Le Cercle networking events
Next date: June, Wednesday 17th at Pavillon Gabriel
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
⚠️ New place ⚠️
Le Cercle on 17 June will take place at Pavillon Gabriel - 5, avenue Gabriel 75008 Paris
Part 1: conference
Interview of Matthieu Stefani hosted by Véronique Loquet
‘Seeing before others’ - The subtle signs and recurring convictions found in those who get ahead. Through his interactions with some of the most influential entrepreneurs, investors and executives in tech and business, Matthieu Stefani has identified some surprising commonalities: learning styles, speed of execution, attitudes towards doubt, the ability to change one’s mind quickly… or to hold onto a conviction longer than others. At this Cercle event, he will share the ideas and weak signals most commonly found among those who are already shaping the next major disruptions.
Exclusive presentation by Jean-Sylvain Chavanne, CEO of BZHunt
As AI is already redefining our business models, the second half of the conference will feature an exclusive presentation by Jean-Sylvain Chavanne, CEO of BZHunt.
It all started with a simple question: which smart cat litter tray should I choose for my cat?
A few hours later, an AI agent had identified several critical vulnerabilities affecting nearly 4 million accounts.
On the agenda for this case study:
- how an AI agent can be triggered by a perfectly innocuous request;
- why safeguards are becoming a major governance issue;
- what this experience reveals about the risks and opportunities of AI in cybersecurity.
A practical demonstration of the capabilities and limitations of AI agents, at the intersection of innovation and risk.
Part 2: pitchs | Start-ups in action!
It’s time for innovation in action: the five finalists for the Innovation Award will present their solutions and visions to the jury and the entire community.
A dynamic and inspiring moment to discover the projects that will shape the cybersecurity of tomorrow… and perhaps the future leaders of your ecosystem.
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.