Humind, the start-up founded by two SKEMA graduates selected among the 15 for Microsoft GenAI Studio

Since graduating in 2025, the two founders have been building their path. Alexis and Dan both hold degrees from SKEMA Business School’s Master in Management and MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

“Today, the Chief Architect of Microsoft France devotes between four and five hours a week to us.”

The two graduates completed part of their studies in Silicon Valley, at Berkeley, as part of their entrepreneurial specialisation. They launched their project within the SKEMA Entrepreneurs ecosystem, which supports students and alumni leading innovative ventures. Seeing their start-up selected by Microsoft marks a key moment for them. “Being chosen from several hundred applications is a real mark of trust. It shows that our approach to AI speaks both to tech experts and to business players,” says Alexis Hespelle.

A highly selective programme

Humind is one of 15 French start-ups chosen from several hundred applications to join Microsoft GenAI Studio. The programme runs at STATION F over four to five months and offers intensive technical and business support. The founders benefit in particular from direct backing from the Chief Architect of Microsoft France, who devotes several hours each week to them, supported by Microsoft engineers called in according to the project’s needs. “Today, the Chief Architect of Microsoft France spends between four and five hours a week with us. Alongside him, several engineers help us on very technical topics. That means several dozen hours of human support each month, which is a huge advantage for our start-up,” stresses Alexis Hespelle.

Mentors to grow the business

Business mentors also support the start-up on commercial strategy, market positioning and introductions to Microsoft’s major corporate partners. To date, Humind has around a hundred clients, including Puressentiel, Izipizi, La Chaise Longue and Supersmart. “These are not just discussions about strategy. They connect us with corporates, with partners, with players who can become our clients,” he adds.

Conversational agents for e-commerce

Humind develops artificial intelligence agents for e-commerce players. These agents, integrated directly into online stores, talk with visitors to advise them, answer questions and guide them through the buying journey. “We create AI agents that e-commerce sites integrate straight into their platforms. These conversational agents support visitors through their purchase journey, in the same way as a sales assistant in a physical shop,” sums up Alexis Hespelle.

The aim is twofold: improve user experience and boost commercial performance. “With some clients, we reach up to a 21% increase in conversion rates. That’s what allows us to establish ourselves, step by step, as a reference for e-commerce players who want both to understand their visitors better and to sell better online,” says the co-founder. He adds: “We get our best results in two types of catalogues: complex products (cosmetics, sport, technology) or marketplaces with many products. That’s where our AI agents perform best.”

A growing start-up

Still led by its two founders, Alexis Hespelle and Dan Castiel, Humind is now entering a recruitment phase. “We are still two founders, and we are recruiting our first full-time AI Engineers to strengthen the team,” explains Alexis Hespelle. Those who know, will know.