Behind the scenes: Julien Lanssens on The Future 5 2024

Behind the scenes: Julien Lanssens on The Future 5 2024

For Julien Lanssens, participating in The Future 5 was both a surprise and a game-changer. From navigating the selection process to gaining valuable insights from industry experts, he shares how the experience shaped his journey and what he learned along the way.

How did you first hear about The Future 5? 

I became aware of it early in the selection process. I already knew some people from previous editions, like Elly (Yui Skin), who had been selected the year before. She was part of my startup at KBC, and through those connections, I found out about the program.

The Pitching Experience 

How was the overall experience – from the selection phase to pitching at Future Entrepreneurship?

It was exciting – definitely a full-on event! SuperNova was fantastic. I honestly didn’t think my pitch was that strong, so I was surprised when I made it through. It was a pleasant and unexpected boost.

From the moment you learned that you were selected for The Future 5, how did you prepare your pitch?

I usually follow a three-month process where I refine my pitch based on feedback. For The Future 5, I created a brand-new pitch, but it was a bit of a last-minute effort because of my workload that week. I wasn’t as prepared as I would have liked, which is why I didn’t expect to win. But it was a good learning experience, nonetheless.

Key Takeaways and Valuable Connections 

What did you find most valuable about the event?

Visibility was a big one – getting your name and project out there is always helpful. It’s also a great opportunity to learn from others. The key is to be open to their experiences, so you don’t make the same mistakes. For us, it was about identifying gaps in our approach, plan, or ideas and improving based on that.

Were there any specific lessons you applied to your business?

Definitely. During the Q&A, the jury emphasized the importance of having a proper website. At the time, we didn’t have one, which they pointed out as a missed opportunity. Yoshi Foods is wrapping up now, but that advice is something I’ll carry forward for future projects.

Did you make any valuable connections?

Absolutely. One standout was our partnership with Cambrian, a legal firm. We’ve had follow-up sessions and email exchanges with them, and they’ve provided great advice for our new projects. The visibility we gained also made a difference – people take you more seriously when they see you’ve been part of something like this.

Did participating change your perspective on entrepreneurship?

It didn’t radically change my perspective, as I was already in touch with some of the other Future 5 participants beforehand. However, it reinforced the importance of certain things, like having a website. It also showed me the value of having a network of peers you can reach out to for advice.

Why The Future 5 is Worth It

Would you recommend The Future 5 to other entrepreneurs?

Definitely. It’s not just about winning or gaining visibility; it’s about the feedback you receive. A critical jury can quickly identify gaps or assumptions in your idea, which is invaluable.

Any tips for future participants?

Always validate your idea. Make sure there’s a real demand for what you’re offering. Don’t make assumptions – test everything. And most importantly, just go for it and be open to feedback.

Would you consider participating again? 

Yes, why not? It’s a great event. Last year, it was tied to SuperNova, where even Barack Obama spoke. I didn’t see him, but it’s still fun to say we were at the same event!

Interested in joining The Future 5? Don’t miss the chance to pitch your startup and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Send in your application here: https://www.thefuture.be/agenda/the-future-5‍

The deadline to submit your application is March 9th.