Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Cedric Mathieu, who moved to this side of the Atlantic from France to pursue his passion for tech startups. He’s currently in charge of business and operations for Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental service best described as the Airbnb of cars…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m heading Turo’s business and operations in Canada – my mission is to help Canadians change the way they travel and utilize their cars.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I’ve always loved technology and come from a family of “early adopters.” I grew up in France, where there’s not a strong culture of innovation, but I remember my father telling me all about the latest technologies developed in the U.S., signing up for a high-speed internet connection when it was just the beginning of the internet. I was also always encouraged to take risks as a kid. All this quite naturally led me to startups and technology.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
In 2013 I moved to California to help my brother grow a tech company he had just started. That was the start of a new career (and life!) for me. I had just spent three years working as an e-commerce consultant in Paris and although I liked the industry, I felt like my career was lacking purpose. Leaving a comfortable job and most of my friends and family to join a very early stage startup on the other side of the Atlantic was a tough decision, but now I know it’s the best one I’ve ever made. We didn’t end up growing the business as much as we wanted, but without that experience I would never have been able to join Turo.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In 5, 10, 20 years I hope to see Turo become the largest car rental company in the world and disrupt car ownership at large. I am looking forward to contributing to this growth and to pursuing our mission of putting the world’s billion cars to better use.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Whatever you do, always do it 100%. Build on your strengths, but don’t shy away from learning new skills and live new experiences at work and outside of work. It can be scary at times but you’ll end up stronger.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
At Turo we’re supporting a number of charities, but one topic we’re particularly interested in is diversity in the workplace. This is a real issue in Silicon Valley and we’re doing whatever we can to change things for the better.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Dealing with immigration visas when moving to a new country can prove quite stressful and time consuming. I wish there were a global visa system that allowed you to work anywhere in the world!
What does the word notable mean to you?
Making an impact.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
This one is impossible to answer. Since I moved to Toronto I’ve been on a quest to find the best restaurants and bars in the city and every week I discover a new gem. But if I had to pick two, I’d say Terroni on Queen and 416 Snack Bar.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Facebook, to keep in touch with my friends around the world and discover new content. Obviously Turo.com is also visited regularly. As for the song, Blowin’ In the Wind by Bob Dylan.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Mark Zuckerberg. The guy basically invented social media, and what he has done with Facebook over the past 12 years is truly fascinating.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I am going to say France, because I miss it sometimes. It’s when you actually leave it that you realize how beautiful, rich, and diverse France is. Next, I’d like to travel to South America, but no definitive plans yet!
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Missing a great tennis match in a Grand Slam event; not having time to watch all the (great) movies in the world.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Horror movies. My girlfriend doesn’t want to watch them with me!
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Uber! I’m addicted. I wish I could spend more money on my camera equipment – photography is an expensive hobby.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Making an impact. Being good at what you do. Making people around you happy.
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