Benjamin Tolman

Background

About Benjamin Tolman

About Me Born in 1982, my personal and professional lives have always intertwined around my passion for entrepreneurship and technology. My first foray into the digital world began with an Amstrad PC 1512 in 1990, and by 1995, I was exploring early virtual worlds on Worlds.com. I ventured into software engineering in 2001 at EPSI, where I not only honed my technical skills but also graduated as valedictorian in 2005. Professional Milestones • 2002: I launched “UO Apocalypse,” a popular mod for Ultima Online, which I developed and managed, hosting up to 100 players globally from my dorm room. This early success in creating engaging online environments was a stepping stone in my career. • 2004: I founded my first company, an e-commerce which specialized in comparing flower delivery services. This venture was highlighted in Le Parisien for its innovation and was later acquired by the Florajet Group in 2006. • 2008: I established “Groupe Cerise,” a digital media group that quickly grew to 100 million monthly visits across its two main sites, Ohmymag.com and Gentside.com, publishing content in four languages. Notably, this venture required no external funding, showcasing my ability to efficiently scale businesses. • 2016: Prisma Media acquired Groupe Cerise, marking a significant phase of growth and integration into a larger media ecosystem, now owned by the Bolloré Group. • 2017: I co-founded Bricks, a startup studio that fosters technology startups at the nexus of content and audience engagement. This initiative evolved into Sparteo in 2023, an integrated group developing a suite of technologies for publishers. Philosophy and Vision My entrepreneurial journey is characterized by a hands-on approach to building from scratch, focusing on organic growth and sustainable business models. Each venture has been a blend of technological innovation and strategic foresight, aiming to reshape how digital media interacts with audiences globally. Through my experiences, I have developed a deep expertise in leading companies through various stages of growth, from startup to scale-up to successful exit. My leadership style is rooted in transparency, innovation, and resilience, driving teams toward achieving exceptional outcomes. Let’s Connect! I am keen to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and technologists who are passionate about the future of digital media and technology. Let’s explore potential collaborations and share insights that drive our industries forward.