A new way
for different entrepreneurs
A new way for
different entrepreneurs
Inspired by training centers for future high-level athletes, THE QUEST is the place where the most ambitious 17-27 year olds come together, to build the technology company of their dreams.
Inspired by training centers for future high-level athletes, THE QUEST is the place where the most ambitious 17-27 year olds come together to build the technology company of their dreams.
Inspired by training centers for future high-level athletes, THE QUEST is the place where the most ambitious 17-27 year-olds come together, to build the technology company
of their dreams.
We are giving them:
A check of 100,000€
A 220m2 HQ in the heart of Paris
A community of young builders ultra-determined and ambitious
A community of young builders
ultra-determined and ambitious
Our internal Core Team, for unlimited support throughout their journey
Our internal Core Team, for
unlimited support throughout their journey
So that they can build the strongest foundations for their project👇
The right product vision
The right co-founders
The right execution
The right financing strategy
We accept candidates throughout the year
The investment fund of Xavier Niel,
co-financier of the scholarships of €100,000
The investment fund of
Xavier Niel, co-financer of the scholarships
of €100,000
A place, a crew, and funding for young people who dream BIG
In 5 years, the startups created within THE QUEST
have reached a total annual recurring revenue of
more than 25 million €
In 5 years, the startups created within THE QUEST have achieved a cumulative recurring annual revenue
of over 25 million €
We accept candidates throughout the year
We welcome, finance, and advise unconventional young talents from Day Zero
Since 1975, student founders have always created extraordinary international technology companies.
Figma, Stripe, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Paypal, Ethereum...
We are convinced that the new generation will do the same.
That is why we have built the ideal ecosystem to give them the best chances of success, right from the ideation phase.
They went through THE QUEST
We accept candidates throughout the year
THE QUEST was imagined and designed for
Those who build from a young age various prototypes and projects in their room
Those who want to create a large-scale international technology company
Those who work on a disruptive innovation
The obsessives, the enthusiasts, the overly ambitious, the overdetermined, the weirdos, the geeks, the different, the unique
The builders who join THE QUEST
Avoid major lethal errors in the first 12 months of their adventure: wrong product direction, poor marketing strategy, bad co-founders, inadequate execution focus, poor fundraising strategy…
Fly away as soon as possible 1 month in San Francisco to see if they want to continue the adventure from there.
Transforming into exceptional entrepreneurs.
Significantly increase their chances of success.
A 220m² HQ
In the heart of Paris*
*THE QUEST also works remotely
*THE QUEST also works
remotely
The HQ of THE QUEST was designed.
#1
Like a co-working space, where you can come to work occasionally to get away from your small apartment or student room.
#2
Like a free hotel for our entrepreneurs from the province or abroad, who may need a temporary place to stay for meetings in Paris, or an urgent seminar with their co-founders.
The team behind THE QUEST
THE QUEST is led by a team of ex-founders, students, and dropouts,
who have built exactly what they would have dreamed of having when they left their studies
to create the tech project of their dreams.
THE QUEST is led by a team of ex-student founders and dropouts,
who built exactly what they would have dreamed of having when they dropped out of school to create the tech project of their dreams.
THE QUEST is led by a team of former student founders and dropouts, who built exactly what they would have dreamed of having when they dropped out of school
to create the tech project of their dreams.
learn more
Maxime Blondel
CEO
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Julian Ivaldy
CO-FOUNDER
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Adams Salahou
CO-FOUNDER
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Robin Seligmann
CO-FOUNDER
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Peter Paris
CO-FOUNDER
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Kenza Bellout
LAWYER
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Médoune Diack
HEAD OF TALENTS
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Camille HAÏDAR
HEAD OF DESIGN
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Maxime Blondel
CEO
learn more
Julian Ivaldy
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Adams Salahou
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Robin Seligmann
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Peter Paris
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Kenza Bellout
LAWYER
learn more
Médoune Diack
HEAD OF TALENTS
learn more
Camille HAÏDAR
HEAD OF DESIGN
learn more
Maxime Blondel
CEO
learn more
Julian Ivaldy
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Adams Salahou
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Robin Seligmann
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Peter Paris
CO-FOUNDER
learn more
Kenza Bellout
LAWYER
learn more
Médoune Diack
HEAD OF TALENTS
learn more
Camille HAÏDAR
HEAD OF DESIGN
Why did we create THE QUEST?
