Laurent de la Clergerie Chairman of LDLC: a visionary leader in online hardware sales
Chairman, LDLC
Laurent de la Clergerie is a key figure in the the French business world. As Chairman of the LDLC GroupHis unique vision of the company has attracted a great deal of media attention.
His appearance on Patron Incognito " on M6 and his participation in " Capital "His personality and innovative ideas were highlighted.
Laurent de la Clergerie's career has been marked by bold decisions. In particular, he has set up the 4-day week within his company, an initiative that has caused quite a stir.
Under his leadership, the LDLC group has also distinguished itself with the creation of LDLC Schoolde la Clergerie's commitment to training and innovation.
Laurent de la Clergerie's school career
Laurent de la Clergerie began his studies at the Collège La Fosse Aux Dames to Les Clayes-sous-Bois. From his earliest years, he showed a passion for technology.
Visit 1982he set up his school's computer club.
After secondary school, he continued his education at Lycée Jean Perrin, Lyon. He wins a C baccalaureatewith a specialization in mathematics.
With his diploma in hand, Laurent de la Clergerie chose to focus on engineering training. It integrates CPE Lyona renowned school in this field.
Here is an overview of his career at CPE Lyon:
- Specialization Electronics and computing
- Special focus Image processing
- Involvement in associations :
- Member of the Students' Committee (1991-1992)
- School gala organizer (1994)
During his years at CPE Lyon, Laurent de la Clergerie didn't just study. He became actively involved in student life, developing skills in management and event organization.
At the end of his studies, he obtained his engineering degree. This training gave him a solid grounding in technology, an invaluable asset for his future career.
Interestingly, Laurent de la Clergerie later expressed a certain regret. Looking back, he would have preferred to take a management course. This reflection demonstrates his ability to analyze his career path and consider other options.
Laurent de la Clergerie's first entrepreneurial steps
Laurent de la Clergerie has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. After his military service, he decided to turn his passion for computers into a career.
Visit 1996At the beginning of his career, he embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure, attracted by the Internet and the digital economy.
His first company focuses on sales of electronic and computer products. The beginnings were modest but promising: 10 sales in the first month, 30 in the second. Success soon followed.
A stroke of luck boosts his project by 1997. He wins about 15 000 € in a game organized by a magazine. This money is immediately reinvested in his business.
From 1998Laurent de la Clergerie takes a major step forward with the opening of his first store in Lyon. This rapid expansion is a testament to his vision and ambition.
His story is a perfect illustration of the growth of the e-commerce in France. De la Clergerie seized the opportunities offered by online sales of computer hardware, a booming sector at the time.
LDLC's growth and diversification
LDLC quickly established itself as a dynamic family business. The company has enjoyed remarkable growth thanks to a well-thought-out expansion strategy.
Visit 2000LDLC goes public. This operation enables the group to raise 3 million eurosa major boost to its development.
LDLC then focused on acquiring rival companies to strengthen its position in the IT market. Notable acquisitions include:
- Hardware.fr in 2000
- Materiel.net in 2016
- BIMP in 2017
- Top Buy in 2020
These acquisitions have enabled LDLC to become a major player in the French IT sector.
The group has also expanded its activities:
- L'Armoire de Bébé (childcare) in 2015
- DLP Connect (hardware installation) in 2004
- Anikop (software) in 2007
- Maginéa.com (home furnishings) in 2008 (closed in 2019)
LDLC's expansion has also led to the opening of physical stores. At 2006the group's second store opens in Paris. A system of franchises was then introduced, resulting in more than 50 sales outlets in France.
End 2020LDLC posted some impressive figures:
- 724.1 million euros in sales
- 1,000 employees
- More than 50,000 products
- Up to 25,000 parcels dispatched per day
LDLC's success is based on several factors:
- A clear strategic vision
- Targeted acquisitions
- Business diversification
- A mix of e-commerce and physical stores
LDLC has successfully adapted to changes in the IT and e-commerce markets. The group continues to innovate to maintain its leadership position in a highly competitive sector.
Laurent de la Clergerie's innovative management and the 32-hour week
Laurent de la Clergerie, President of LDLC, has made a bold decision in january 2021 to introduce a 4-day week for all its employees, with no reduction in salary. This initiative was inspired by an experiment carried out by Microsoft at Japan.
The results of this change have been remarkable:
- 6% growth
- Increase in net income for 20%
- Positive hiring results
- No loss of efficiency
In view of these encouraging figures, the company even raised salaries during the compulsory annual negotiations in the first half of 2008. 2021.
This innovative approach to work goes hand in hand with other meaningful projects for Laurent de la Clergerie:
- Creation of a farm with salaried farmers
- Launch of a vegetarian fast-food restaurant
- Involvement with the Time for the Planet association
Visit 32-hour week has become a favorite subject for managers. He considers it one of his best management decisions. Teams are more productive and fulfilled in their work.
This successful experiment is attracting media attention. Capital interviewed Laurent de la Clergerie on the subject.
LDLC's president doesn't stop there in his quest to improve working conditions. He is constantly looking for new ways to motivate his employees and create a positive working environment.
This benevolent approach to management shows that it is possible to reconcile economic performance with employee well-being. It paves the way for new thinking on work organization in French companies.
The LDLC School, Laurent de la Clergerie's innovative educational project
LDLC Schoolfounded in 2015 by Laurent de la Clergerie, offers a unique training program focused on the impact of digital technology on the economy. The school offers a three-year courserecognized by Ministry of Labour and listed in the RNCP.
