THE BLOG

Codeborne sets up in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis

Toomas Talts, CEO of Codeborne, shares the story behind the founding of the Estonian software company and its expansion into France, specifically Nice.

Toomas Talts discusses Codeborne’s unique approach, including extreme programming and pair programming, and the advantages of setting up in Nice, such as its international business environment and favorable living conditions.

He also highlights the crucial support from Team Nice Côte d’Azur in navigating administrative processes and securing an optimal office location, setting the stage for Codeborne’s growth in the region.

Interview with Toomas Talts, CEO of Codeborne

What is the story behind the founding of Codeborne?

Codeborne is an Estonian software company established 14 years ago. Over the years, we have been actively seeking growth opportunities and expanding our export activities. Currently, more than half of our revenue comes from international markets. Initially, our operations were concentrated in Estonia, but we realized the importance of having a presence abroad. This led us to explore various countries for potential expansion.

After careful consideration, France emerged as a promising option. Among French cities, Nice stood out due to its strategic advantages. It offers a unique combination of factors that are beneficial for business growth. The city’s vibrant economy, international business environment, and attractive living conditions make it an ideal location. Additionally, Nice provides access to a diverse talent pool, which is crucial for our development projects.

In Estonia, we have already built a solid reputation for our quality and expertise. However, to sustain our growth, it was essential to establish a presence in a new market. Nice’s proximity to other European countries and its well-connected infrastructure further influenced our decision.

Establishing an office in Nice allows us to better serve our international clients and explore new business opportunities in the region.

What makes Codeborne specific?

Codeborne distinguishes itself through its unique approach, which includes extreme programming and pair programming. These methodologies, though relatively rare in the industry, form the backbone of our development process. Extreme programming emphasizes frequent releases and customer collaboration, ensuring that we are always aligned with client needs. Pair programming involves two developers working together at one workstation, which enhances code quality and team collaboration.

Our team combines exceptional software development skills with a profound understanding of various business domains. This dual expertise allows us to create tailored solutions that address specific business problems effectively.
We have extensive experience in sectors like FinTech, energy, telecommunications, and e-commerce. This breadth of knowledge ensures that we can tackle complex challenges across different industries.

Moreover, our communication model is a critical differentiator. We maintain direct communication with our customers, eliminating intermediaries such as project managers and business analysts. This streamlined approach ensures that we fully understand client requirements and can respond quickly to any changes or feedback. It enhances efficiency and guarantees that the final product aligns perfectly with client expectations.

By focusing on high-quality development practices and maintaining a close connection with our clients, we ensure that our solutions are both innovative and reliable.
This commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is what sets Codeborne apart in the competitive software development landscape.

Why did you choose Nice to set up in France?

Nice offers a unique blend of advantages that made it an optimal choice for Codeborne’s expansion into France. Firstly, the city has a significant population, which provides access to a diverse talent pool. Its proximity to Italy and established international business environment are also beneficial for cross-border collaborations and market reach. Additionally, the cost of living and operating in Nice is more favorable compared to major capitals like Paris, making it a practical choice for both business and employees.

Furthermore, Nice is renowned for its attractive living environment, which significantly aids in recruiting and retaining top talent. The city’s quality of life, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate make it an appealing destination for professionals looking to relocate. This attractiveness not only helps in drawing skilled individuals but also in ensuring their long-term commitment to the company.

Overall, these combined factors made Nice the ideal location for Codeborne’s new office in France.

What support did you get from Team Nice Côte d’Azur for your setup?

Team Nice Côte d’Azur, particularly Jean-François Chaperon, provided essential support during our setup. They introduced us to local resources and guided us through the administrative processes necessary for establishing our operations. Jean-François played a key role in helping us connect with the Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce, where we received assistance in setting up our company status and registering the necessary documents.

One of the significant advantages of their support was in finding an optimal office location. We explored various options and ultimately chose an office near the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. This location is strategically advantageous because it is well-connected by tram and train, facilitating easy access for our team and visitors. The proximity to the airport means that even if our team members travel from Estonia, they can reach the office efficiently, often the same morning.

This connectivity is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and for our business expansion plans.

Moreover, the office location near the airport makes it highly convenient for international business dealings. The ease of access enhances our ability to host clients and partners, making Nice an attractive hub for our activities.

This strategic positioning, combined with the support from Team Nice Côte d’Azur, has been instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for Codeborne in France. Their comprehensive support has ensured that our setup process was smooth and efficient, allowing us to focus on growing our business.

What are your development projects?

Our primary focus in Nice will be on software development, where we will gradually expand into sales capabilities. Initially, we have started with two employees and relocated one from Estonia to ensure a solid foundation.

Over the next three years, our goal is to employ between more than 10 people.

We plan to build a strong local team that aligns with our core values of efficiency and excellence. By focusing on quality, we ensure that every project we undertake in Nice meets the highest standards, similar to our operations in Estonia.

Our team in Nice will engage in developing sophisticated, custom software solutions that address complex business problems in various domains, such as fintech, energy, telecommunications, and e-commerce.

As we expand our team, we also intend to build robust sales capabilities to better serve the local market and potentially other regions in Europe. This integrated approach will support our growth while maintaining the exceptional quality that Codeborne is known for.