Florent Merit

Florent Merit is a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem, serving as the Maire (Mayor) of Le Village by CA Aquitaine, an accelerator for startups established by Crédit Agricole. He was appointed to this position in September 2019, following his extensive background in finance and international business.

Educational Background

Florent Merit holds a master's degree in finance, specifically in banking and international trade, which he obtained from the University of Bordeaux in 2011.16 This academic foundation has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of financial markets and business development.

Professional Experience

Merit joined Crédit Agricole in 2013, where he initially focused on international business affairs, providing services to SMEs and large enterprises, including foreign exchange coverage and payment security.12 His role involved significant interaction with startups looking to expand internationally, which aligns with the objectives of Le Village by CA Aquitaine.

During his tenure as Maire, he oversaw the acceleration of numerous startups, helping them secure funding and create jobs. Under his leadership, the Village supported 34 startups and facilitated the raising of €10.5 million in capital.1 His vision included enhancing connections between startups and large corporations and fostering collaboration among the various Villages by CA across France and internationally.14

Recent Developments

In December 2021, after two years in this role, Florent Merit transitioned to new responsibilities within Crédit Agricole Aquitaine. He was succeeded by Charles Ranguin as Maire of Le Village by CA Aquitaine.23 This change reflects a continuous evolution within the organization aimed at maintaining its dynamic approach to supporting startups.

Merit remains active in the startup community and continues to contribute to innovation initiatives within the financial sector. His LinkedIn profile indicates ongoing involvement with financial asset management and client support at Crédit Agricole.5

Florent Merit exemplifies a blend of academic expertise and practical experience in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the Aquitaine region's vibrant startup landscape.