There was a lack in the tech entrepreneurial landscape of a structure
inspired by training centers for future high-level athletes.
There was a lack in the tech entrepreneurial landscape of a structure inspired by training centers for future high-level athletes.
A structure that protects and enhances, with access to: psychologist, nutritionist, sports coach…
A structure that does not stifle excessive ambition, but on the contrary encourages it, celebrates it!
A structure with a pirate, hacker mindset on every floor.
A structure focused on action, practice, where we mainly learn through iteration, in the field, every day.
A no-bullshit structure, where feedback is given straight, without detour.
A structure that brings together the most ambitious young builders, so they can lift each other up.
We accept candidates throughout the year
Are you building something right now?
Are you building something right now?
Or is there a project idea that haunts you?
Or is there a project idea that haunts you?
At THE QUEST, it is never too early or too crazy.
Contact us as soon as possible.
We are used to it. And it’s what we prefer!
At THE QUEST, it is never too early or too crazy.
Contact us as soon as possible.
We are used to it. And it’s what we prefer!
"Ne doutez jamais qu'un petit groupe de citoyens réfléchis et engagés puisse changer le monde ; en effet, c'est la seule chose qui l'ait jamais fait."
Margaret Mead
FAQ
What types of projects are developed within THE QUEST?
The projects developed within THE QUEST are as diverse as they are varied: a mobile game application, SaaS software, an AI tool, a matchmaking platform, an ecological R&D project... In the fields of decentralized finance, health, climate, gaming... The only common denominator is ambition! The main thing is that this project is the one you dream about when you stare at the ceiling before falling asleep. A project that becomes the mission of your life. A problem that has been bothering you for a while now that you're ready to publicly rebel against. The rest will write itself...
Who is THE QUEST aimed at?
We designed THE QUEST for the most ambitious builders aged 17-27. In particular, engineers who want to create international startups. Also, those who have a "hacker" mindset. Those who learned everything on YouTube. Those who find original solutions to overcome problems quickly. THE QUEST is for those who want to take a different path. To abandon the traditional studying route. Or to deviate from their well-thought-out career plan. Those seeking a springboard to change dimensions. And people like them to share knowledge, support, ambition, and moments of life.
How does the 100,000€ starter pack work?
It will be distributed to you on the official first day of your entry into THE QUEST. Specifically, we will incorporate your project's company, with you as President and CEO, and THE QUEST as co-founder and investor. This check for €100,000 will be deposited into the company's bank account at a valuation of €1.5 million = 6.66% of the capital. This pre-Seed check will allow you to iterate for 12 months and conduct R&D in complete peace, under the best conditions.
Is it selective?
Yes. There are only 10 spots available each year at THE QUEST. Out of about 1,000 applications each year. But feel free to apply. We select candidates with extremely varied stories. We love to support people who stand out, outsiders, and the weird.
Can I apply to THE QUEST if I am still in school?
Yes - but if you are selected, you will need to be available full-time to join THE QUEST. That is to say: stop your studies or your first job.
Do I have to be available full-time to be accepted into THE QUEST?
Yes. Entrepreneurship requires a 100% commitment. What the market calls "Skin in the game". This is the first true entrepreneurial test: being able to make a choice.
Do I need a team or co-founders to apply?
No — we review and accept applications on an individual basis. However, if you are working with one (or more) friend(s), it will be an asset to your application.
Is there a deadline for submitting applications?
No - we accept new builders every month, continuously. Don't miss the next onboarding. If you are working on a tech project that excites you particularly and that you really want to focus on for the coming years, apply now.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, THE QUEST was designed for 17-27 year olds only. Are you a little younger or older? Hackers and entrepreneurs break the rules 😉 Give it a shot, who knows.
Can I apply without having a startup project idea?
Yes, you can apply without having a specific project idea. Our startup idea bank is there for that. However, we prefer candidates who apply with a line of thought, a vision, a conviction, a viewpoint on an issue, a desire to tackle a subject, or a wish to navigate through an area of ideas. Entrepreneurship is primarily about forging strong convictions and fighting for them in the real world, in the long term.
How does THE QUEST make money?
Our business model is simple: In exchange for our pre-seed check of €100,000, we take 6.66% of the company's capital. In exchange for the unlimited support of our internal Core Team, access to THE QUEST HQ, our trips among builders, and access to our personal network, we take 10% of the company's capital. Our philosophy at THE QUEST is to align our interests with yours and the project that we will co-found together over 12 intensive months. If you win, we win. (resale, IPO, dividends...) If you fail, we fail. (company crash). Period.
