An interview with CEO and founder Nazim Chibane (pictured on the left). Co-founder Romain Etay is on the right.
“There was an immediate spark when I met Romain Etay,” says Klara founder Nazim Chiban. We worked side by side for over three years at BPI, contributing to major HR & Learning tech platforms like PeopleDoc and TalentSoft. It didn’t take long before we started talking about building something of our own.”
During their time at the bank, they explored challenging cases and business ideas with colleagues at every level, from HR managers to frontline employees. “One thing stood out: most training tools were designed for HR, not for the people actually doing the work.” That insight led Nazim to start experimenting with skills datasets. It quickly became clear: this wasn’t just a BPI problem. Across industries, there was a growing need for a more employee-driven approach to development.
“Five years ago, we left the bank and launched Klara. We had a strong network, plenty of energy, and a shared drive.” But the first year was tough: Klara didn’t make any money. “Selling enterprise software was difficult, because no one wanted to take a risk.” Things changed in early 2021. “Luckily, five major companies stepped in, including Carrefour. That’s when momentum really started."
“Our culture makes us unique. There’s a strong sense of determination across the team, and we’re very performance-driven. Everyone is committed to building something meaningful.”
Nazim admits that in the early days, Klara’s positioning wasn’t very specific. But as the team sharpened its focus, one principle became clear: Klara was built from the employee’s perspective. “A platform that truly supports the people on the ground.” He gives a simple example to illustrate the gap: “Many frontline workers don’t have a LinkedIn profile or a polished CV. They possess real skills, but lack a formal way to demonstrate them. With Klara, their skills become visible and trackable inside the company. Their development is no longer abstract.”
Another thing that sets Klara apart is its close collaboration with clients. “We actively involve them in shaping the platform. They help us improve and evolve the platform. We act as a bridge between the company and its people, making sure both sides are aligned when it comes to development, performance, and growth.
“To explain how we connected with Endeit, we need to go back about a year. I received an email from Niclas Englert (Endeit) suggesting we meet. Just two weeks later, a French fund also approached us with an investment opportunity, but something about Niclas’s message caught my attention.”
The two stayed in touch and eventually met in Paris that October, during a celebration on the Seine. “That same evening, Niclas insisted on speaking with Martijn Hamann (Partner @ Endeit) as well.” The two had lunch the very next day.
“Since then, Endeit has played a key role in our journey. There’s still a lot to build, but they’ve already proven to be a strong and experienced partner. Endeit knows the European market inside out, and their guidance has been incredibly valuable.” Nazim finds it reassuring to have someone next to you who’s been there before. “Endeit has been our seasoned wingman, helping us navigate new territory.”
“We dream big. In the coming years, our goal is to become the leading skills management platform in France.” The team focuses on a few key industries where they see the most potential for impact, while continuing to invest in and strengthen Klara’s SaaS product.
AI plays a central role in Klara’s vision. “Right now, we’re already integrating AI into the platform, but our ambition is to make it the foundation. Not just a layer on top, but a core engine that helps organizations map, match, and grow skills more intelligently and efficiently.” The team envisions AI driving everything from personalized learning journeys to real-time insights.
“Klara’s culture remains just as important as its product roadmap. We want to keep building a company where people feel energized and motivated.” He speaks with genuine enthusiasm and focus: “I’m deeply committed to making this work. I want Klara to succeed, and that mission gives me energy every day.”
“Selling enterprise software was difficult, because no one wanted to take a risk.” - Nazim Chibane
