On January 11, 2025, France lost an emblematic figure of the digital world with the death of Jean-Michel Billaut. This visionary and builder of the future left an indelible legacy in the field of technology and innovation. For decades, it has played a crucial role in digital transformation, helping to decisively shape this sector.
A candid look at technology
Some people have the unique ability to see beyond established conventions. Jean-Michel Billaut was one of these rare individuals. Maintaining a candid and curious outlook throughout his life, he knew how to anticipate technological revolutions before they became obvious to others. His career clearly illustrates this extraordinary foresight.
As early as the 1990s, when many were still skeptical about the potential of the Internet, Jean-Michel already saw it as a major revolution. His work at L’Atelier BNP Paribas was not just focused on technology; it also aimed to connect innovative minds and inspire them with its regular lectures. This place quickly became an incubator of ideas where future entrepreneurs and emerging startups came together.
Unanimous tributes
When he passed away, tributes poured in, both from those who had worked directly with him and those who had been influenced by his actions. Contemporary digital figures have remembered his humanity, his legendary outspokenness and his exceptional open-mindedness. We can quote Stéphane Zibi, entrepreneur and co-president of the National Digital Council, who underlined how “it is almost impossible to relay to younger generations what this extraordinary man with his legendary outspokenness brought to French tech”.
Over the years, Jean-Michel has often been described as a humble person but deeply passionate about innovation. He didn’t just follow trends; he actively contributed to creating them. Whether through his famous “Billaut Shows” interviews or his public interventions, he popularized complex technological concepts, thus making this constantly evolving world accessible to everyone.
Patrick Robin, who knew him well, also shared a video on LinkedIn.
The great disruption and the fight for optical fiber
Another important facet of Jean-Michel Billaut’s work was his relentless commitment to democratizing access to optical fiber In France. Considering this technology as essential to reducing the digital divide, he has continued to campaign for equal access to high-speed internet. His efforts have brought this crucial issue into the political and economic spotlight.
Last September, he concluded an article by asserting that “The Great Disruption Begins,” illustrating once again his ability to see the broad outlines of the future of technology. This term, far from being trivial, well sums up the impact that Jean-Michel hoped to see in the massive adoption of new technologies to promote social and economic progress.
A mentor and a tech ambassador
For many young entrepreneurs and emerging talents, Jean-Michel Billaut has been much more than a simple advisor. He has been a true mentor, offering valuable advice, facilitating key connections and continually encouraging innovation. An anecdote told by a BNP Paribas executive sums up his direct approach well: during the first developments of electronic payments, Jean-Michel boldly suggested calling Bill Gates to add a payment button to Windows.
His influence extended beyond French borders. Covered several times by the international press, notably Wired magazine which affectionately nicknamed him “e-grandpa”, his work has had a worldwide impact. By initiating the “Internet Festival” in 1997, he significantly contributed to the popularization and democratization of the web in France, thus impacting an entire generation.
Innovation, vision and legacy
Isabelle Colin, strategic accounts director at Once For All France, spoke on LinkedIn after learning the sad news: “Jean-Michel Billaut was much more than a digital pioneer: he was a visionary, a builder of future, a man whose ideas and passion shaped the world as we know it today.” These words perfectly sum up the immense impact he has had on the development of digital infrastructure and the culture of innovation.
Far from limiting himself to his professional achievements, Jean-Michel Billaut also left his mark with his endearing personality and his immense intellectual rigor. For every startup he advised, every young talent he supported, he remained an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Recognizing his merits, France decorated him with the Legion of Honor in 2000, a prestigious testimony to his contribution to the country.
The numerous testimonies collected following his death show how Jean-Michel Billaut held a special place in the hearts of those who work in innovation and technology. By continuing to promote talent and believe in the promising future of technologies, it is a bit of his pioneering spirit that each of us perpetuates. Jean-Michel Billaut will remain a shining star in the French tech sky, inspiring present and future generations to dream big and act for a better world.
