Brian Velborg

I’m a lifelong illustrator and photographer, and the proud father of three lively kids who constantly remind me to see the world with fresh eyes. Whether I’m sketching in my studio, capturing early-morning light on a mountain trail, or volunteering with a community arts association, I’m fueled by curiosity and a desire to connect people through creativity. Outdoor adventures keep my perspective wide-angled, and mentoring others—especially young artists—grounds my work in purpose. Above all, I believe stories and images gain their true power when they help someone else feel a little more at home in the world.

brian
Zeliq raises €5M to improve B2B sales prospecting

Zeliq raises €5M to improve B2B sales prospecting

As sales teams grapple with data fragmentation and time-consuming workflows, one French startup claims it has found a way to realign outbound strategy with real-world sales behaviors. Zeliq raises €5M to rebuild B2B prospecting from the ground up Zeliq, founded by Dorian Ciavarella in 2023, has secured €5 million in pre-seed funding to tackle one […]

Portrait de Victor Wembanyama, prodige du basketball français

Victor Wembanyama: who is the French basketball prodigy?

At just 7’4″, Victor Wembanyama is hard to miss. But his game goes beyond height — it redefines expectations. Early beginnings in the suburbs of Paris Born on January 4, 2004, in Le Chesnay, France, Victor Wembanyama was raised in an athletic household. His mother, a former basketball player and coach, introduced him to the

Image illustrant la levée de fonds record de 2 milliards d’euros par Verkor dans la French Tech

Verkor raises a record €2B: the biggest French Tech deal ever

Battery production in Europe just reached a significant milestone, promising to reshape the continent’s electric mobility strategy. When Verkor, a French startup specialized in low-carbon battery technology, secured over €2 billion in funding, it didn’t just break records — it sent a message. The deal marked the largest capital raise by a French tech startup

Court judgment affecting a tax refund

Can a court judgment take your tax refund?

Many Americans wait eagerly for their tax refunds each year, counting on the extra cash for bills, savings, or overdue repairs. But sometimes, that refund doesn’t arrive. And a question inevitably arises: can a court judgment really take your tax refund? Understanding what a court can—and cannot—do It turns out, the answer hinges on who

Illustration de la résiliation conventionnelle en France

Conventional termination: how does it work in France?

In my recent conversations around the rising number of job exits in France, the phrase “conventional termination” came up often. One HR director casually mentioned it as “the most amicable way to fire someone,” a provocative take that stuck with me. Curious and slightly skeptical, I started pulling at the thread. What is a conventional

Illustration for ‘HireVue in investment banks: what you need to know’

HireVue in investment banks: what you need to know

Before sitting down for a final round at a prestigious investment banking Superday, most candidates will have quietly passed a gate few like to talk about: a pre-recorded, AI-assisted video interview tool known as HireVue. What, at first glance, looks like a slick platform for convenience has become a pivotal — and controversial — pillar

Sweeetch lève 500 000 € pour booster les solutions de travail hybride

Sweeetch raises €500K to boost hybrid work solutions

In a market largely dominated by established players, a small Paris-based startup called Sweeetch has attracted some attention—at least in niche circles—claiming to have secured €500,000 in early-stage funding to refine its offering for hybrid work solutions. Although little coverage exists on the deal, the claim raises questions about how emerging players position themselves in

Squeezie : roi de YouTube en France et estimation de sa fortune

Squeezie: YouTube king of France — here’s how rich he really is

With millions of fans and a digital empire spanning multiple platforms, Squeezie’s influence goes far beyond viral videos. At first glance, Lucas Hauchard — better known as Squeezie — appears to be just another wildly popular YouTube personality. But a deeper look reveals an intricate and fast-growing business ecosystem built around his personal brand. And

Illustration de Spart levant 1,4 M€ pour financer sa plateforme fitness

Spart raises €1.4M to fund its fitness platform

As consumers continue to seek balance between performance and well-being, digital platforms targeting fitness and health are multiplying. One such player is Spart. With ambitions to democratize access to expert coaching through a hybrid model, Spart announced it had raised €1.4 million to expand its offering to a broader audience across Europe. The numbers and

Illustration générique de Sidely levant 1M€ pour optimiser la prospection commerciale

Sidely raises €1M to optimize sales prospecting

As more businesses demand efficiency in their face-to-face prospecting, a Paris-based CRM startup is stepping into the spotlight with a renewed ambition. Sidely raises €1 million to modernize field sales prospecting Sidely, the French startup specializing in mobile CRM solutions for field sales teams, has closed a €1 million seed round. The funding, announced last

How much does it cost to live in Morocco in 2024?

