In this episode of Bright Founders Talk at Temy, we sit down with Thibaut Oger, Co-Founder and CEO of VKARD, to explore his entrepreneurial journey and insights into building successful tech ventures. From an early age, Thibaut showed a natural drive to create and innovate, a passion that eventually led him to pursue a career in software development and entrepreneurship.

After graduating from a programming school in France, he made a bold decision to never work for someone else and instead build his own path. Over the years, Thibaut has launched multiple ventures, gaining firsthand experience in turning ideas into real-world solutions. His story highlights both the freedom and the challenges of entrepreneurship, including the realization that clients can often become your “boss.”

Driven by constant curiosity and a stream of new ideas, he found motivation in transforming frustration into opportunity. This mindset ultimately shaped his approach to creating products that solve real problems—starting with his own. In this conversation, Thibaut shares valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and what it truly means to build something meaningful in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.

From Zero Bosses to Endless Ideas: How Thibaut Turned Frustration into Innovation

Thibaut’s story doesn’t start with a corporate ladder—it starts with a decision to skip it entirely. Fresh out of a programming school in France, he knew one thing for sure: he didn’t want a boss. Instead, he chose the harder path—building his own job from scratch. What began as a small software company quickly became his playground for solving real business problems, turning ideas into working products for clients.

But here’s the twist—entrepreneurship wasn’t as “boss-free” as it sounded. As Thibaut puts it, “your boss is the client.” And that realization hit hard. Project after project, client after client, he found himself stuck in a cycle—build, deliver, maintain, repeat. The real frustration? Watching great ideas pass by because there simply wasn’t enough time to pursue them. For someone who generates ideas daily, that’s not just annoying—it’s painful.

What pushed him forward wasn’t just ambition, but curiosity and a need to create something for himself. Thibaut doesn’t chase trends—he builds things he personally finds useful. In fact, he sees himself as the first user of every product he creates. That mindset keeps things real and grounded. If it works for him, chances are it’ll work for others too—and that simple idea continues to drive everything he builds today.

Fail Fast, Build Smart: The Lessons Behind Thibaut’s Journey to VKARD

Not every idea turns into a success story—and Thibaut is refreshingly honest about that. Looking back at his early ventures, like a dating platform built during the rise of Chatroulette, he admits they made some classic mistakes. The biggest one? Betting on the wrong technology. They chose Flash, just as it was heading toward extinction, and by the time they realized it, the project was already doomed. It wasn’t a lack of skill or effort—it was timing, decisions, and a bit of bad luck. As Thibaut puts it, “Sometimes you face random stuff that will stop you.”

But those failures didn’t slow him down—they sharpened his instincts. Each project, whether it was an e-cigarette comparison platform or an Apple repair service, added a layer of understanding. He learned that tech evolves fast, that partners need to challenge you, and that even great ideas can fail if the foundation isn’t right. These lessons became the backbone of his next venture—something more personal, more relevant, and built with a clearer vision.

That’s where VKARD comes in. The idea sparked from a simple, almost awkward moment—handing over a worn-out paper business card and realizing it didn’t match the image he wanted to present. So he built a smarter alternative: a digital, NFC-powered business card that does more than just share contact details. It opens a dynamic profile, integrates with CRM systems, and transforms networking into something seamless. It’s not just about replacing paper—it’s about upgrading the entire experience of connecting with people.

It’s Not Just a Card: The Real Power Behind VKARD

At first glance, it’s easy to think VKARD is just another digital business card—but that’s exactly the misconception Thibaut is trying to break. The physical card is only the entry point, a sleek way to start the interaction. The real value lives behind it—in the platform that lets companies update, manage, and control all contact data in real time. No more outdated titles, wrong phone numbers, or wasted reprints. As Thibaut explains, “The value is not in the object.”

Building VKARD hasn’t been a straight line either. Like any startup journey, it’s full of unexpected turns, broken plans, and constant adjustments. One moment everything is mapped out, and the next, something changes—a system update, a new challenge, a better idea. The difference, Thibaut believes, is how fast you react. Some people freeze when things go wrong, others adapt and move forward. That ability to rethink and pivot quickly has been key to keeping VKARD on track while still staying true to its bigger vision.

Looking ahead, the future of VKARD isn’t about reinventing technology like NFC or QR codes—it’s about expanding how people use them. Thibaut and his team are already pushing beyond the card itself, turning everyday tools like email signatures into powerful communication channels linked to dynamic profiles. It’s a shift from a single product to a full ecosystem—one that connects teams, updates instantly, and quietly transforms how companies present themselves. And if there’s one thing clear from Thibaut’s journey, it’s that innovation doesn’t stop at the first good idea—it evolves with every step forward.

Focus Over Noise: Thibaut on Creativity, Constraints, and Real Success

Creativity, for Thibaut, isn’t about painting something from scratch—it’s about connecting the dots better than anyone else. He openly admits he’s not the kind of person who can create something entirely original out of thin air. Instead, his strength lies in observing, borrowing the best ideas, and combining them into something smarter and more practical. “I think I am a good copier,” he says—and in his world, that’s not a weakness, it’s a superpower.

Of course, building a company isn’t just about ideas—it’s also about navigating constraints. Regulations, compliance, and endless rules can slow things down, sometimes in frustrating ways. Thibaut points out how certain requirements don’t always make sense in practice, yet they still demand time and attention. And that’s the one thing he values the most—time. In a world full of noise, distractions, and constant change, having the space to think clearly and move forward is becoming increasingly rare.

When it comes to success, though, Thibaut keeps it simple—and surprisingly human. It’s not about metrics or масштаб alone; it’s about real impact. Hearing that someone’s professional life improved because of what you built—that’s the real win. And for those just starting out, his advice cuts through the chaos of modern tech trends and endless tools: slow down, breathe, and focus. Because in a world that’s constantly shouting for your attention, clarity is what truly sets you apart.