Tariq Krim launched his first Minitel server at age twelve before establishing a career at the intersection of journalism and digital entrepreneurship. Based in Paris, he transitioned from covering the internet industry as a writer for La Tribune to founding multiple technology ventures that challenged traditional approaches to media, cloud computing, and operating systems.
Journalistic Foundations
Born in 1972, Krim spent his early life in the Le Marais district of Paris. After completing his education at Télécom Paris in 1996, he entered the media sector. Collaborating with Jean-Francois Bizot in 1994, he wrote on cyberculture for Novamag. His journalistic career progressed at the financial daily La Tribune, where he eventually managed the newspaper's Silicon Valley operations, documenting the expansion of the internet industry.
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Krim shifted focus to entrepreneurship in 1999 by launching L8Rmedia, a firm specializing in digital media and consulting. The company's online property, GenerationMP3, adopted early participatory journalism models. In 2005, he co-founded the dashboard platform Netvibes alongside Florent Frémont. By 2009, he established Jolicloud with Romain Huet. This venture sought to simplify cloud computing, resulting in Joli OS, a free operating system designed to enhance low-cost or aging hardware. The project secured $4.2 million in venture capital from firms including Atomico Ventures and Mangrove Capital Partners, eventually expanding into an HTML5-based cloud platform in 2012.
Advocacy and Institutional Roles
Beyond founding startups, Krim contributed to the French technology sector through investment and advisory roles. In 2008, he co-founded ISAI, an entrepreneurs' fund providing seed capital for mobile and web startups. His policy involvement included advising the performer rights organization Adami and authoring a 2004 study on music business models and peer-to-peer sharing. Between 2013 and 2016, he served as vice president of the Conseil national du numérique.
Recognitions and Distinctions
Krim's career has been marked by various French and international acknowledgments. In 2008, MIT Technology Review named him one of the top 35 innovators under 35. The World Economic Forum later selected him as a Young Global Leader. His contributions to arts and culture were recognized when he was appointed Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2011, followed by a promotion to Officer of Arts and Letters in 2019.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Paris
- Education: Télécom Paris (1996)
- Notable Venture: Netvibes (2005)
- Notable Venture: Jolicloud (2009)
- Award: Innovators Under 35 (2008)
- Award: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2011)
- Award: Officer of Arts and Letters (2019)
- Public Service: Conseil national du numérique (2013-2016)
Questions readers ask
What is Joli OS?
Joli OS is a free operating system developed by Tariq Krim and Romain Huet intended to optimize low-cost or older computer hardware.
What was the focus of the ISAI fund?
Co-founded by Krim in 2008, ISAI is a French fund that provides seed capital to web and mobile technology startups.
Achievements
- Educated at Télécom Paris
