Thomas Vasseur

Why this persona fits the audience

Advises early-stage founders from Paris and Brussels on positioning and market sizing. He builds TAM slides from company lists, public sources, and spreadsheets, usually on short timelines and without a shared internal data stack.

• Age: 42
• Location: Paris, France
• Occupation: Independent growth consultant
• Income: €110k variable
• Education: Grande Ecole / MSc management
• Company size: Works solo, occasionally partners with freelance designers or copywriters for specific client projects.
• Years in role: 8

“The real value isn't in the numbers themselves, but in understanding what they truly represent about a market's potential.”

Thomas Vasseur, 42, is an independent growth consultant and fractional CMO based in Paris, specializing in guiding early-stage founders from Paris and Brussels through the critical stages of market positioning and sizing. His academic background, a Grande Ecole degree followed by an MSc in Management, provided him with a strong theoretical foundation, which he has since rigorously applied in practical, high-stakes environments. For the past eight years, he has carved out a niche advising startups, often working with limited data access and tight deadlines. His core methodology involves meticulously constructing Total Addressable Market (TAM) slides, piecing together insights from company lists, public databases, and client spreadsheets. This process demands a high degree of resourcefulness and analytical skill, as he rarely benefits from a shared internal data stack. Thomas's professional life is characterized by a deep commitment to independence; he values the autonomy of his consulting work and the ability to choose projects that align with his expertise. Credibility is paramount, and he strives to deliver clear, actionable insights communicated in plain English, cutting through jargon. His income, a variable €110k, reflects the project-based nature of his work and his success in securing engagements. He lives alone in a well-appointed apartment in Paris's 11th arrondissement, a space that reflects his preference for order and efficiency. His recent decision to focus more intently on the pre-seed and seed stage European market stems from a desire to influence company trajectories from their inception, leveraging his market sizing expertise to set a solid foundation. He sees this as a more impactful application of his skills than advising later-stage companies. He is currently navigating the challenge of scaling his advisory capacity without compromising the hands-on, detailed approach that defines his service, exploring how to best leverage technology to augment his analytical processes without losing the human element of strategic counsel.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Thomas's typical weekday begins around 7:00 AM with a strong espresso and a quick scan of industry news. He dedicates the morning to focused work, often tackling complex analysis or slide creation for a client. A mid-morning break might involve a short walk or checking emails. Lunch is usually a simple, healthy meal prepared at home. The afternoon is filled with client calls, virtual meetings, and refining deliverables. If a deadline is looming, he might extend his workday. Evenings are for unwinding, perhaps with a cycling session if the weather permits, followed by dinner and reading or a documentary. He aims to disconnect by 9:30 PM.

Lifestyle

Thomas maintains a disciplined routine, balancing demanding client work with his passion for road cycling. His Paris apartment is functional and minimalist, reflecting his focus on efficiency. He cooks most of his meals, prioritizing healthy ingredients, and enjoys a quiet evening with a book or a documentary. While he values his independence, he maintains a small circle of trusted friends and former colleagues for occasional social outings and professional discussions. His income is variable, so he's mindful of expenses, preferring quality over quantity and investing in experiences and tools that enhance his productivity.

Work life

As an independent consultant, Thomas thrives on the autonomy but also feels the constant pressure to secure new clients and deliver exceptional results. His days are a mix of deep-dive market analysis, client calls, and slide deck creation, often under tight deadlines. He relies heavily on his laptop, a robust internet connection, and a suite of productivity tools. He collaborates primarily with founders, acting as a trusted advisor. The lack of a shared internal data stack for most clients means he's adept at piecing together information from disparate sources, a skill honed through years of experience.

Relationships

Thomas maintains a professional network primarily through LinkedIn and occasional industry events. He has a few close friends from his Grande Ecole days, with whom he shares professional insights and life updates. His relationship with clients is strictly professional, built on trust and delivered results. He has no immediate family in Paris, making his professional network and close friends his primary social support.

How they decide

Thomas is a research-heavy and analytical decision-maker. He gathers as much data as possible, weighs pros and cons systematically, and seeks logical justification before committing. He values evidence and clear reasoning, often creating internal frameworks or checklists to evaluate options. While he respects expert opinions, he ultimately relies on his own analysis.

How they sound

Speaks with a measured, clear cadence, often using precise business terminology but capable of simplifying complex ideas. His French is fluent and professional, with a slight Parisian accent. When speaking English, he maintains a formal tone, avoiding slang and colloquialisms. He tends to be direct and avoids hyperbole, preferring factual statements. He might occasionally use a French idiom if speaking informally with a compatriot.