42 Angoulême

What 42 Angoulême does

42 Angoulême is a non-profit coding school (Association loi 1901) operating as a regional campus of the international 42 network, located in a renovated 1,234 m² facility at 51 Boulevard Besson Bey in Angoulême, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Founded circa 2022 through a coalition led by Pôle Image Magelis and Conseil Départemental de la Charente, the school delivers tuition-free, peer-to-peer programming education built on a gamified project-based methodology with no traditional teachers, courses, or classes, supported by a proprietary Learning Management System called Intra. The offering comprises a 1-2 year Common Core using the C language, post-core specialization tracks (including AI, cybersecurity, mobile, and system administration), and two state-recognized RNCP certifications (Level 6 Concepteur développeur de solutions informatiques and Level 7 Expert en architecture informatique), all delivered through flexible 1-5 year curricula with 24/7 campus access.

The school is funded through a diversified public-private stack: territorial subsidies from regional and departmental authorities, French apprenticeship financing (alternance) with an employer contribution of approximately €750 per apprentice, the taxe d'apprentissage, and corporate sponsorship from a network of over 100 enterprise partners including Airbus, TotalEnergies, Naval Group, OVHcloud, MAAF, Crédit Agricole, Framatome, and Schneider Electric. It holds Qualiopi certification and WURI 2024 rankings (#1 in Ethical Values, #8 in Top 100 Universities with Positive Impact). GTM motion combines a self-service multi-stage admissions funnel (online logic tests, check-in, 26-day Piscine immersion) with an enterprise field sales function run by a dedicated Business Relations Officer, and student outcomes reported include a 100% employment rate at 6 months and 80% CDI offers from first internship.

The campus operates with a small core team of approximately 16 staff including Director Olivier Grosse, recruiting 130-150 students per cohort with no numerus clausus, and benefits from integration into the broader 42 network of 54 campuses in 31 countries with over 21,000 active students worldwide, enabling student mobility and cross-campus community effects. As a private non-profit higher education establishment of general interest, 42 Angoulême has no shareholders, no equity funding, and no public revenue disclosure obligations.

Name

42 Angoulême

Legal name

Association 42

Website

https://42angouleme.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

42 Angoulême is a non-profit coding school in Angoulême, France, part of the international 42 network. It delivers tuition-free, peer-to-peer programming education with RNCP Level 6 and 7 certifications, funded by territorial subsidies, apprenticeship financing, and over 100 enterprise partners including Airbus and TotalEnergies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Computer Programming Education / Coding School

NAICS

Computer Training (61142), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)

Keywords

• Coding education
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Programming bootcamp
• Software engineering training
• IT certification programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public funding and territorial subsidies: Funding comes from local and regional government authorities (collectivités territoriales) who support the school's mission of providing free, accessible IT education.
2. Apprenticeship financing: Revenue from apprenticeship contracts (alternance) where companies hire students, generating funding through the French apprenticeship system.
3. Professional training tax (Taxe d'apprentissage): Companies contribute through the apprenticeship training tax, which can be directed to support the school's operations.
4. Corporate partnerships and project funding: Companies provide financial support as partners, including through sponsorship, membership in the Association, and funding for specific projects or events.
5. Student employer placement services: While not directly charging students, the school facilitates connections between students and employers through its business relations team, which may include priority access for partner companies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

42 Angoulême is a free, peer-to-peer computer programming school offering a 1- to 5-year project-based curriculum (Common Core + specialization tracks) with no teachers, no courses, and 24/7 campus access, leading to two French state-recognized RNCP titles (Level 6 BAC+3 Concepteur développeur de solutions informatiques and Level 7 BAC+5 Expert en architecture informatique). It also runs a 26-day intensive 'Piscine' selection program and an online admissions portal that feeds students into apprenticeships and internships with corporate partners.

