Nicolas Colin
Nicolas Colin is a French author, lecturer, entrepreneur and business strategy expert. He is best known for his writings on innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as his experience as a venture capitalist.
Colin was born in Switzerland and attended Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in France, studying economics and politics. He went on to earn a degree in philosophy from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom in 1996. His career began in consulting with the Boston Consulting Group, and he later cofounded a successful search engine start-up in his native Switzerland. In 2003, he and his wife started a venture capital firm focusing on emerging markets.
Colin is a regular contributor to publications such as the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review, and The Economist. He has served as a board director for multiple organizations, including UNICEF and Endeavor Global. He is a popular teacher and speaker and is often invited to lecture at the world’s top universities, such as the London School of Economics and Harvard.
Colin’s first book, The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths, was released in 2013 and received strong reviews. In the book, Colin argues that successful governments are those that understand the role of entrepreneurship. He also suggests that public institutions need to facilitate innovation to drive economic growth and productivity. The book helped shape France’s startup strategy and was one of the top 10 business books of 2013.
Colin’s second book, The Capitalist Hobbyist, was released in 2015. The book focuses on venture capitalists and their impact on the world’s economy. It argues that a new class of hobbyist investors has emerged alongside traditional investment professionals and has had a radical effect on the way businesses are funded and grown. In 2017, he released his third book, China’s Disruptors: How Alibaba, Xiaomi, and Tencent are Changing the Rules of Business. In this book, Colin explores how the tech giants out of China are disrupting traditional markets and creating financial opportunities for entrepreneurs.
In addition to his writing, Nicolas Colin is a passionate advocate for public sector reform and economic innovation. He believes that with the right approach, governments can develop an ecosystem which fosters growth and innovation. He regularly speaks and writes about the need for more government investments in technology, infrastructure, and social programs.
Overall, Nicolas Colin is an acclaimed author, entrepreneur, and innovative thinker. He has authored three influential books, founded several successful companies, and helped shape the French government’s startup strategy. His writings and lectures are inspiring and thought-provoking, and he continues to be an influential presence in the world of economics, innovation, and entrepreneurship.