How much does it cost to live in Morocco in 2024?

For those tempted by the fragrances of spice markets, the rhythm of medinas and the sunlit terraces of North Africa, Morocco has become an attractive destination. But the question many ask before moving, retiring, or working remotely here is: how much does it really cost to live in Morocco in 2024? Costs vary widely depending

Illustration du salaire moyen en Norvège en 2024

What is the average salary in Norway in 2024?

While many wonder exactly how high salaries go in Northern Europe, especially in an economy as robust as Norway’s, the real answer is layered. On paper, the average wage seems impressive. But what lies behind it? I wanted to understand how Norwegians are really faring in 2024. Understanding salary numbers in context According to the

Évolution du salaire moyen à Singapour en 2024

Average salary in Singapore in 2024: is it still rising?

In a year marked by global uncertainty and regional economic adjustments, Singapore’s salary trends continue to draw attention from economists, employees, and business leaders alike. Has the average salary truly kept rising in 2024 — and what does that really mean? Median salary growth still on the rise The numbers are clear: the median gross

Sadri Fegaier, le plus jeune milliardaire de France

Sadri Fegaier: meet the youngest billionaire in France

His name once rang with promise across France’s insurance landscape. Sadri Fegaier — self-made, bold, and ambitious — built an empire from the ground up. For a while, headlines called him a billionaire prodigy. But was he ever truly the youngest billionaire in France? Not quite. Introduction to a misunderstood title The label “youngest billionaire

Illustration de dix questions illégales encore posées par des recruteurs lors d'un entretien

The 10 illegal questions recruiters still ask in interviews

In today’s hiring landscape, candidates prepare for tough questions about skills, experience, and company fit. But far too often, they also face illegal inquiries that cross into personal territory. Despite decades of anti-discrimination laws, recruiters continue to ask questions that should never grace the interview room. Hiring boundaries that get crossed Federal laws enforced by

Image illustrant Prisca Thevenot, France’s Secretary of State for Youth

Who is Prisca Thevenot, France’s Secretary of State for Youth?

Prisca Thevenot made headlines when she became France’s Secretary of State for Youth in 2023, a role that placed her at the center of national education and civic engagement policy. But beyond the official portrait, the story of this French-born politician of Indian-Mauritian descent reveals a trajectory shaped by generational ambition, community awareness and recent

Portrait de Benjamin Patou, l’homme derrière Paris Society

Who is Benjamin Patou, the man behind Paris Society?

Behind every stylishly lit dining room and velvet rope door in central Paris, there’s a business model—and likely, a rivalry. Mention Benjamin Patou in hospitality circles, and you’re bound to stir discussion, if not debate. Yet contrary to mistaken belief, Patou is not the man behind Paris Society. That title goes to Laurent de Gourcuff.

Most attractive cities in France in 2024: full ranking

No longer just a question of beauty or history, France’s most attractive cities in 2024 tell a story of dynamic repositioning — between sustainability, technology, and identity. Paris leads the way—but there’s more to the story Paris has once again secured the top spot in Euromonitor International’s prestigious Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024. What’s

Person in professional attire for a job interview this year

What should you wear to a job interview this year?

If you’ve landed a job interview in 2025, congratulations. But before you even speak a word, your clothing will say a lot. The question is: what, exactly, should it say this year? The shifting expectations of interview attire Over the past few years, dress codes across industries have evolved. Suits are no longer a universal

Image représentant le score TOEIC nécessaire pour réussir en 2024

What TOEIC score do you need to succeed in 2024?

Many professionals looking back at 2024 are asking themselves a pressing question: “What TOEIC score do you need to succeed?” The answer isn’t a simple number. It depends on what you define as success — and what the job market wanted from candidates last year. Understanding the TOEIC score system The TOEIC (Test of English

What is a superseded tax return — and does it matter?

Filing taxes isn’t just about doing them correctly—it’s about doing them deliberately. And in some cases, quickly. That’s where the concept of a ‘superseded tax return’ can turn a draining process into a strategic maneuver. What exactly is a superseded tax return? While most taxpayers are familiar with the idea of amending a return, far

Illustration d’une personne envoyant une déclaration de revenus dans une enveloppe standard

Can you send a tax return in a regular envelope?

