Where does the project come from ?

Webzzle is long-term project, kind of a passion lead by Xavier Vaucois, where knowledge is ubiquitous. Discover through these milestones the story of Webzzle:

• Before 1998
  

The origin took roots in Europe, more precisely in Troyes, Champagne region, France (humble medieval city nowadays with great moments in history: the champagne wine, the knights Templar with the founder Hughes de Payns, The Bibliothèque bleue which aimed at spreading knowledge during The Age of Enlightenment in Europe and USA, Rachi famed as the author of the first comprehensive commentary on the Talmud, as well as a comprehensive commentary on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).
Then came the time of Paris for scientific studies at ISEP (School of engineering in Paris, France). After Paris, the road led to Hull (UK) to receive a PhD level with honours in 12 months.

• 1999 - mid 2001

From England, the way led to the European Patent Office (EPO) in Holland where there was a lot of knowledge available and where the Webzzle core technology has been invented. At that time, friends working at great European IT companies in France, England and Holland, devoted more than two years to imagine, design and set up the main technological innovations. All work hard everyday, in the evening, in addition to their respective job with the will to create their own startup.

• Mid 2001 - mid 2005

July 2001, a major key milestone was reached. The project named Kankoon received the 1st prize winner at the competition for assistance in creating innovative technology companies in Europe. The Kankoon startup was brought to life in september 2001, at the same time of the New York twin towers disaster. The startup dream became reality and the difficulties really started. Quickly, only 2 guys found themselves in the operational work. It took them 2 years starting from the ground, without financial support, with few people who believed in the project at that time (the family (especially a brother), and some others who brought advice and which we also thank), to carry out the first product (an enterprise knowledge network software and the Object/Concept search technology). They found the first customers among large companies and developed the business. We thank those who trusted them at that time. Kankoon has been supported at this time by OSEO, 92 Entreprendre & Banque Populaire who believed in the product, technologies and the founders. In september 2005, more people joined the company and participated to the Webzzle foundations. 

• Mid 2005 - end 2007
  

An opportunity : The users became actors on the Web, not only spectators. A new stage was reached, a new page of the history opened on the basis of innovative technologies, success stories with large companies and new meetings. Webzzle was in preparation with new values that match another vision of the world. The Kankoon startup closed the door in France because there was not enough customers, not enough innovators in large french enterprises and SME. The business moved to the USA, the country where IT business is. The founders looked for money but did not find enough funds. They decided to give most of their work to humanity for free. The first service, the Web Explorer, was released in private alpha version. It was composed of a Web Organizer and an associated social Search Engine.

• 2008 - 2009