«I like to believe that Einstein was not born a genius, he became one.» (Photo: Smart Ecolocation)

«I like to believe that Einstein was not born a genius, he became one.» (Photo: Smart Ecolocation)

Prior to the “Start-up Stories: Round 4” organised by the Paperjam Club and Startup Luxembourg and sponsored by Bil on Wednesday 13 November at The Office, one of the start-uppers, Safouane Jaouid (Smart Ecolocation), shares his entrepreneur vision.

Where did you get the idea for your start-up?

Safouane Jaouid. – «In my career as an attorney, I could never forget that client’s case, who has experienced the worst-case scenario, in which his family home has burnt down due to a light candle, lit by one of his tenants. In my former neighbourhood, there were two expats who shared their skills passionately: one was a zero-waste expert from Denmark, the other one a child education specialist from Canada.

Due to their skill sharing, those two people have left their marks in our neighbourhood in less than a year. One was dismissed. She decided to go back to Denmark, not capable of paying the high rents in Luxembourg. The other had to leave the place because of the landlord’s irrational behaviour. I think that, somehow, these stories contributed to feeding the idea, until I had that ‘aha moment’, in a Dr House-way, if you know what I mean.

From the idea to its realisation, there is only one step... and yet. What was the trigger for your entrepreneurial adventure?

“For more than a decade, I have been defending many landlords in various cases. 80% off these cases could have been settled through better and healthier communication. If money rules this industry, then the main problem lies in the lack of human communication and interaction, which could prevent various situations from happening.

We are living in times, in which community-based projects are increasing in significance. I’m very sensitive to everything that improves quality of life. I love talking to my neighbours, sharing a meal with them or creating that unique bond after having helped them in moments of need. I guess I like to contribute to the better-being of my community.

Do you have any advice for those who are still hesitant to get started?

“I like to believe that Einstein was not born a genius, he became one. Therefore, he couldn’t have imagined in his wildest dreams that his thoughts would one day influence the world so deeply. My advice would be: Share what you deeply believe in and let your actions create the change. Success, wealth, happiness and love… everything will follow. My mother, who has raised 7 children, always reminded us a quote: ‘Aim for the stars. If you fail, you’ll land on the moon.’ Something like that…”

You can register for the Start-up Stories: Round 4 on the website of the .

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