Le Cercle networking events
Next date: June, Wednesday 17th
Le Cercle brings together cybersecurity players for structured discussions at quarterly meetings created and reserved for Les Assises community. It is a way for participants to become aware of the major issues in their sector and to meet other professionals. Le Cercle is organised around four networking evenings per year in Paris
Season 2026: February, Wednesday 4th • March, Wednesday 25th • June, Wednesday 17th • November, Wednesday 25th
June, 17th, 2026
Part 1
Information to follow
Part 2: pitches | Start-ups in action!
Let’s hear from those leading the charge: French start-ups that are innovating, standing their ground and offering practical solutions to the challenges of digital sovereignty and cybersecurity. A moment of inspiration and a chance to engage directly with the solutions of tomorrow. Watch this space: the future winners of the Innovation Prize.
March, 25th, 2026
Should companies be concerned about technological sovereignty?
Organisations' technological choices are now made in line with contractual rules and geopolitics. In this context, what role can strategic autonomy still play in interconnected economies? How do organisations navigate when national interests and industrial imperatives diverge? Where should the balance lie between compliance and competitiveness? What decision-making frameworks should be put in place to manage these tensions?
Guillaume Poupard will be at Le Cercle on 25 March to discuss these issues with us. With his 360-degree view of the French cyber community, at the crossroads of public and industrial issues, he has explored all the strategic aspects of cybersecurity: former Director General of ANSSI, head of a major player in digital trust, now Chief Trust Officer at Orange and Co-Chair of the National Council for AI and Digital Technology (CIAN).
He will invite us to be bold: to consider alternatives to globalised models, transform digital trust into a strategic lever and build a solid ecosystem of trust, while maintaining optimal technical performance. A discussion, moderated by Nicolas Arpagian, to transform geostrategic challenges into real opportunities for our organisations!
- Speaker : Guillaume Poupard, Chief Trust Officer at Orange and Co-Chair of the National Council for AI and Digital Technology (CIAN)
- Moderator: Nicolas ARPAGIAN, VP Strategy - Jizô AI and Commentator - France Info
February, 4th, 2026
Part 1 : "What if our vulnerability was our greatest opportunity..."
This sentence was uttered by Alexandre Fayeulle. Without filter or false modesty, he will share a rare experience and deeply personal words at the first Cercle 2026 event. Founder and president of Advens, Alexandre very early on placed vulnerability at the heart of his company's raison d'être, bucking the prevailing discourse in the sector. He chose to make this message visible and concrete, notably through ocean racing projects and sailing boats registered under the name ‘Vulnérable’ (Vulnerable). When he was told that his cancer was incurable, he decided not to keep his ordeal quiet. He spoke about it publicly and published the book Vulnérable. A direct account of illness, leadership, fragility and responsibility. In it, he defends a demanding and deeply human vision of the role of a leader.
Interview conducted by François-Xavier Maigre, Editorial Director of No Com, author and former journalist.
Part 2 : Speech by Fabrice Bru
Fabrice Bru, the new Honorary President of Les Assises, will present the editorial line for the 2026 edition, the main areas of focus and the intentions that will guide the next edition. This will be a defining moment for sharing a common vision, setting a course and committing to working together from now on.