Hey there, everyone! We've got a fresh addition to our "Founder of the Week" series. Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Bertin, the visionary founder behind "MetaFlight." Bertin's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of a lifelong dream in the world of aviation and entrepreneurship.
- Name: Bertin Berchman
- Business: MetaFlight
- Location: France
- Website: MetaFlight.aero
What ignited Bertin's entrepreneurial journey? It all began with a deep-rooted passion for aviation and a childhood dream of becoming a pilot for AirFrance. Life took Bertin on a different path, leading him to a desk job instead of a cockpit. However, his love for aviation never waned, and he discovered a way to experience it through flight simulation, particularly Flight Simulator.
But there was a missing piece—a sense of responsibility as a commercial airline pilot, managing passengers, and the genuine flying experience. This longing led Bertin to create "AirFrance Virtuel" in 2011, a virtual airline aimed at recreating his dream. Today, AirFrance Virtuel has evolved into the world's leading French-speaking virtual airline with over 3000 pilots.
Identifying a market need is the foundation of any successful business venture. Bertin's journey with MetaFlight began with a noticeable void in the aviation simulation community. Enthusiasts and professionals practicing flight simulation craved more immersive content and experiences that were lacking in the industry.
This gap in the market prompted Bertin to launch MetaFlight, a groundbreaking solution that leverages technology to democratize access to aviation careers. It offers immersive experiences, real-world training, and blockchain-secured flight records, revolutionizing aviation education and skill development.
The entrepreneurial journey is riddled with challenges, and one significant obstacle Bertin faced in the early stages of MetaFlight was conveying the comprehensive ecosystem to stakeholders and investors. Despite securing some grants, Bertin primarily relied on self-funding and made substantial investments to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for the platform. However, Bertin's unwavering determination and the support of the MetaFlight community propelled the project forward.
Building a strong team is essential for success, and Bertin sought individuals who shared his unwavering commitment, diverse skill sets, and a shared passion for the MetaFlight vision.
MetaFlight's long-term vision is to democratize aviation careers and break down barriers to entry. The platform aims to make aerospace careers accessible to anyone with a passion for flight, regardless of their background.
For Bertin, resilience is the most important skill for an entrepreneur, allowing them to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the journey.
Bertin's motivation as an entrepreneur is deeply rooted in his passion for aviation and his mission to make aviation careers accessible to all.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Embrace problems, learn from failures, and view them as stepping stones to success.
Entrepreneurship has impacted Bertin's life by challenging him to balance personal, professional, and entrepreneurial roles, requiring impeccable time management and prioritization.
Bertin's journey is an embodiment of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Stay tuned for more in our "Founder of the Week" series as we celebrate visionaries like Bertin. Explore MetaFlight's mission and vision at metaflight.aero.