Sheppard's French Insider

In the second of this two-part episode of French Insider, host Karl Buhler continues his conversation with Nicolas Nemeth, founder and CEO of Bonne et Filou, the French-inspired luxury "lifestyle" brand for dogs, and co-founder of Dumbo Health, a health tech startup focused on sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. They discuss the mission behind Dumbo Health, the outdated state of sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment in the U.S., how the company is using AI to optimize a process that traditionally takes months into a matter of minutes, and what it means to build an "AI-native" company today. What we discuss in this episode: The mission behind Dumbo Health and the scale of the sleep apnea problem in the U.S. Why the current sleep apnea patient journey is slow, fragmented and difficult to navigate How Dumbo Health is digitizing diagnosis and treatment, from telehealth to at-home testing and device delivery Using AI and patient data to proactively coach patients and improve treatment adherence What it means to build an "AI-native" company versus simply integrating AI into existing workflows The shift from traditional software development to AI-driven, agent-based building processes How AI is reshaping investor priorities The cybersecurity risks that come with building fast in an AI-driven world The challenges of fundraising as a healthcare company in a market fixated on AI-agentic valuations About Karl Buhler As an associate with the Corporate and Securities practice group and French Desk in Sheppard's New York office, Karl Buhler focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States. About Nicolas Nemeth Nicolas Nemeth is the co-founder of Dumbo Health, a digital sleep clinic that allows patients to skip the sleep lab and bring the entire obstructive sleep apnea journey home, and the Founder & CEO of Bonne et Filou, the first French-inspired luxury "lifestyle" brand for pets in the United States focused on delivering high-quality, luxury and innovative products in the pet industry. Nico began his career as an investment banker in LBO and M&A with 7 years of previous experience in New York City. He closed dozens of transactions worth a total of $5.0+ billion in secured financing, with a focus on Healthcare and Consumer deals. He is fluent in English and French with international experience gained in NYC, Boston, Paris and Melbourne. He has been living in New York City since 2011. Contact Information Nicolas Nemeth Karl Buhler Additional Resources Dumbo Health Bonne et Filou Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

This episode is a replay of Episode 30 which originally aired on March 18, 2024. In this episode of French Insider, Greg Berk, a partner at Sheppard Mullin, joins host Inès Briand to discuss immigration and business travel to the United States, including the particulars of the ESTA visa waiver program, obtaining an O-1 visa, H-1B visa, or green card, and what travelers can expect from the CPB upon entry. What We Discussed in This Episode: What is an ESTA visa waiver? How long can you stay in the U.S. on an ESTA waiver? How soon can someone come back to the U.S. with an ESTA waiver? Who needs a work visa, and what types of work visas are available? How specialized must an individual be to qualify for a special talent (0-1) visa? What is an H-1B visa? When should French entities start planning to send individuals to the U.S.? When does someone need a green card? How do they obtain one? Are there tax implications when obtaining a green card? Can a green card be relinquished if the holder leaves the U.S.? Why does the CPB occasionally check social media accounts? Can the CPB deny a visa holder entry? Why might someone be called in for a secondary inspection? How should they deal with this? How can travel to Cuba or another restricted country impact an ESTA? Would it affect other types of visas? About Greg Berk Greg Berk, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group, is based in Orange County, California. He heads the firm's immigration practice and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. With more than 25 years of experience advising on various U.S. immigration issues, Greg is a trusted resource for global employers seeking guidance on recruiting and retaining foreign executives and top talent for their U.S. operations. He also works with investors on E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters as well as I-9 and other immigration compliance matters. He is the author of "Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference," a book published by the American Bar Association for General Counsel and HR managers. About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States. Contact Information Inès Briand Greg Berk Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

In this episode of French Insider, Romain Poirot, Managing Partner of French Morning and Frenchly, joins host Karl Buhler of Sheppard Mullin to discuss the French Morning Media Group, from its inception to where it is today, and how it creates a sense of community for francophone people away for home. This episode was recorded in French. What We Discussed in This Episode: French Morning's history - the premises and its development in the United States, Canada and in the UK Local news and creating a community The impact on Covid and French Morning's media diversification through webinars. Topics covered and events organized French elections coverage - live debates and streaming Sports events - football, rugby… gatherings behind « Les bleus » French Morning Media Group and its different subsidiaries Growth strategy of the magazine and plan for the future About Romain Poirot Romain Poirot has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Romain started his career in 2010 as an Assistant of Sales and Purchases in the Back Office at Magirus. In 2011, they worked as a Sales and Marketing