As tax season came and went this year, I kept hearing a familiar question: “Can you send a tax return in a regular envelope?” The simplicity of the question hides a messier reality, especially when you’re dealing with the IRS — a system not known for its forgiving nature when it comes to details. Sending

Why does your tax return say “pending”? 6 possible reasons

When Emily Rodriguez checked her tax filing status for the third time in 48 hours, the screen still read “Pending.” She filed early, used a trusted electronic filing service, and even triple-checked her entries. “Why does my tax return say ‘pending’?” she asked me, exasperated. Turns out, her case wasn’t unique. Millions of taxpayers are

Gabriel Attal, ministre de l'Éducation nationale

Gabriel Attal: profile of France’s Education Minister

Born in the affluent Parisian suburb of Clamart, Gabriel Attal has managed to navigate the political landscape of France with precision, timing, and communication mastery. His name is now engraved in the Fifth Republic’s history books—not merely for his age, but for redefining what youth means in a position of power. A fast ascent through

Où envoyer votre déclaration de revenus en Oklahoma illustration

Where should you mail your Oklahoma tax return?

For residents of Oklahoma preparing their state tax returns, especially those choosing to mail in paper forms rather than file electronically, there’s a small but impactful question that causes confusion each year: Where exactly should you send that envelope? Why the address matters more than you think Filing taxes by mail isn’t as common as

MrBeast en 2024 : salaire, valeur nette et influence sur YouTube

MrBeast in 2024: salary, net worth and YouTube power

What began over a decade ago as challenge videos filmed in a small North Carolina bedroom has transformed into something akin to a media empire—anchored by one man and sustained, in part, by hundreds of millions glued to their screens. In 2024, MrBeast—born Jimmy Donaldson—did not just dominate YouTube; he arguably redefined its very boundaries.

Visuel de la levée de fonds de 1 M€ pour l’assistant d’écriture IA de Mister IA

Mister IA raises €1M for its AI writing assistant

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the corporate landscape, some players take a less visible but vital path—guiding others through the maze rather than building their own tools. Mister IA, a Paris-based startup, just might be one of these understated drivers of the AI transformation. The funding: a closer look behind the numbers This month,

Michel Ohayon: from retail mogul to downfall — what happened?

Once hailed as a self-made retail magnate with a taste for luxury real estate, Michel Ohayon’s empire now spirals under legal scrutiny and collapsed acquisitions. The story of his rise says much about ambition. The story of his fall, even more about excess and fragile foundations. From Bordeaux boutique to billion-euro property Michel Ohayon was

Illustration de la mention des loisirs en entretien d'embauche

Mentioning hobbies in job interviews: does it help or hurt?

I’ve sat across hiring managers who asked about hobbies as a warm-up, and others who seemed to mine the answer for more serious insight. For years, job seekers have debated whether revealing personal interests during an interview helps—or hurts. A growing body of advice suggests it depends less on the hobby itself, and more on

Image représentant une application de correction de texte levant 7 millions d’euros pour concurrencer Grammarly en Europe

MerciApp raises €7M to challenge Grammarly in Europe

MerciApp, the Parisian-born writing assistant, has its sights on overtaking global rivals—in particular, Grammarly—by anchoring itself solidly in European values and infrastructure. MerciApp raises €7M to challenge Grammarly in Europe When I first heard that MerciApp had “raised €7M to challenge Grammarly”, it sounded like a David-and-Goliath moment—or, just maybe, creative rounding. The real picture

Does Medicaid check your tax returns? Here’s what to know

Does Medicaid check your tax returns? Here’s what to know

If you’ve recently applied for Medicaid or are considering it, chances are you’ve wondered: does Medicaid review your tax returns? The short answer is—it depends. States differ, and so do the documents they require. But tax returns alone don’t usually carry the entire weight of your eligibility. Why income verification is so layered Medicaid is

EDHEC launches impact fund to support sustainable startups

Sustainable entrepreneurship has long faced a paradox: an urgent global need for change, paired with an investment ecosystem hesitant to back unproven early-stage models. EDHEC Business School might be changing that dynamic. Edhec steps into impact with €40 million fund The French business school has officially launched “”GENERATIONS Powered by EDHEC,”” a €40 million impact

Chope ton taf: the job initiative reshaping youth employment

While conversations about youth unemployment often spiral into policy paralysis, a modest yet striking initiative in Suresnes, France, is shifting the focus—by simply bringing young people and employers face to face. It’s called “”Chope ton taf.”” What is “Chope ton taf” really about The phrase itself—argot for “Grab your job”—sets the tone. Unpretentious, direct, and

Spontaneous applications: do they really work in 2024?

I’ve long been intrigued by that elusive category of job seekers—those who, without a posting or invitation, dare to send spontaneous applications. In 2024, when job boards are flooded and inboxes even more so, the question feels sharper than ever: Do spontaneous applications actually work? Understanding the odds in a saturated job market This year,

CalArts launches free courses in art, music and game design

“ Once known primarily for its exclusive on-campus programs, the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) now extends its reach far beyond Southern California, thanks to a steadily growing online portfolio. Over the past decade, the school has been building a library of free courses in visual art, music, and game design—and in 2025, these

Who are the most famous chefs on French TV today?

