Xavier Niel

Xavier Niel Overview

Xavier Niel, born on August 25, 1967, is a prominent French entrepreneur deeply rooted in the telecommunications and technology sectors. He is recognized as the founder and predominant shareholder of Iliad, a major French Internet service provider trading under the Free brand. Beyond this, his diverse portfolio includes co-ownership of the renowned newspaper Le Monde, the rights to the iconic song "My Way," and ownership of Monaco Telecom, Salt Mobile SA, and Eir.

Xavier Niel's journey began in a middle-class family. His father worked as a lawyer for a pharmaceutical laboratory, while his mother pursued a career in accounting. His educational path led him to the Saint-Michel-de-Picpus Catholic private high school in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It was here that his early interest in technology was ignited when he received a Sinclair ZX81 computer as a Christmas gift at the age of 15.

Niel's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in life. At just 19 years old, while still in the process of leaving school, he founded and later sold his first company. This company provided services on the Minitel, a precursor to the internet in France, with a focus on chat services. Through strategic licensing, he transformed this venture into a commercially successful enterprise, amassing substantial wealth by the age of 24.

In 1995, Xavier Niel invested in France's first Internet Service Provider, World-NET. This strategic move was made a year before the internet bubble burst, resulting in the successful sale of the company for 30 million euros. In 1996, after acquiring a company that would later become Iliad SA, Niel introduced the first reversed directory service on the Minitel. This innovative service generated significant revenue for Iliad until the discontinuation of the Minitel in 2012. Xavier Niel continues to be the majority shareholder of Iliad, holding a 71% stake.

In 1999, he founded Free, a French Internet service provider known for its modem access that was genuinely free. This pioneering approach disrupted the market and led to the widespread adoption of broadband services in France. Free also introduced the concept of the Freebox, the first triple-play multi-service box in the country. Beyond France, Mr. Niel extended his influence to Italy with the launch of Iliad Italia. The brand swiftly gained a substantial market share, and further expansion into fixed connectivity was on the horizon.

Niel's investment prowess spans various industries. He acquired significant stakes in companies like Monaco Telecom, Salt Mobile SA, and Eir, solidifying his presence in the telecommunications sector. He also made notable investments in the media, including the acquisition of Groupe Le Monde, which publishes the renowned newspaper Le Monde. Additionally, he purchased Groupe Nice-Matin, France-Antilles, and Paris-Turf, further diversifying his media holdings.

Xavier Niel's commitment to education is evident through the creation of 42, a tuition-free technical school that adopts a unique approach, devoid of teachers and textbooks. This innovative institution aims to nurture talent by offering free education to thousands of students globally. Niel's impact on the technology and business world has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized as one of the most influential figures in technology by Wired and was named the most influential French person globally by Vanity Fair.