What makes some of the projects run by THE QUEST successful, while others are not?
We have identified three main factors: 1) Courage. The courage to take the plunge. The courage to break down closed doors. The courage to fight every day to implement your startup idea, in a ruthless and as fast as possible manner. 2) The support system. The best startup CEOs co-founded within THE QUEST have managed to surround themselves with co-founders (CTO, CMO, COO...) who share a common culture and ambition. Alone, the adventure is much (much) more difficult. 3) Resilience. Our best projects have all pivoted, faced storms, but their teams have shown impressive resilience. It's almost mathematical: the only way not to lose is to keep playing, to keep fighting.
What types of projects are developed within THE QUEST?
The projects developed within THE QUEST are as diverse as they are varied: a mobile game application, SaaS software, an AI tool, a matchmaking platform, an ecological R&D project... In the fields of decentralized finance, health, climate, gaming... The only common denominator is ambition! The main thing is that this project is the one you dream about when you stare at the ceiling before falling asleep. A project that becomes the mission of your life. A problem that has been bothering you for a while now that you're ready to publicly rebel against. The rest will write itself...
Who is THE QUEST aimed at?
We designed THE QUEST for the most ambitious builders aged 17-27. In particular, engineers who want to create international startups. Also, those who have a "hacker" mindset. Those who learned everything on YouTube. Those who find original solutions to overcome problems quickly. THE QUEST is for those who want to take a different path. To abandon the traditional studying route. Or to deviate from their well-thought-out career plan. Those seeking a springboard to change dimensions. And people like them to share knowledge, support, ambition, and moments of life.
How does the 100,000€ starter pack work?
It will be distributed to you on the official first day of your entry into THE QUEST. Specifically, we will incorporate your project's company, with you as President and CEO, and THE QUEST as co-founder and investor. This check for €100,000 will be deposited into the company's bank account at a valuation of €1.5 million = 6.66% of the capital. This pre-Seed check will allow you to iterate for 12 months and conduct R&D in complete peace, under the best conditions.
Is it selective?
Yes. There are only 10 spots available each year at THE QUEST. Out of about 1,000 applications each year. But feel free to apply. We select candidates with extremely varied stories. We love to support people who stand out, outsiders, and the weird.
Can I apply to THE QUEST if I am still in school?
Yes - but if you are selected, you will need to be available full-time to join THE QUEST. That is to say: stop your studies or your first job.
Do I have to be available full-time to be accepted into THE QUEST?
Yes. Entrepreneurship requires a 100% commitment. What the market calls "Skin in the game". This is the first true entrepreneurial test: being able to make a choice.
Do I need a team or co-founders to apply?
No — we review and accept applications on an individual basis. However, if you are working with one (or more) friend(s), it will be an asset to your application.
Is there a deadline for submitting applications?
No - we accept new builders every month, continuously. Don't miss the next onboarding. If you are working on a tech project that excites you particularly and that you really want to focus on for the coming years, apply now.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, THE QUEST was designed for 17-27 year olds only. Are you a little younger or older? Hackers and entrepreneurs break the rules 😉 Give it a shot, who knows.
Can I apply without having a startup project idea?
Yes, you can apply without having a specific project idea. Our startup idea bank is there for that. However, we prefer candidates who apply with a line of thought, a vision, a conviction, a viewpoint on an issue, a desire to tackle a subject, or a wish to navigate through an area of ideas. Entrepreneurship is primarily about forging strong convictions and fighting for them in the real world, in the long term.
How does THE QUEST make money?
Our business model is simple: In exchange for our pre-seed check of €100,000, we take 6.66% of the company's capital. In exchange for the unlimited support of our internal Core Team, access to THE QUEST HQ, our trips among builders, and access to our personal network, we take 10% of the company's capital. Our philosophy at THE QUEST is to align our interests with yours and the project that we will co-found together over 12 intensive months. If you win, we win. (resale, IPO, dividends...) If you fail, we fail. (company crash). Period.
What makes some of the projects run by THE QUEST successful, while others are not?
