Xavier Niel

Xavier Niel is a prominent French businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the founder and majority shareholder of Iliad, a major telecommunications company in France.12 Here are some key details about Xavier Niel:

Professional Background

• Current Role: Vice-President at Iliad / Free4
• Company: Iliad SA, which operates under the Free brand
• Industry: Telecommunications and technology

Achievements and Ventures

• Founded Free, a French Internet service provider, in 19992
• Launched the first "triple play" service in France, offering landline phone, Internet, and IPTV1
• Pioneered innovative services like Live IPTV, video on demand, and fiber to the home (FTTH)1

Business Expansion

• Expanded Iliad's operations beyond France to countries like Italy and Poland5
• Made personal investments in telecom companies in about 15 countries, including Senegal and the Comoros3
• Acquired stakes in various telecom operators, including Monaco Telecom, Salt Mobile (Switzerland), and Eir (Ireland)2

Other Ventures and Investments

• Co-owner of the newspaper Le Monde2
• Launched Station F, the world's largest startup incubator, in Paris2
• Founded École 42, a digital-development training center3

Personal Details

• Born on August 25, 19672
• Net worth estimated at US$6.9 billion as of February 20242

Xavier Niel is known for his disruptive approach to the telecom industry, often challenging established players with innovative and competitive offerings.3 His entrepreneurial spirit and vision have made him a significant figure in the French and global technology landscape.