Philippe joined in 2011 and focuses on AI, cloud applications, and security. Prior to Accel, he was with Bessemer in Menlo Park, where he helped build the firm’s cloud practice. He started his career at McKinsey. Philippe is from Paris and graduated from Ecole Polytechnique, where he is a member of Ecole des Mines.
Get to know Philippe
What’s the most impactful piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I received was from the book For the Love by Kelly Slater, 11x surfing world title holder and probably the greatest surfer of all time. In the book, Kelly explains how he put his victory streak back on track in 2008 by focusing on enjoying surfing and letting go of the pressure to win. Reminding myself that enjoying the moment is more important than succeeding is the best way to achieve the best results in life, sports, or work. Do what you love, and success will follow. Chase success, and it will be elusive.
What’s your go-to productivity hack?
When I go to bed, I tend to think a lot about my day, and the best way for me to sleep quickly is to listen to an audiobook on a timer. The key is to pick the right book: if the book is really interesting, I listen to it instead of sleeping. If it is too boring, I don't listen and keep thinking. It needs to be the right middle ground!
What's something people are surprised to learn about you?
I love mixing cocktails, even though I don't drink much. This skill I picked up while I was an officer of the watch in the French Navy. There was a special budget on the ship I could tap into to buy all sorts of liquors to unleash my creativity, and it made me quite popular with the crew! I still love it.
What is your most used emoji, gif, or meme?
💪 💪 💪 building a company is hard and I use it to support the founders I am working with!
