Startups need a new scaling playbook
Issue #10: We’re rewriting it at Hexa
For the last two decades, the startup world has revolved around one model: raise venture capital, grow fast, and aim for an exit. But today, that model isn’t the only way forward - especially for founders who have built real businesses but are hitting a wall.
Venture capital isn’t the right fit for every startup. Some founders don’t want to spend their time fundraising. Others have built strong, profitable companies that don’t fit the hypergrowth mold. Yet, until now, there haven’t been many alternatives.
That’s changing.
At Hexa Scale, we’re pioneering a new path - one designed for founders who have built something meaningful but need some hands-on help and expertise to scale.
Today, we’re putting that model into action:
We’re taking a €5M majority stake in Veevart to help take it to the next level.
Veevart, a SaaS solution for museums and cultural institutions, is exactly the kind of company that needs this shift. It’s a solid, revenue-generating business, but the usual playbooks didn’t fit. The company needs a scaling partner that provides deep operational expertise - in product, GTM, brand, leadership - to get to the next stage. You can learn more about the partnership here.
This is just the beginning. We believe more and more founders will need alternative growth models, and we’re here to provide that.
If you’re running a startup that’s profitable but stuck, or if VC isn’t the right fit for you, let’s talk.
Files from Hexa
✌️ Twice with Jean-Daniel Guyot, cofounder at Memo Bank
In this episode of Twice, Thibaud Elzière sits down with Jean-Daniel Guyot, an entrepreneur unafraid of big challenges. After revolutionizing train ticket booking with Captain Train, later acquired by Trainline, Jean-Daniel embarked on a new venture: building a bank from scratch with Memo Bank. He shares his innovative approach, lessons from past experiences, and explains why he chose to rethink the banking system to better serve European SMEs. This conversation delves into ambition, resilience, and the ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles.
📤 Inside Roundtable (HX22) with Evan Testa, cofounder and CEO
How do you scale a SaaS purely through community, without traditional marketing? That’s exactly what Evan Testa and his cofounders set out to do with Roundtable, a platform that has already helped investors deploy €350M into startups in just two years. In this episode, Evan shares the behind-the-scenes of building Roundtable—from the pivot they had to make just two weeks after launch to the cofounder dynamics that keep the business strong.
🐈 The ultimate Product Hunt launch kit
Launching on Product Hunt can make or break a startup’s momentum, but getting it right takes preparation. After helping multiple startups become Product of the Day, Sarah Barron (Comms, Hexa) and Quentin Le Gall (GTM, Hexa) are revealing the exact playbook we use. This Notion checklist covers everything: a week-by-week to-do list, a guide to crafting a standout Product Hunt page, and more.
Other files we recommend
Different takes on the year ahead that are well worth a listen:
🌶️ The risky relationships of French AI
Silicon Carne takes a sharp look at the tensions shaping the French AI ecosystem, from regulation to competition and the risks of getting too close to the wrong players. In French.
📈 YC’s real track record, revealed
Lenny’s Newsletter breaks down 20 years of Y Combinator data - who the biggest winners are, how much YC really helps, and the trends shaping its next decade.
🇫🇷 Macron on France’s AI strategy
Underscore_ sits down with Emmanuel Macron to discuss France’s €109 billion AI investment, its stance on regulation, and whether the country can compete globally.
News
🛡️ Probo (HX24) launches to simplify compliance for startups
Getting SOC2 certified is a headache for most startups - costly, time-consuming, and packed with unnecessary steps. That’s why Antoine Bouchardy and Bryan Frimin built Probo, an open-source compliance solution that helps startups get SOC2-ready in a week - no paywalls, no lock-ins, just what’s needed. Find out more.
🏥 DermaScan (HX24) opens its first screening center
For the first time in 14 years, we’re going beyond software to launch a physical space - and for something that really matters. In partnership with Florian Legris and Hadrien Lepage, we’re opening DermaScan, a skin cancer screening center in Paris, using AI and imaging tech to help with early detection. If you’re a doctor, dermatologist, or just care about this cause, reach out to the team.
💰 Roundtable (HX22) launches 15 new investment clubs
Roundtable is expanding its reach with 15 new public investment clubs across Europe. Investors can now co-invest alongside Jonathan Anguelov (Real Estate), Blaise Matuidi (Consumer), and other top operators. Whether you’re looking to join or create a club, there’s now a curated investment community for you.
Jobs
Founding Backend Engineer @ Reki (HX24)
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or suggestions for this newsletter, don’t hesitate to hit reply. In the meantime, you can follow us on LinkedIn.
Cheers,
The Hexa Team