14 October 2025
Following the successful launch of WAT(beta) on September 15 - which already hosts over 80 entrepreneurs and 25 startups in residence - WAT is taking a new step forward with the opening of WAT(community), an initiative designed for all key players in the tech ecosystem.
The goal: to offer investors, agencies, associations, lawyers, bankers, large corporations, journalists, and product builders privileged access to WAT’s spaces and events - encouraging connection, collaboration, and inspiration - in a free, application-based format.
WAT(beta) currently hosts around 30 startups, selected from 250 applications, representing over 80 entrepreneurs working on diverse topics such as artificial intelligence, health, climate, and mobility.
“We paid particular attention to the quality of the entrepreneurs and the relevance of their projects. After an initial selection, each founder was met individually to confirm their integration, ensuring a place that is both inspiring and dynamic,” explains Charlotte from the WAT team.
After its first test weeks, WAT(beta) launched its second cohort on October 2, with new residents joining the space this week.
Residents benefit from an individual desk, 7-days-a-week access from 6 a.m. to midnight, and a weekly program of talks and inspiring events.
Among recent speakers, WAT has hosted Mehdi Boudoukhane (founder of Cycle, acquired by Atlassian), Tanguy Goretti (founder and CTO of Cowboy), and Thibaud Elzière, who led an Ask Me Anything session on October 9.
WAT is also developing new formats, such as thematic days combining individual work sessions and inspirational talks. The first event, focused on Go To Market, will take place on October 30.
In addition, a monthly team lunch helps strengthen relationships among residents - and soon, community members.
WAT(beta) is now opening applications to join WAT(community).
Members of WAT(community) will be able to:
“Entrepreneurs need a full ecosystem to thrive — it doesn’t work in isolation. While it’s important to give them the space to grow their projects, it’s equally essential that they stay connected to all the other players shaping their environment. That’s why we’re launching WAT(community) today.”
- Thibaud Elzière, founder of WAT
Access to WAT(community) is by invitation or application only, ensuring diversity and high-quality profiles.
WAT(beta) is much more than a temporary space — it’s a living laboratory where we test and experiment with new ways of working and collaborating.
We explore the dynamics of an active community, within a continuous feedback loop, adjusting every aspect of the space based on the real needs of entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders.
Community is a core pillar of WAT’s vision for 2027. It plays a key role in strengthening and consolidating a European ecosystem that supports innovation and technological sovereignty - fostering connection, collaboration, and inspiration among all its members.
