourg.
What is your company about?
LEKO Labs aims to globally accelerate the transition to sustainable housing. Our tech company is focused on designing and manufacturing ZE (Zero Energy) housing technology. This includes both complete homes and advanced building components for partners such as real estate developers and builders.
You started in France, initially. Why did you decide to come to Luxembourg?
We decided to move to Luxembourg to accelerate our development. Luxembourg is the perfect multicultural place for a nationwide Proof of Concept before scaling up in other countries. Every year, 10,000 people move to Luxembourg, which means high housing needs for a small country with very few natural resources except for hardwood. The government decided to invest in the country’s future by promoting innovation and Jeremy Rifkin’s concept of the Third Industrial Revolution. That is why the circular economy became a hot topic here and a fertile ground for LEKO Labs and its disruptive sustainable material technology.
As you have already collaborated with the soft landing platform and accelerator InnoHub Luxembourg, could you share your experience?
We first met InnoHub Luxembourg one year ago and we do not regret one bit starting this relationship. Without the InnoHub team we probably would not be where we are now. Pol and Dieter, the co-founders, have years of experience working on many projects in many countries. This is very useful and powerful for us. It means saving both time and money, which is precious for a startup like us. Their team is fully dedicated to pushing entrepreneurs’ projects in the direction toward success. At InnoHub, they help you execute your ideas in the right way. They give you wise advice on how to structure your project, as well as on the right way of approaching partners and investors. I am confident that we will soon announce a successful round of funding alongside InnoHub.
What is your advice for other entrepreneurs who intend to accelerate their businesses?
Timing, team, idea, business model and funding are the five key factors for a startup planning to accelerate its business. According to us, the best way to accelerate is to enter a market that is ready for your product, or to get your product ready for a promising market. To do this, you need a strong and smart team, as well as clever advisers who truly understand your business. Innovation is so complicated to manage that you need to find a partner who feels comfortable to help you manage the project.
Any words of wisdom you’d like to share with us?
Overnight success takes years to achieve. Don’t give up at the first setback, and keep up the good job.
Editor’s note: This article is brought to you by InnoHub Luxembourg and reflects only the opinion of the author.
Throwback – InnoHub Luxembourg’s 1st Anniversary on June 14, 2017 © Pierre Levy
