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At IÉSEG, some student associations have a lasting impression on students’ journeys. This is the case with How I Met Your Startup (HIMYSU), which organizes a unique public-speaking competition each year: a pitch contest where students go on stage to introduce start-ups. An innovative and unexpected format that has, over time, become a major event in student life.

HIMYSU, a one-of-a-kind competition in France

The 11th edition of the eloquence competition brought together nearly 600 spectators on Monday, November 17, at Théâtre Sébastopol. Its mission? To create a connection between students and the entrepreneurial world.
“The goal is really to build a bridge between students and professionals—to reduce the barrier between the idea of launching something and actually doing it,” explains Gaétan FIEVET, president of HIMYSU.

The format is appealing for its originality: a mix of stand-up, public speaking, entrepreneurial challenge, and artistic show (dance, comedy, magic). A true performance, created by students, for students.

Pitching a start-up: a human adventure and a skills booster

Behind the spotlight, HIMYSU is above all an impressive learning experience. For several weeks, the finalists received coaching from a professional.
“It’s truly personalized coaching: every candidate progresses at their own pace, based on their needs,” says Elisa LAWS, vice president of HIMYSU.

No one comes out of the experience without having improved their public-speaking skills. “Once you’ve spoken in front of a full theater, nothing scares you anymore!” says Gaétan. Students learn to control their voice, structure a speech, create rhythm, use pauses, and even play with humor. They also learn how to manage stress and make a technical concept accessible to the general public.

At the same time, the competition rewards not only technique but also authenticity. “We want their personality to shine through. The judges aren’t all rhetoric experts—they vote for the person who moves them, who feels the most genuine,” Elisa explains. Each speech becomes a unique space for expression, where candidates explore their creativity and embrace their humor, emotions, and personal style. “I could really feel each person’s personality every time a new candidate came on stage,” she adds.

Taking ownership of a project that isn’t your own is also one of the most valuable learning experiences of the competition. Pitching a start-up requires deeply understanding its market, mission, and challenges—and then expressing them in your own words. “It’s the ability to carry a project that isn’t yours, internalize it, and present it with your heart,” says Gaétan. A key adaptability skill for future consultants, salespeople, and even entrepreneurs.

For many, there’s a “before” and “after” HIMYSU. Gaétan, a former finalist, shares: “You realize you’re capable of going beyond what you thought. I lived my script—I could recite it anytime.” He even found a professional opportunity: “I interned at the start-up I presented two years ago.”

Behind the scenes: what the organizing team learned

While the candidates perform on stage, the organizing team also experiences an intense journey. Organizing an event of this scale at the Sébastopol—600 spectators, partners, jury members, artists—is a true learning ground.

Project management involved logistics, artistic programming, communication, partner relations, ticketing, and candidate support. Each division had to learn to work quickly, efficiently, and in coordination. “We had just over two months to organize everything, and you have to be present on many fronts at once,” says Elisa.

Team leaders also had to keem members engaged and motivated, delegate tasks, and handle unexpected issues. “It was stressful, but amazing! It’s incredible to see everything that happens behind the show,” she says. Between technical problems, artist coordination, timing issues, and logistical challenges, the team certainly got its share of adrenaline: “The Sébastopol is a maze. When 600 people arrive at the same time, it’s a nightmare to manage,” adds Gaétan.

HIMYSU: a talent catalyst and a creator of connections

Beyond the stage performance, HIMYSU shapes confident, bold, curious students who can defend a project with conviction. This unique event fosters meetings, opportunities, and sometimes even career paths.

As Gaétan sums it up: “What we really want is to put on a show that makes students think: I want to take the leap too!”