Assistant at Inlingua and also served as a Team Manager for Street-marketing events at France Prestige. From 2012 to 2016, he worked at ALTIOS International, where they were involved in International Business Development activities, including researching and prospecting the US market, qualifying potential clients, and assisting in trade show preparations. In 2009, he joined Red Bull as a Student Brand Manager. In 2016, he became a Managing Partner at Frenchly, a leading publication for Americans traveling or living in France. In 2017, they joined Maudits Français as a Managing Partner. Since 2013, they have been the Managing Partner and Head of Revenue at French Morning USA, the leading publication for French expats living in the United States & UK. Romain Poirot attended Pace University in 2012 for a brief period, although the degree and field of study are unspecified. From 2009 to 2012, they studied at EM Strasbourg Business School, where they earned a Bachelor of Marketing and International Business. Additionally, in 2010, Romain studied Spanish and business in Spanish at Universidad de Alicante for a short duration. About Karl Buhler Karl Buhler is an associate in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in the firm's New York Office. Karl focuses his practice on domestic and cross-border transactions. He handles in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States. Karl was born and educated in France. He began his legal career in China, practicing corporate law in both Beijing and Hong Kong with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Karl then relocated to Paris, where he continued to focus on corporate transactions, but also expanded his expertise to international arbitrations and litigations arising from contracts and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, and infrastructure agreements. Contact Information French Morning Roman Poirot Karl Buhler Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

On this episode of French Insider, Erik Sloan, Chief Revenue Officer of Cboe Canada and the Global Head of Company Listings for Cboe Global Markets, joins host Andrew Bond to explore how Cboe operates a global network of securities and derivatives exchanges that help companies efficiently navigate global capital markets, including the factors that set the Cboe exchanges apart from other exchanges and the types of companies well-suited to list their securities on one or more of the exchanges in the Cboe network. What We Discussed In This Episode: What led you to Cboe Global Markets? What markets is Cboe in? Where might the exchange expand? What differentiates Cboe from country-based exchanges like Nasdaq or the NYSE? What value would Cboe bring to a French company considering public listings in both Europe and the United States? What types of companies do you feel are a good fit for the Cboe marketplace? How does the Cboe help companies navigate regulatory hurdles in various jurisdictions? After a French company is listed on Cboe in the United States, what is the procedure for expanding its listing to another foreign market? What would you consider Cboe's greatest successes so far? What have been Cboe's biggest challenges? What is your best advice for either a private company seeking to go public on Cboe exchange or a publicly traded company considering a move from another exchange? About Erik Sloane Erik Sloane has been with Cboe Canada since its inception and helped define and implement its foundational stock exchange and fund distribution platforms. He's since held several senior roles, including Head of Funds & Trading and Head of Product Management. As Chief Revenue Officer, he is currently responsible for driving growth by working closely with capital-raising companies, asset managers, sell-side firms, buy-side firms and other industry stakeholders. Erik launched his career at a global business and technology consultancy firm. Prior to joining Cboe Canada, he led project management at the Alpha Exchange, where he previously oversaw delivery of its core technology platform. He's also chaired several industry advisory groups instrumental in shaping Cboe Canada's strategy and currently serves on the Operations Committee of the Canadian ETF Association (CETFA). About Andrew Bond A partner in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's Century City office, Andrew Bond has a broad-based securities practice. In addition to assisting clients with cross-border mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions, he counsels Canadian clients on listing requirements for the NYSE, NASDAQ, and platforms operated by the OTC Markets Group. Andrew previously practiced in Canada, where he advised both U.S. and Canadian issuers on registered securities offerings, private placements, and Securities Exchange Act compliance. Contact Information Erik Sloane Andrew Bond Additional Resources Cboe Canada Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Victoire Lester, CEO of Coucou, joins host Sarah Ben-Moussa to discuss the experience of building a company in the United States from the ground up, including Coucou's approach to hiring and training native-speaking French language instructors, its strategy for attracting American customers, and their experience recruiting and managing a mixed-nationality workforce. What We Discussed in this Episode Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you become involved with Coucou? What was behind the founding of Coucou? Where did the idea come from? How does Coucou go about hiring and training instructors? How does Coucou's approach to hiring impact the learning experience? What was it like coming to the U.S. and building a company from the ground up? What motivated Coucou to expand its offerings? What was Coucou's experience during COVID? Where did the company come out on the other side? Can you tell us a bit about the streaming platform being developed by a Coucou founder? What was Coucou's