Hugo Pellegrin

🎬 Brainsonic initiated a focus on artificial intelligence and the creation of virtual avatars for clients in 2023. The avatars, resembling digital twins, are trained from videos and can read scripts, eliminating the need for video shoots. This innovation simplifies content production processes and humanizes content by replicating the original subject's appearance and voice. In a collaboration with Michel-Edouard Leclerc, the technology translated a speech into multiple languages, and with Guy Hoquet Immobilier, it transformed training content into videos. The virtual avatars produced hundreds of training videos in just two days, significantly reducing production time. The demand for such AI solutions surged at the beginning of 2025, especially in the travel industry, where they could manage traveler requests in hotels. Brainsonic believes avatars can add flexibility and reduce costs in content creation without replacing human experience.

🏢 Eventiz will set up a dedicated 150 square meter Travel Village at VivaTech from June 11-14, 2025, bringing together key players in the tourism industry. The initiative, supported by VivaTech's General Manager François Bitouzet and Christian Sabbagh, aims to foster connections and showcase innovation in mobility, data, services, and startups. Partners include Club Med, ADP Group, Accor Group, Navan, TUI, Evaneos, and Axa Travel, aiming to highlight the economic weight and innovation potential of the travel sector, with plans to triple the village's size next year.

💸 In 2024, 2.1% of Travel startups were forced to shut down, with 27 out of 38 closures being companies still in their launch phase. TNMT reported a failure rate between 1.3%-2.2% in the last three years. Digital platforms suffered most, with a 2.8% failure rate, amidst a tough economic climate and scarce venture capital. Expedia allocated 52% of its operating expenses to marketing in 2023. Major factors include high competition, low market entry barriers, and difficulty differentiating. Startups like Tripnotes were acquired, while others like AMBLR, Planit Earth, and WayFind ceased operations. Journera raised $38 million but closed after 8 years. 80% of new startups target B2C directly.

🛰 Wanfeng, a Chinese automotive parts manufacturer, acquired German eVTOL operator Volocopter for €10 million on March 10, 2025. The acquisition includes integration of Volocopter's assets into Diamond Aircraft Group Austria, owned by Wanfeng since 2017. Despite a recent financial struggle and restructuring after Volocopter's insolvency in December 2024, the company, with headquarters in Bruchsal, Germany, aims to achieve certification for its flying taxi model, Volocity, within 2025. Already, 75% of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) inspections have been completed.