David Dupont and Mickael Estay, the Dordogne co-founders of RunnrZ, were happy to announce it on social networks: their start-up will be present from January 7 to 10 in the aisles of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, with its eponymous application capable of generating free tailor-made running and cycling routes, depending on the level of its users.
A very popular show
Spotted in July by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, which financially sponsors several companies in its territory each year at the most popular trade fair on the planet, the start-up completed all the qualifying stages, up to the final selection, giving tokens of seriousness.
“RunnrZ will not be the first Périgord company to set foot on the CES floor: the Ayor group, based in Marsac-sur-l'Isle, has already participated several times with its connected bath products. But it will, on the other hand, be the first start-up in Périgord to benefit from a showcase at this benchmark show,” rejoices David Dupont, responsible for communications for the company, in advance.
Outreach abroad
For three days, RunnrZ associates will take turns on a stand, rented for the occasion with financial assistance from the Region. Objective: increase the international visibility of the RunnrZ app. “We are already present in France and in several European countries such as Portugal or Italy, but we are hopeful of being able to develop beyond thanks to RunnrZ technology, based on artificial intelligence, duplicable on all land,” continues the entrepreneur.
“We are already present in France and in several European countries such as Portugal and Italy”
On the sidelines of the CES high mass, representatives of this start-up should take advantage of their presence in the United States to meet investment funds likely to boost its influence abroad. “The stakes are too crucial for us to go there as tourists,” declares the man who has been preparing for several months for the American meeting.
“The Region organizes regular thematic workshops for companies whose presence at CES it is committed to financially supporting,” explains David Dupont, who himself has gained peace of mind thanks to this system.
Three new areas of work
At the end of October 2024, the RunnrZ app had 200,000 downloads. A positive assessment which should further grow in the coming months with the launch of three areas of work: the creation of challenges in companies as part of their social responsibility (CSR) policy, the development of customizable soft mobility tourist routes, in partnership with local authorities and the launch of a premium subscription online, with exclusive content, for individuals.
To give substance to its new ambitions, the Périgord gem raised, at the start of 2024, 250,000 euros in funds from around ten local investors. At the same time, she also obtained a loan of 150,000 euros from the Public Investment Bank (BPI) France.
