Some of you may not be aware that the launching of lexpressproperty.com has been inspired by Seloger.com, while I was looking for accommodation in Paris.
In 2007, I realized that there was no real estate portal in Mauritius to facilitate communication between agencies, owners, tenants and buyers. So, I decided to launch my business and started to do some research on existing websites, about the key to their success and their commercial offer.
Seloger.com became my benchmark, a compass, whereas I was worried about the market and master the business of online portal dedicated to real estate in Mauritius.
So, when Gilles Blanchard, co-founder of Seloger.com came to Mauritius last week and invited us for lunch, it was a fantastic opportunity to discuss with him and learn from his rich experience about online real estate market. Meeting Gilles Blanchard, which I consider to be my mentor, was amazing, while being a little intimidated, I must admit…
Seloger.com was launched in 1995 by a group of entrepreneurs formed by Amal Amar, Denys Chalumeau and Gilles Blanchard, amongst others. The company began its activities on the Minitel and on paper. Five years later, it quickly took off and positioned itself as the leader of the French market. When Axel Springer, a German media group, bought the shares of the co-founders in 2009, the site had over 450 00 online adverts. At that time, the company’s value amounted to 630 M€, representing the largest French valorization for a content website in France. Today, Seloger.com remains the top real-estate portal in France.
Gilles Blanchard has been the head of the IT and web department of Seloger.com for over 10 years. He transmits his charisma and energy with great simplicity, generosity and enthusiasm. During our friendly meeting, we shared a lot of information. He has the DNA of an entrepreneur: visionary, passionate, hardworking and willing to take risks.
Today, Gilles Blanchard is developing his expertise successfully with entrepreneurs in Africa and Pakistan. He considers that a good knowledge of the market and local expertise are the ingredients of this success. Thus, Kerawa.com was launched in 2008 by the Franco-Cameroonian Nino Njopkou, while the Pakistani entrepreneurs Ali and Imran Ali Khan – two brothers – opened Zameen.com in 2006. By entering their capital, Gilles Blanchard has provided his expertise and experience, in order to help these entrepreneurs to develop and become a leader in their respective markets.
For almost three hours, we discussed different aspects of our business: technology, business model, the future of online portal for real estate, outstanding challenges and our experience on the different markets: a very special moment! Thanks to Gilles for his feedbacks and valuable advice!
We may be able to connect on other continents in the future… who knows?
Delphine Taylor
General Manager