The LDLC School program is diversified and comprehensive:
- Marketing and communications
- Technologies (algorithms, IoT)
- Corporate life
- General culture
The admission process comprises several stages:
- Apply online (€50 fee)
- Online tests (aptitude, personality, judgment)
- Motivational interview
- Baccalaureate diploma
Tuition fees are 1 996€ per year, i.e. 5 988€ for the three years of study. LDLC covers part of these costs.
There is a wide range of career opportunities:
- Brand Manager
- Community manager
- Digital Strategy Manager
- Web referencing manager
- 3D Project Manager
- Virtualization Manager
Although no work-study program is offered, students are required to complete 40-week internship during their studies. This practical experience is essential to prepare future graduates for the professional world.
The LDLC School stands out for its modern approach to education, in line with the needs of the digital job market. It offers students the opportunity to develop technical and entrepreneurial skills, while benefiting from the expertise and network of the LDLC Group.
The many adventures of Laurent de la Clergerie
Laurent de la Clergerie, the President of LDLCHe doesn't limit himself to a single company. He pursues his entrepreneurial passion through a variety of projects.
Visit 2011he launched jaiplusdecroquettes.com with his wife, a website dedicated to pet products. This initiative has already led to the opening of stores in Lyon and Bordeaux.
Another interesting project is Multiworld. Originally a restaurant-squashit turned into an entertainment area focusing on virtual reality. LDLC has bought the project and plans to turn it into a full-fledged video game studio. Visitors will be able to play the studio's creations as well as other selected games.
In the field of interior design, Laurent de la Clergerie and his wife have invested in Sttanding. This specialized boutique could become a chain of stores in the future.
These various activities demonstrate Laurent de la Clergerie's innovative spirit and willingness to explore new markets. He is not content with the success of LDLC, but is constantly seeking to develop new ideas and businesses in different sectors.
The wealth of Laurent de la Clergerie
Laurent de la Clergerie's fortune is closely linked to the success of LDLC, the company he founded. According to recent estimates, the total value of the de la Clergerie family's assets reaches 138 million euros.
Laurent, with his sister Carolinehis brother Olivier and Suzanneowns a significant part of LDLC :
- 40.07% Group
- Estimated fortune: 129 million euros
Laurent's personal share amounts to :
- 19.2% from LDLC
- 1,216,746 shares
- Approximate value: €61.8 million
It is important to note that these figures do not take into account Laurent's other investments in various companies. His actual wealth could therefore be higher.
LDLC's value plays a key role in assessing Laurent's wealth. In January 2022the company's market capitalization reached 322 million euross, underlining its importance in the online sales of electronic products.
Laurent de la Clergerie becomes Fabien for Patron Incognito on M6
LDLC Group President Laurent de la Clergerie took part in the show Patron Incognito broadcast on M6. For this unique experience, he transformed himself into Fabien, a job seeker undergoing retraining.
The executive took the transformation to the extreme, completely shaving his head. This radical decision was intended to ensure that he would not be recognized by his employees.
His immersion took place in two key sites of the company:
- An LDLC store in Besançon
- Group warehouse in Nantes
This adventure enabled Laurent de la Clergerie to observe the day-to-day workings of his teams at close quarters. As a result, he was able to identify the challenges faced by his staff and better understand their needs.
The program offers a unique opportunity for managers of major French companies to experience the day-to-day lives of their employees. They can then make concrete improvements to their organization.
Summary
Laurent de la Clergerie, Chairman of LDLC, is a visionary entrepreneur who has left his mark on the business world. Founder of the LDLC group in 1996, he has succeeded in developing his company by combining e-commerce and physical stores. His innovative managerial approach, such as the 4-day week, attracted media attention and reinforced his image as a bold leader. He also founded the LDLC School, demonstrating his commitment to training. His appearance on M6's "Patron Incognito" highlighted his commitment to his teams and to improving their working conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What was Laurent de la Clergerie's background?
Laurent de la Clergerie founded LDLC in 1996. He has transformed this small company into a leading online retailer of IT and high-tech products in France.
His innovative approach and long-term vision have been essential to LDLC's growth.
What is Laurent de la Clergerie's estimated net worth?
Precise information on Laurent de la Clergerie's personal fortune is not publicly available. As founder and chairman of the LDLC group, a listed company, his net worth is probably substantial, but difficult to estimate with any certainty.
How did Laurent de la Clergerie help LDLC grow?
Laurent de la Clergerie has :
- Focusing on e-commerce from the very beginnings of the Internet
- Expanded product offering over the years
- Open physical stores to complement the website
- Acquisitions by complementary companies
- Innovated with initiatives such as the 4-day week
Who is Laurent de la Clergerie's wife and what role does she play?
Caroline de la Clergerie, Laurent's wife, is Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the LDLC Group. Alongside her husband, she plays an important role in the company's governance and long-term strategy.
Who is part of the Laurent de la Clergerie family?
Little is known about Laurent de la Clergerie's extended family. We do know that his brother, Olivier de la Clergerie, is CEO of the LDLC group.
What does the partnership between LDLC and ASVEL entail?
The partnership between LDLC and ASVEL includes :
- LDLC is the main sponsor of the ASVEL basketball team
- Team name changed to LDLC ASVEL
- LDLC contributed to the team's new visual identity
- This partnership increases the visibility of the LDLC brand in sport
