Champions journey - The entrepreneur with unwavering dedication

This article was originally published on edhec.edu - 08/08/2024 

From his engineering studies to the halls of major investment banks, Nassym Ben Khaled's destiny seemed clear until an unexpected event disrupted his plans. Since then, Nassym and his mother Basma Sadani co-founded DePlano, a startup alumni of the EDHEC Entrepreneurs incubator network at STATION F. In a conversation filled with humility and passion, Nassym Ben Khaled talks about his daily commitment, reflecting his champion temperament!
Whether they are footballers or entrepreneurs, both seek the best path to score their goal while avoiding obstacles. Our "Champions' Journey" series celebrates those who dare to dream, carry the flame, and create with passion, discipline, resilience, and determination. Discover these champions who shape the future and make up our EDHEC Entrepreneurs community.

A journey at the crossroads

Although his path and encounters gradually brought him back to the legal sphere with his lawyer mother, Nassym Ben Khaled began his journey by pursuing engineering studies to develop his technical skills. Convinced of the need for "skill hybridization," he decided to simultaneously pursue a finance specialization at EDHEC Business School alongside his studies at Télécom Bretagne. "I always wanted to be at the intersection of both fields to put tech at the service of finance and work on issues involving both data and market finance."

His approach, guided by the belief that the boundary between technical and business is fertile ground for innovation, led him to seek positions requiring both an "engineering mindset with technical skills and pure knowledge in finance and business." This successful gamble allowed him to integrate into a major investment bank on a work-study basis, stimulating him on this dual challenge and opening the door to a tempting opportunity in London.

However, this development of hybrid skills also came with a growing quest for meaning, pushing him to choose a more personal and significant path. "When I turned down the [London] offer, I already knew I wanted to found DePlano. There was no doubt. I never considered going back. I know why I'm doing it!" This decision, made jointly with his mother and co-founder, marked a clear break from the comfort and security of a conventional career.

A bold choice that pushes the young man to adapt his meticulous engineering mindset and controlling nature to the unpredictable reality of entrepreneurship: "In entrepreneurship, you often hear 'better done than perfect,' which contrasts with what I was used to. There's a real notion of letting go, it's not about being less good but about better prioritizing and letting go of details." A blend of determination and audacity, Nassym stands out with a unique combination of talents and values, making him a true champion dedicated to (re)building a fairer world.

DePlano, the Courtroom hero

DePlano was born out of a personal story. Nassym faced "a very specific administrative dispute for which [he] needed a specialized lawyer." Yet, even though his mother is a lawyer herself, the story ended in frustration and the realization of the system's complexity. Driven by the desire to reinvent the client-lawyer relationship and spare others the troubles they experienced, Nassym Ben Khaled and his mother Basma Sadani decided to co-found DePlano.

While the legal sphere is highly convoluted today, DePlano aims to bring simplicity to the sector by enabling "individuals or professionals to find in a few clicks the lawyers whose verified expertise matches their specific legal needs." Whether it's scheduling an appointment or answering a simple written question, DePlano facilitates access to quality legal advice for everyone, regardless of their residence or legal knowledge.

To ensure the success of the matching and the renewal of trust between client and lawyer, Nassym and Basma rely on the expertise of the lawyers on their platform: "For us, it was important to put expertise at the center of the game," explains Nassym. Lawyers are thus verified to ensure they have genuine expertise in the niches they claim. This verification is carried out by Basma, whose deep knowledge of the legal field is a major asset.

They have thus transformed a difficult personal experience into an opportunity to revolutionize access to legal advice, restoring trust and transparency at the heart of the profession: "We don't compromise on our values." DePlano reflects the determination and vision of two champions who have skillfully combined expertise, technology, and humanity to build a solution for all.

Family business

When asked how it feels to embark on this entrepreneurial journey with his mother, Nassym laughs before answering with disarming sincerity: "At the beginning, we were both onboard. Our complementarity made it happen naturally." However, this natural dynamic, though positive, also presents certain challenges, starting with learning to navigate the "generation gap."

Their collaboration requires constant adjustments in terms of work methods, tools, and communication. Although the division of tasks happened quite naturally according to their respective skills, they had to learn to reduce friction, improve productivity by giving regular feedback, and learn to communicate and listen to each other as partners: "It would be false to say there were never difficult moments. The lows you experience in your professional life are amplified in your personal life. But when you experience highs in entrepreneurship, especially with your mother, it's even stronger."

"She inspires me every day. She could have continued her career in large firms with a comfortable position, but she always sought to step out of her comfort zone. She embodies everything challenging in entrepreneurship: being a 58-year-old woman in tech! And I tell myself that she gets up every morning with the WHY, zero financial security, to embark on this journey with her son. So okay, we have disagreements on the substance, but she is incredibly inspiring. She shines, and that makes me proud!"

Just as some athletes manage to finish their marathon solely thanks to the encouragement of the public, it's also an aspect highlighted by the young man when mentioning his entourage that keeps him afloat, transforming every challenge into a rewarding adventure. Nassym's story is a poignant testament to the strength of family and support in achieving the most daring ambitions.

"Consider Yourself Lucky"

Beyond being a determined entrepreneur, Nassym is also deeply committed to humanitarian actions as a volunteer rescuer for the Red Cross or by regularly participating in food distribution drives. This commitment allows him to stay firmly grounded and not lose sight of the luck he has today: "When you see those in emergency shelters who see the sea for the first time and are super happy, it gives you a slap and puts your head in the right place because they are content with little." These experiences shape an essential aspect of his champion character, endowing him with humility and dedication to others, which also drives his entrepreneurial fight.

What connects Nassym to high-level athletes is also his resilience, because "in a marathon, as in entrepreneurship, you have to manage your pace: if you go too fast, you risk burning out; if you go too slow, you risk being late." Each day is thus an opportunity to reach his goals while respecting his own limits and staying humble and focused on his own race without seeking to compare himself to those flaunting their victories.

Ultimately, Nassym Ben Khaled is one of those champions who know how to turn every obstacle into an opportunity to grow, improve, and give back what they receive. Aware of his condition and the environment around him, Nassym reminds us that success is not only measured in numbers but also by the impact one has on others and the ability to stay humble in the face of challenges. Like in a marathon, the important thing is not just to cross the finish line, but to know why you are running and to savor every step.