We have identified three main factors: 1) Courage. The courage to take the plunge. The courage to break down closed doors. The courage to fight every day to implement your startup idea, in a ruthless and as fast as possible manner. 2) The support system. The best startup CEOs co-founded within THE QUEST have managed to surround themselves with co-founders (CTO, CMO, COO...) who share a common culture and ambition. Alone, the adventure is much (much) more difficult. 3) Resilience. Our best projects have all pivoted, faced storms, but their teams have shown impressive resilience. It's almost mathematical: the only way not to lose is to keep playing, to keep fighting.
What types of projects are developed within THE QUEST?
The projects developed within THE QUEST are as diverse as they are varied: a mobile game application, SaaS software, an AI tool, a matchmaking platform, an ecological R&D project... In the fields of decentralized finance, health, climate, gaming... The only common denominator is ambition! The main thing is that this project is the one you dream about when you stare at the ceiling before falling asleep. A project that becomes the mission of your life. A problem that has been bothering you for a while now that you're ready to publicly rebel against. The rest will write itself...
Who is THE QUEST aimed at?
We designed THE QUEST for the most ambitious builders aged 17-27. In particular, engineers who want to create international startups. Also, those who have a "hacker" mindset. Those who learned everything on YouTube. Those who find original solutions to overcome problems quickly. THE QUEST is for those who want to take a different path. To abandon the traditional studying route. Or to deviate from their well-thought-out career plan. Those seeking a springboard to change dimensions. And people like them to share knowledge, support, ambition, and moments of life.
How does the 100,000€ starter pack work?
It will be distributed to you on the official first day of your entry into THE QUEST. Specifically, we will incorporate your project's company, with you as President and CEO, and THE QUEST as co-founder and investor. This check for €100,000 will be deposited into the company's bank account at a valuation of €1.5 million = 6.66% of the capital. This pre-Seed check will allow you to iterate for 12 months and conduct R&D in complete peace, under the best conditions.
Is it selective?
Yes. There are only 10 spots available each year at THE QUEST. Out of about 1,000 applications each year. But feel free to apply. We select candidates with extremely varied stories. We love to support people who stand out, outsiders, and the weird.
Can I apply to THE QUEST if I am still in school?
Yes - but if you are selected, you will need to be available full-time to join THE QUEST. That is to say: stop your studies or your first job.
Do I have to be available full-time to be accepted into THE QUEST?
Yes. Entrepreneurship requires a 100% commitment. What the market calls "Skin in the game". This is the first true entrepreneurial test: being able to make a choice.
Do I need a team or co-founders to apply?
No — we review and accept applications on an individual basis. However, if you are working with one (or more) friend(s), it will be an asset to your application.
Is there a deadline for submitting applications?
No - we accept new builders every month, continuously. Don't miss the next onboarding. If you are working on a tech project that excites you particularly and that you really want to focus on for the coming years, apply now.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, THE QUEST was designed for 17-27 year olds only. Are you a little younger or older? Hackers and entrepreneurs break the rules 😉 Give it a shot, who knows.
Can I apply without having a startup project idea?
Yes, you can apply without having a specific project idea. Our startup idea bank is there for that. However, we prefer candidates who apply with a line of thought, a vision, a conviction, a viewpoint on an issue, a desire to tackle a subject, or a wish to navigate through an area of ideas. Entrepreneurship is primarily about forging strong convictions and fighting for them in the real world, in the long term.
How does THE QUEST make money?
Our business model is simple: In exchange for our pre-seed check of €100,000, we take 6.66% of the company's capital. In exchange for the unlimited support of our internal Core Team, access to THE QUEST HQ, our trips among builders, and access to our personal network, we take 10% of the company's capital. Our philosophy at THE QUEST is to align our interests with yours and the project that we will co-found together over 12 intensive months. If you win, we win. (resale, IPO, dividends...) If you fail, we fail. (company crash). Period.
What makes some of the projects run by THE QUEST successful, while others are not?
We have identified three main factors: 1) Courage. The courage to take the plunge. The courage to break down closed doors. The courage to fight every day to implement your startup idea, in a ruthless and as fast as possible manner. 2) The support system. The best startup CEOs co-founded within THE QUEST have managed to surround themselves with co-founders (CTO, CMO, COO...) who share a common culture and ambition. Alone, the adventure is much (much) more difficult. 3) Resilience. Our best projects have all pivoted, faced storms, but their teams have shown impressive resilience. It's almost mathematical: the only way not to lose is to keep playing, to keep fighting.