strategy for attracting U.S. customers? Can you speak to the experience of recruiting and managing a mixed-nationality workforce of French and American people? What were some resources Coucou utilized during the last 10 years of growth? Would you recommend companies retain a public relations agency? What's one piece of advice you'd offer a French entrepreneur seeking to launch a company in the U.S.? About Victoire Lester Victoire Lester is CEO of Coucou, a New York City and Los Angeles-based language school offering culturally savvy, native-taught French classes, in person or online. A Paris native, she joined Coucous as a part-time French instructor in 2016 and was promoted to director of operations just three years later. As CEO, Victoire handles marketing, product development, and operations. She was also responsible for Coucou's successful transition to an online program in 2020, which has been instrumental in the company's growth. When she's not helping Coucou grow, Victoire enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and indulging in her love of wine, cheese, and oysters. About Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Sarah F. Ben-Moussa is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's New York office, where her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance matters. As a member of the firm's French Desk, she has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, complex commercial agreements, and general corporate matters. As a member of Sheppard Mullin's Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, Sarah also represents renewable energy companies, borrowers, financial sponsors, portfolio companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions. Her practice focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy sphere, representing renewable energy companies in project-level debt and equity financings of wind and solar facilities. Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Sarah spent a year and a half studying and working in France, focusing on corporate transactions and commercial contracts in Europe and internationally. Sarah is also committed to pro bono work, focusing on cases involving children seeking asylum or other immigration-related relief. Contact Information Victoire Lester Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Additional Resources Coucou Coucou on TikTok Coucou on Instagram Coucou on Facebook Coucou on YouTube Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Jim Gatto, a partner in Sheppard Mullin's Washington D.C. office and co-chair of its AI team, joins host Sarah Ben-Moussa to discuss what companies should know as they embrace generative AI, including key legal issues, the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, and unique due diligence concerns when acquiring or investing in companies that develop or use generative AI. What We Discussed in This Episode: What is generative AI, and why has it become so newsworthy? What are the key legal issues raised by AI? Who is liable if the output produced by generative AI infringes? Can you provide a broad overview of the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act? How does the EU compare to the current landscape in the U.S.? Is it legal for companies to use your output to train their own AI models? What unique issues should be considered when conducting diligence for acquisitions or investments in companies using or developing generative AI? What are some of the most important things companies should do to minimize the risk when using AI? About James G. Gatto James G. Gatto is a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's Washington, D.C. office, where he also serves as Co-Leader of the firm's Artificial Intelligence Team and Leader of the Open Source Team. Jim's practice focuses on AI, blockchain, interactive entertainment and open source. He provides strategic advice on all aspects of intellectual property strategy and enforcement, technology transactions, licenses and tech-related regulatory issues, especially ones driven by new business models and/or disruptive technologies. Jim has over 20 years of experience advising clients on AI issues and is an adjunct professor who teaches a course on Artificial Intelligence Legal Issues. He is considered a thought leader on legal issues associated with emerging technologies and business models, most recently blockchain, AI, open source and interactive entertainment. About Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Sarah F. Ben-Moussa is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's New York office, where her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance matters. As a member of the firm's French Desk, she has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, complex commercial agreements, and general corporate matters. As a member of Sheppard Mullin's Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, Sarah also represents renewable energy companies, borrowers, financial sponsors, portfolio companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions. Her practice focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy sphere, representing renewable energy companies in project-level debt and equity financings of wind and solar facilities. Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Sarah spent a year and a half studying and working in France, focusing on corporate transactions and commercial contracts in Europe and internationally. Sarah is also committed to pro bono work, focusing on cases involving children seeking asylum or other immigration-related relief. Contact Information: James G. Gatto Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Additional Resources: Copyright Office Artificial Intelligence Initiative and Resource Guide | Law of The Ledger Training AI Models - Just Because It's Your Data Doesn't Mean You Can Use It | Law of The Ledger Solving Open Source Problems with AI Code Generators – Legal Issues and Solutions | Law of The Ledger Congress Proposes National Commission to Create AI Guardrails | Law of The Ledger Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog Sheppard Mullin Launches Artificial Intelligence Industry Team | Sheppard Mullin Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of the French Insider, Didier Choix, Founder and Managing Partner, and Jean-Damien Perrier, Partner of the DDA & Company group, a Franco-American investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions in France and the United States, join Valérie Demont, Partner at Sheppard Mullin, to discuss M&A transactions between France and the United States, including how to choose the right target, the differences between French and American deals, and how to best prepare to conquer the American market. What We Discussed in This Episode: How can one best prepare to acquire a company in the United States? Screening Definition of objectives Proficiency in English How to find a United States target? What are the challenges faced? Is networking working? The approach of the American leader What are the major differences between a deal in the United States and a deal in France? Limited access to information Valuation Funding Working Capital v. lock box Vendor due diligence GAAP accounting v. IFRS Lack of audit of financial statements Salaries of officers and employees in the United States What are the common mistakes of French companies in their first acquisitions in the United States? "Bridging the gap": how can French companies put together a competitive offer compared to American buyers (auction process, etc.)? Timeline of an acquisition Main advice for an entrepreneur looking to acquire a target in the United States Contact Information: Didier Choix - Founder and President - DDA & Company, LLC | LinkedIn Jean-Damien Perrier - New York, New York, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn Valérie Demont | Sheppard Mullin DDA & Company, spécialiste conseil en corporate finance (ddacompany.com) France Attorneys | Sheppard Mullin Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Reid Whitten, Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin's London office, joins host Sarah Ben-Moussa to discuss the U.S.-China trade war, including the conflict's origins, the Foreign Direct Product Rule, and the tangible steps European companies should be taking in light of the current tensions. What We Talked About in This Episode: What are the origins of the U.S.-China trade war? What measures did the U.S. take in the wake of the 2018 National Position Paper declaring China an adversary? As a practical matter, what do European companies need to look out for? How does the Foreign Direct Product Rule work? What is the U.S. attempting to do to get itself on a technological level where it can compete with China? Do we see China retaliating against some of the measures and heated rhetoric coming out of the U.S.? Can you explain the military end-user concept? What tangible steps should European companies be taking as they attempt to navigate the current U.S.-China tensions? About Reid Whitten As Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin's London office, Reid Whitten focuses his practice on international trade regulations and investigations. He shares his time serving clients out of the Washington, D.C. office and also leads the firm's CFIUS Team. Reid works with clients around the world to plan, prepare and succeed in global transactions. He focuses on cross-border investments, particularly in the technology and aerospace sectors, helping clients navigate the international trade regulations that could disrupt their deals. In the areas of economic sanctions, export and defense exports, CFIUS, anti-corruption and tariffs, he supports clients in detecting and addressing potential compliance issues as well as conducting investigations and defending against enforcement actions. He also advises on U.S. anti-dumping, anti-money laundering and anti-boycott regulations. Reid is a member of Chatham House, the UK's Royal Institute of International Affair. In addition to lecturing at the New College of the Humanities in London, at the Université Catholique de Lille in France, and Wake Forest University in the U.S, he also conducts seminars on regulatory updates for industry groups in the U.S., France, Belgium, Spain and the UK. A thought leader on cross-border business regulation, Reid is frequently called upon to provide commentary and analysis for television news channels, international newspapers, and trade publications. He is also the lead author and editor of The CFIUS Book. About Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Sarah F. Ben-Moussa is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's New York office, where her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance matters. As a member of the firm's French Desk, she has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, complex commercial agreements, and general corporate matters. As a member of Sheppard Mullin's Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, Sarah also represents renewable energy companies, borrowers, financial sponsors, portfolio companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions. Her practice focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy sphere, representing renewable energy companies in project-level debt and equity financings of wind and solar facilities. She also serves on the New York office's sustainability committee. Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Sarah spent a year and a half studying and working in France, becoming fluent in French and focusing on corporate transactions and commercial contracts in Europe and internationally. Sarah is also committed to pro bono work, focusing on cases involving children seeking asylum or other immigration-related relief. Contact Information: Reid Whitten Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.