Product overview

42 Angoulême operates as a computer programming school built on a peer-to-peer, project-based pedagogy with no traditional teachers, courses, or classrooms. The core offering is the 42 Coding Education Program, a 1 to 5 year curriculum structured in two phases: the Common Core (Tronc Commun) covering foundational programming skills over 1-2 years, followed by Specialization Tracks allowing students to choose domains such as AI, cybersecurity, mobile development, and system administration. The school provides two RNCP-certified professional titles: 'Concepteur développeur de solutions informatiques' (BAC+3, Level 6) and 'Expert en architecture informatique' (BAC+5, Level 7), available through standard student status or work-study arrangements. Supporting the educational program are the Intranet Learning Management System (LMS), an Online Admissions Platform, and the Piscine Selection Program—a 26-day intensive immersion that serves as both the entrance exam and introduction to 42's pedagogy. Professionalization pathways include internships, apprenticeships, and startup internship options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 42 Coding Education Program A 1- to 5-year peer-to-peer, project-based computer programming education program with a gamified progression system, no traditional teachers, courses, or classes, available free of charge to all adults 18+.
• Common Core (Tronc Commun) The first 1 to 2 years of the 42 curriculum, identical across all 42 campuses worldwide, focused on foundational programming skills using the C language and covering 3D, algorithms, C++, and other core topics.
• Specialization Tracks Post-common-core tracks allowing students to specialize in domains such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mobile application development, system administration, and more, with no time limits and flexible project choices.
• Intra Learning Management System A secure digital learning environment providing individualized training path management, evaluation modules, and training modules accessible to students 24/7, underpinning the peer-evaluation and gamified progression experience.
• Concepteur développeur de solutions informatiques (RNCP Level 6) A BAC+3 certified professional title (RNCP Level 6, RNCP 39783) focusing on software development, covering web/mobile development or applicative development specializations, with options for work-study programs.
• Expert en architecture informatique (RNCP Level 7) A BAC+5 certified professional title (RNCP Level 7, RNCP 39774) focusing on IT architecture expertise, offering specializations in information systems and networks or database and data architecture.
• Piscine Selection Program A 26-day intensive immersion program serving as the selection process for 42, where candidates learn C programming fundamentals and collaborative project work, functioning as both evaluation and introduction to the 42 pedagogy.
• Online Admissions Platform The web-based candidate portal for managing the multi-stage admission process including online tests, check-in registration, and Piscine enrollment.
• Internship and Professionalization Programs Professional immersion opportunities including 4- to 6-month internships after the common core, work-study programs (alternance), part-time work options, and startup internships for entrepreneurial projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% employment rate at 6 months post-graduation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Pôle Image MageliscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPôle Image Magelis was instrumental in establishing 42 Angoulême, providing initial funding and renovating the building dedicated to the campus. The project was initiated by the Charente Departmental Council and regional authorities. Magelis coordinated 18 initial enterprise partners and continues to support the campus ecosystem.
• MAAF AssurancescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAAF supports 42 Angoulême as part of commitments to equal opportunities, territorial dynamization, social link development, and access to knowledge. Antoine Ermeneux, Director General of MAAF Assurances, actively promotes the partnership.
• Naval GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaval Group partners with 42 Angoulême for innovative pedagogy that trains cutting-edge skills for tomorrow's technological and operational challenges. Patrick Pennamen, Site Director, values the dynamic and novel approach.
• Crédit Agricole Charente PérigordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe regional bank supports 42 Angoulême as part of its commitment to territorial utility and economic development, particularly supporting the image sector ecosystem and regional attractiveness.
• Nidec Leroy-SomercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVincent Desbordes, HR Director France at Nidec Leroy-Somer, highlights the innovative pedagogical model where project-based learning develops concrete IT skills. Partnership emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and local ecosystem development.
• Schneider ElectriccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMorgane Hado, Business Partner at Schneider Electric, describes 42 Angoulême as an opportunity to capture innovative profiles and contribute to territorial attractiveness. Schneider offers student project placements and network access.
• OVHcloudflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner company in the enterprise network of over 100 companies that trust 42 Angoulême for digital talent recruitment and transformation support.
• TotalEnergiesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner company in the enterprise network recruiting from campus talent pool.
• AirbusflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner company in the enterprise network recruiting from campus talent pool.
• Crédit Mutuel du Sud-OuestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSophie Violleau, President of Crédit Mutuel du Sud-Ouest, shares the conviction that diversity of profiles and paths is essential for businesses and the territory, supporting the innovative and inclusive future-focused project.
• Bordeaux TechnowestcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrançois Baffou, Director of Bordeaux Technowest, sees 42 as training highly sought-after profiles for startups incubated at the technopark, creating opportunity for Angoulême's digital ecosystem.
• SuperprodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristophe Archambault, Technical Director at Superprod, values 42's focus on curiosity, creativity, and learning capabilities essential for their 3D film and series production teams.
• LOGÉLIAcoreOthersSocial housing provider that offers 44 dedicated student apartments at 'Les Terrasses de l'Houmeau' residence, 2 minutes walking distance from campus, with common space and two rooftops.
• CER France Poitou-CharentescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGilles Gault, Director General, supports 42 for inspiring territorial actors and promoting inclusive cooperative learning. Partnership helps recruit IT talents for their 20-person IT service supporting 13,000 entrepreneur members.
