Pacôme Becerro, co-founder of the Bordeaux startup BicyCompost

Pacôme Becerro, co-founder of the Bordeaux startup BicyCompost  

“What I learned during my technology degree comes in useful every day.”

The young 29-year-old creator started his training with a technology degree (DUT) in marketing techniques at the UPPA in Bayonne. An operational course, interspersed with several internships abroad, which allowed him to join a business school.

What made you choose this course? 

I sat my Baccalaureate (A-levels) in Bordeaux, then I left for Argentina for a year as part of a student exchange program. The technology degree in marketing techniques in Bayonne, where I had applied after my Baccalaureate and been accepted, agreed to re-examine my dossier a year later. The academic year was different in Argentina, and the UPPA administration allowed me to do my interviews online, which wasn't common practice ten years ago! I also chose this degree because I was interested in economy, management, negotiation, accounting, etc. All very concrete subjects, an operational course with many internships, and a curriculum that could potentially open new doors for me – and it did! After the degree in marketing techniques, I was able to join the IAE in Toulouse and study in Lisbon with the Erasmus programme. On my return, I was then admitted to the Skema Business School in Lille. 

What memories do you have of those two years in Bayonne? 

I remember particularly attentive lecturers who really knew their students. A friendly atmosphere, due to the fact that we were no more than 150 students, but also a very serious environment. I acquired knowledge in accounting, management, negotiation, marketing that I make use of every day, and which gave me a head start on the students coming from foundation degrees I met at business school. I stayed very close with some lecturers and regularly have lunch with them. Creating BicyCompost was an opportunity to reconnect more seriously. I've already accepted several students on internships, and I’ve had small groups work on the project and negotiation arguments. 

Were you already thinking about creating your own business? 

Not really. I had two objectives: traveling and learning. I was lucky enough to be able to do both at the same time. I did an internship at Novotel in Birmingham in the first year of my degree, followed by one at Disney in the United States in the summer, and one with Puig in my Master’s. After my studies, I worked for three years with Accor in Paris as a brand manager (Formule 1), then the first lockdown brought me back to Bordeaux. This was where the idea of creating BicyCompost emerged, in partnership with a friend who is an engineer.  Our concept meets the challenges of the ecological transition: BicyCompost collects the biowaste of professionals in Bordeaux (restaurants, crèches, schools, etc.) to turn it into compost used by local market gardeners. I wanted to give greater meaning to my professional life, to create an activity in keeping with my values. The company already has nine employees, and our ambition is to have 25 people by the end of 2024. 

A word or two to qualify the UPPA? 

Professionalism, good atmosphere and kindliness.

What message do you have for a young person thinking of joining one of the UPPA’s courses? 

Do something in line with your values; don’t be scared of doing what you enjoy. University offers a wealth of options.