Members and guests of the French-American Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to gather on Thursday, February 5 for an interactive Entrepreneurship & Innovation Roundtable Discussion.

The panel opened with special welcome remarks by Richard Andersen, Partner, Patton Boggs LLP. Following the welcome, moderator Terry Jackson, Managing Director - Division for International Business, Office of the Mayor, New York City, gave a brief introduction of each panelist. Ms. Jackson also described the role of her office and emphasized the many resources that exist to help promote entrepreneurial activities in New York City – “the world’s second home”.

Panelists took the floor to describe their unique experiences as successful entrepreneurs, cite the challenges they encountered, and offer practical advice to attendees. The four panelists, all members of the FACC, included Ariane Daguin, Owner, D’Artagnan, Inc.; Thierry Duclay, President, BO Technology LLC; Jabril Bensedrine, Founder & Managing Director, Triana Venture Partners; and Odile Gorse, President and Co-Founder, G & O ART, LLC. Each panelist drew on his or her experience as an entrepreneur to highlight the importance of having a clear vision, a strong and adaptable business plan, and a passion for one’s work.

The panel was followed by an informative question-and-answer session and a networking reception.

The FACC would like to thank its member firm Patton Boggs LLP for generously sponsoring and hosting the panel and reception.