PriceMinister launched in January 2001, providing an online marketplace model that fundamentally altered the French retail landscape. Co-founded by Pierre Kosciusko-Morizet alongside Pierre Krings, the venture successfully scaled during the early internet boom, eventually leading to its acquisition by the Japanese corporation Rakuten in 2010. This transition marked a pivotal moment in his professional career.
Early Career and Entrepreneurship
Born in Orléans in 1977, Kosciusko-Morizet attended HEC Paris. He established his first company, Visualis SA, in 1998 while still a student. Following his graduation in 1999, he accepted a position managing the marketing and finance department at Capital One. This period of corporate experience preceded his shift into the burgeoning online retail sector.
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After the 2010 sale of PriceMinister, Kosciusko-Morizet served as CEO of the European division for the Rakuten group until May 2014. Beyond his operational roles, he focused on investment strategies, co-founding Kernel Investissements with Pierre Krings in 2008. The firm built a portfolio spanning companies such as Doctolib, Yellow Korner, LaBonneBox, Restoflash, Comet Meetings, and Blade. He further solidified his role in the sector as a chairman of the strategic committee at ISAI, a fund dedicated to internet entrepreneurs.
Mentorship and Public Recognition
While teaching at HEC Entrepreneurs in 2007, Kosciusko-Morizet mentored his student Jonathan Benhamou, proposing the concept for the company PeopleDoc. He served as the firm's inaugural investor and sat on its board of directors. His contributions to the French business landscape earned him recognition as a Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2011. He has also been involved with the French-American Foundation and the Young Global Leaders community.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Orléans
- Education: HEC Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Companies co-founded: PriceMinister, Kernel Investissements
- Awards: Knight of the National Order of Merit (2011)
- Professional affiliations: Young Global Leaders, French-American Foundation
Questions readers ask
What was PriceMinister?
PriceMinister was an online marketplace launched in 2001, which was later acquired by Rakuten in 2010 and rebranded as Rakuten France in 2018.
What is ISAI?
ISAI is an investment fund focused on supporting internet entrepreneurs, where Kosciusko-Morizet serves as chairman of the strategic committee.
Achievements
- Knight of the National Order of Merit — 2011
- Educated at HEC Paris