• Groupe NVLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilippe Mary, Managing Director, values 42 as the first completely free IT training open to all, offering passion-driven career opportunities regardless of academic background.
• ICPF (Organisme certificateur Qualiopi)coreOthersCertification body that delivers Qualiopi certification to 42 Angoulême for training and apprenticeship actions. Accreditation N° 5-0616 available on COFRAC website.
• Maison MartellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMélina Py, Director of Cognac Activities, supports 42 Angoulême as bold and entirely free pedagogy promoting creativity, innovation, and equal opportunities while reinforcing the department's influence.
• 7SHAPEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJulien Charles, Managing Director, became partner after discovering 42's unique pedagogy and notable methods for training future developers. 7SHAPES shares expertise in video game and training.
• SPN (Silicon Prairie Numérique)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLisa Harel, Director of SPN, partnered due to their role as catalyst for digital initiatives and recruitment challenges in digital and image companies, aligning with 42's collaborative and overcoming-difficulties pedagogy.
• SERLIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrianne Tisseuil and Jérôme Petit, Co-managers, share SERLI's values aligned with 42's teaching methodology focusing on autonomy and mutual aid soft skills development.
• Union Patronale de la CharentecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaxime Thiollet, President, is proud to partner with 42 which shapes digital future by training talents who will transform businesses and drive innovation in the territory.
• LM SOLEILcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAurélien Lassoudière, President, partnered with 42 due to shared commitment to inclusive development and belief that talent diversity drives a promising future, supporting technology and sustainability.
• Zenmon DropscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvelyn Tinajero, Founder-CEO, values 42's technological excellence, growth support, and reinforcing audacity, creativity, and equity values that align with their digital HR innovation focus.
• FASSTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerXavier Favre, CEO, supports 42 as digital accelerator for major French insurers needing to significantly increase headcount, sharing the vision that true wealth lies in profile diversity and innovative training.
• TDI Services / Groupe ALTIOREcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPatrick Triaud, President, was attracted by unique, unprecedented, and innovative learning concept based on free and equal opportunities, aligning with their core business values.
• OCTOBLUE SPIRITcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStanislas Mak, CEO, values 42's pedagogical method ensuring student adaptability to permanent technological change as a new vision of education both collective and innovative.
• AGENCE 42coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMathieu Maghfori, Managing Director, formed a strategic partnership where talents trained at 42 Angoulême collaborate with the creative agency on web development, digital communication, and branding projects.
• Agence Smart IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlexandra Desserre, President, welcomes 42 students as interns and apprentices, engaging to prepare students for industry demands with shared values of trust, commitment, and performance.
• Angoulême Charente Football Club (ACFC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACFC officializes partnership with 42 Angoulême based on shared values of local engagement, team spirit, and equal opportunities, encouraging creative initiatives at the intersection of sport and digital for youth.
• ScubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStéphane Traumat, Managing Director, considers 42 the best pedagogy for training good developers, with the goal of creating a true digital ecosystem in Angoulême through collaboration.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• École 42 (Paris): Original and flagship campus of the international 42 network, headquartered in Paris. Operates the same peer-to-peer, no-teacher, project-based pedagogy, same Intra LMS, and same RNCP certifications as 42 Angoulême; directly comparable on curriculum, intake process, and corporate partner model.
• Holberton School: Project-based, no-teacher, peer-learning coding school founded in San Francisco with French presence. Closely aligned with 42's pedagogy and free/tuition-deferred model, comparable in alternative pathway positioning for non-traditional students.
• Ironhack: Global coding and UX/UI bootcamp with French campus presence. Competes in the same web-development and data career-changer segment, with paid tuition and instructor-led format — comparable on outcome metrics and employer pipeline.
• Le Wagon: Leading French-founded coding bootcamp (full-stack web development), with strong brand and multiple French city locations. Comparable target customer (career changers and graduates seeking IT skills) but paid tuition, instructor-led, and shorter programs — the most direct commercial competitor for the same French candidate pool.
• O'clock: France-based remote-first coding school (Symfony and full-stack specializations). Targets similar French learner population, apprenticeship financing pathway, and reskilling/alternance segment — a remote-delivery analogue of the same French bootcamp market.
• 42 Lyon: Another French campus of the 42 network, sharing identical pedagogy, admissions via the Piscine, RNCP-certified curriculum, and corporate partner ecosystem. Closely comparable in operating model and student profile, with a different regional employer base.
• Wild Code School: French web development bootcamp operator with multiple campuses (acquired by EPITA/IONIS). Targets similar career-changer and reskilling segments with paid, intensive programs; competes for the same apprenticeship tax-funded employer relationships.

Broad incumbents

• EPITECH: Established French private higher-education network (IONIS group) focused on IT expertise with multiple campuses across France. Broader portfolio of degree-bearing programs (Bachelor to MSc), but competes for the same French IT-trainee talent pool and apprenticeship financing stream.

Emerging players

• Simplon.co: French network of free, inclusive digital training organizations focusing on underrepresented populations. Similar free-coding model and territorial deployment, with a heavier emphasis on inclusion missions than 42's broad intake — a complementary public-interest competitor.
• Konexio: French non-profit providing free digital skills training to refugees and underserved populations in France and internationally. Comparable free-coding pedagogy and inclusion-driven mission; smaller scale and narrower target population than 42.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/42_angouleme
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/42born2code
• Facebookfacebook.com/ecole42angouleme
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/42-angouleme
• Instagraminstagram.com/42.angouleme

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 42 Angoulême