OUR MISSION
Empowering every entrepreneur working for the environment and society to achieve their ambitions.
This is the mission we pursue every day, guided by two core values: commitment and authenticity.
Commitment, we support student entrepreneurs and, more broadly, anyone leading impact-driven projects and seeking to create real, lasting value.
Authenticity, we are guided by a genuine vision of a better future and take a personalized approach to each entrepreneur. This authenticity is also reflected in the people who surround us and mentor our entrepreneurial programs. Together, we share a true passion for knowledge transfer and meaningful innovation, dedicated to building a sustainable future.
OUR STORY
The Bench was founded in 2023 at the heart of the Université Évry Paris-Saclay, when Christophe Gerschel, Director of the Master’s program in Mergers & Acquisitions, together with a team of students from the program, set out to create an incubator to foster student entrepreneurship. The team was soon joined by Roxane Burgorgue and Josiane Gerbel, who took on the roles of President and CEO, respectively.
Founding of The Bench Incubateur®, the first pillar of the The Bench ecosystem.
Launch of the Aventurine (pre-incubation), Amazonite (incubation), and Emeraude (acceleration) programs. Delivery of the first white-label program.
Welcoming 11 new partners and launching The Bench Invest® and The Bench ExecEd® pillars.
Launch of The Bench Angels, our unique club of truly committed Business Angels. Cohort 5 of the Aventurine pre-incubation program is already underway!
OUR COMMITMENTS
The Bench supports initiatives with lasting environmental and social impact, across all sectors. We provide rigorous, personalized, results-driven support within a committed ecosystem. From idea generation to fundraising, our actions are grounded in authenticity, knowledge sharing, especially with student entrepreneurs, and collective responsibility.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT
We back initiatives that deliver strong, measurable positive impact across all sectors, including decarbonization, renewable energy, circular economy, health, education, and sports…
PERSONALIZED, RESULTS-DRIVEN SUPPORT
Each entrepreneur receives tailored guidance based on their specific objectives and needs.
AN ECOSYSTEM PRESENT AT EVERY STAGE
From idea to fundraising, The Bench supports project leaders in turning their ambitions into reality.
PROMOTING STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Our core mission since The Bench was founded in 2023. The Bench is open to all students, regardless of their higher education institution.
RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON AUTHENTICITY
Knowledge sharing, transparency, honoring commitments, and mutual accountability guide our interactions with the entrepreneurs we support, as well as with our partners.
A STRONG NETWORK OF EXPERTS
Over 100 experts, mentors, business angels, and partners, selected for their commitment and ability to provide guidance with rigor, humility, and practical insight.