La Plage Factory August Community update

Welcome to the August Edition of the La Plage Factory Newsletter! 

August was a strategic month at La Plage Factory — a time to reflect, realign, and prepare for what’s next. Between strengthening partnerships, rolling out new initiatives, and pushing forward on AI adoption, the momentum across our community has never felt sharper. 

Here’s a look at what shaped August and what’s coming next. 

Let’s Meet up highlights 

Our August meetup carried a strategic note, as Michel CODANI shared updates on the PPP focus: Planning, Partners, Processes, and AI adoption. This set the stage for a month dedicated to aligning priorities and preparing the ground for the next steps in our ecosystem. 

We also shared news on the upcoming next cohort (cooptation now open!), progress within the Punch Cohort as they moved from Capacity Building to Funding Module, and two new initiatives we are proud to introduce: 

Pitching Session 

We closed the meetup with our signature live pitching session, one of the most energising moments of the afternoon. The stage brought together both returning founders and new voices, creating a mix of confidence, growth, and fresh perspectives. 

What stood out was not just the visible progress of those who pitch regularly, but also the courage of those who stepped up despite feeling “not ready.” In this space, no one is judged — instead, founders are coached, sometimes with reality checks that are tough but transformative. That spirit of encouragement is what makes pitching such a powerful tradition at La Plage Factory. 

This month’s exchanges even sparked the idea for a future masterclass on “How to Internationalise a Services Business” — proof that pitching is not just about presenting an idea, but about unlocking new conversations and building the confidence to take ventures further. 

Guest of the Month: Entrepreneur Therapy with Yannick Ayacanou 

August marked the launch of a new format at La Plage Factory: Entrepreneur Therapy. The idea is simple but powerful — to create a space where founders can speak openly about the human side of entrepreneurship. Beyond the headlines and success stories, there are moments of doubt, tough financial decisions, and the constant balancing act of leading a team while keeping the company alive. 

For our first session, we were honoured to welcome Yannick AYACANOU, founder of PriceGuruk, who joined us to share his journey. Yannick spoke candidly about the realities of building a capital-intensive business, from mortgaging family assets to managing cash flow crises and securing external funding. He reminded us that while ideas may spark a venture, it is cash discipline that keeps it alive. 

He also reflected on the emotional side of entrepreneurship: the challenge of letting go when talented team members move on, the resilience needed to lead through shocks like COVID-19, and the founder’s own evolution into the role of CEO — or even preparing for succession when the company’s future requires it. 

Yannick’s openness reminded us all that entrepreneurship is as much about people and values as it is about strategy. The key takeaways were clear: instrument your cash early, adapt your role as the company grows, and see talent flow as a feature, not a flaw. 

Thank You to Our Guests 

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the August Meetup. It was a pleasure to welcome a diverse mix of Smart Entrepreneurs, mentors, experts, partners, investors, ecosystem builders, and curious minds — the very fabric of what makes our community thrive. 

We were especially pleased to host our partners from MCB, represented by Amreen MINNOTTE, Caroline ANDONY-CHUTTUR, and Jean-François MOOTOOSAMY, as part of our ongoing work to connect bankers and innovators, and to advance financial literacy through the Punch Cohort’s Funding Module. Their presence was a timely reminder of the value of bridging corporate expertise with entrepreneurial ambition, and of MCB’s beyond banking commitment to supporting the ecosystem through partnerships with incubators. 

We also welcomed several new faces, including Andrew KEE-MEW, Ansen IYALOO, Dharmesh GOOLY, Dheeraj RAMCHAND, Douglas DELEU, Isabel Polanco, Jean Fançois THOMAS, Jérôme COUPÉ, Julian THOMAS, Ken ARIAN, RT VEERABADREN, Samim MOHABUTH, Sandra FON SING, Victor BOHBOT, Zuzana MANDIC who brought fresh perspectives and energy into the room. Every new guest strengthens our ecosystem by sharing their experience, and we are grateful for the time, insights, and support they bring. 

La Plage Factory Monthly updates 

🔹 HODI x Startups: A Partnership in Action 

In July we announced our partnership with HODI, and in August we were pleased to see it already bearing fruit. Three of our startups: ArcaLearn, Obluxe, and Bouzer Twa, have taken the opportunity to strengthen their foundations with a professional online presence, supported by HODI through free hosting, digital support, and consulting. This concrete step is helping them get online quickly, securely, and with the right tools to grow. 

 Apply now through the Start-Ups section of our web site or refer someone amazing. 

Join our community of innovators  

Are you passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship? Eager to make a difference? 

We invite potential founders, mentors, experts, and sponsors to join our vibrant community. Your expertise, guidance, and support can help shape the next generation of smart entrepreneurs and drive meaningful change.  

“Let's build a brighter future together for Mauritius, Africa, and the world!”