“ France’s love affair with cuisine hasn’t missed its date with television. Over the past decade, chefs have become household names—not just in the kitchen, but in living rooms across the country. Chefs step into the spotlight It’s a shift that began with the arrival of cooking contests and documentary-style food series, where chefs stopped

Can you cancel a tax return once submitted?

“ Submitting your tax return often comes with a sigh of relief. Yet, for many, that relief is quickly replaced by a wave of panic upon realizing a mistake. A missing form, a miscalculated figure, or an unchecked box can spark immediate regret. So, naturally, the question follows: can you cancel a tax return once

MerciYanis raises €2.7M to streamline office management

“ From large corporate towers to co-working spaces, facility managers are increasingly turning to digital solutions for efficiency. One of them, MerciYanis, has caught the attention of both investors and international clients. A quiet but strategic funding round MerciYanis, a Toulouse-based startup, recently closed a €2.7 million funding round. The transaction, though largely under the

Melanie Perkins: the Canva founder’s incredible journey

“ Melanie Perkins’ journey reads like a startup myth, yet it’s anything but fiction. From experiments on rudimentary school yearbook software to leading a $40 billion tech company, her arc traces that elusive path from frustration to global solution. Early frustration sparked her vision In 2007, Melanie Perkins was a 19-year-old student at the University

Business school tuition in 2024: are prices getting out of control?

Walking onto a top business school campus in 2024 isn’t just a lesson in leadership—it’s increasingly a study in personal finance. With annual tuition fees crossing the $80,000 threshold at many premier MBA programs, students and alumni alike are beginning to ask a difficult question: Are prices getting out of control? Numbers that raise eyebrows

Illustration des attentes des candidats envers les marques employeurs en 2024

What candidates expect from employer brands in 2024

As labor markets stabilize after years of volatility, employer branding has transformed from a corporate afterthought to a strategic cornerstone. Gone are the days when candidates were content with a paycheck and a ping-pong table. Today’s talent is asking harder questions — and expecting honest answers. What candidates really expect from employer brands in 2024

Illustration de JP Morgan : un aperçu de l’homme derrière la légende

Who really was JP Morgan? A look behind the legend

To the public, J.P. Morgan was a figure of myth—a man whose glare, top hat, and mustache symbolized American capitalism at its most ambitious and unforgiving. But who was the man behind the legend? The truth, unsurprisingly, is more layered than the iconography suggests. Early life and background John Pierpont Morgan was born into prestige

Illustration of tech jobs still hiring in 2024

Tech jobs still hiring in 2024? Here’s the real situation

Yes, tech jobs are still hiring in 2024—but not quite the way you might think. Amid a year of unsettling headlines about industry cutbacks, I found growing demand hiding in plain sight. It’s not a linear story. It’s a tale of bifurcation—lead-heavy layoffs on one side, laser-focused hiring on the other. The dual nature of

Are the French still bad at English in 2024?

There’s a familiar stereotype that’s been going around for decades: the French are bad at English. In 2024, does it still hold up? When perception meets data I’ve heard it time and again—tourists frustrated in Paris cafés, business people trying to navigate a meeting, or students struggling with grammar drills. “Are the French still bad

Do churches really pay taxes in France?

Do churches really pay taxes in France?

France, known for its staunch secularism, doesn’t levy a church tax like Germany or Denmark. But that doesn’t mean churches are entirely outside the state’s fiscal radar. The reality sits somewhere between full exemption and standard tax treatment—even if on paper, many assume otherwise. The myth of the French church tax Many assume that like

Illustration de Léna Situations évoquant sa carrière d'influenceuse, ses revenus et son empire grandissant

Léna Situations: influencer career, income, and growing empire

Few online figures have reshaped the French digital scene like Léna Situations. What began as a modest blog in her teens has evolved into a multi-faceted business with high-level collaborations, broad cultural impact, and significant financial performance. But behind the numbers, there’s a method built on intuition—and friction. From literature student to digital entrepreneur Born

Illustration vague pour l’article “Kikikickz: what went wrong with the sneaker resale giant?”

Kikikickz: what went wrong with the sneaker resale giant?

At one point, Kikikickz was the darling of Europe’s booming sneaker resale ecosystem. Sleek branding, influencer clout, and rare pairs shipped in exclusive packaging. But as of late 2023, it filed for bankruptcy. Less than six months later, its assets were picked up in a quiet acquisition by a competitor. So, what went wrong? From