Hélène 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.

Sustainability 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.

Carrefour 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.

Carrefour 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 Labaume

Twitter/X: @CarrefourGroup

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/X: @bencostantini

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After earning her journalism degree in the UK, JJ built a decade-long career in PR and communications, working both in-house and agency-side with global brands like TomTom, ASUS, and VISA. In 2015, she shifted her focus to startups, leading PR for a top London tech sustainability company before founding Black Unicorn PR in 2018—a firm designed to act as a true extension of startup teams. JJ is a speaker, mentor, and advocate for young PR talent, sharing insights at events and universities across Europe. When she’s not immersed in PR, she’s a dedicated dog mom, an avid reader of murder mysteries, a food enthusiast, and, like any true unicorn, a coffee addict.

Find Julija Jegorova on:
LinkedIn: Julija Jegorova
Twitter/X: Black Unicorn PR

Find Ben on:

LinkedIn: Ben Costantini

Twitter/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!