YouScan, a next-generation AI-powered social listening platform, has carved out a leading position in the MarTech space by helping brands listen to their customers in real time. Founded by Oleksii Orap and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, YouScan has grown into a global SaaS company with a team of 70 people and over 400 clients worldwide. Major brands such as Nestlé, L’Oréal, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Samsung, and McDonald’s rely on YouScan to track online brand mentions and uncover consumer insights, helping them make smarter decisions.

The idea for YouScan came about in 2009 when social media was noticeably starting to change the way consumers interacted with brands. Oleksii Orap, with his extensive background in telecommunications and internet technologies, noticed an opportunity in the data-rich but noisy social media landscape. He envisioned a tool that would allow businesses to hone in on valuable insights and turn raw, unstructured social media data into intelligence.

In 2010, YouScan launched as one of the first social media listening platforms. Fourteen years later, Oleksii was named one of the Top 5 Global Tech Pioneers in Social Media Intelligence by The Social Intelligence Lab, demonstrating just how influential they have been in the industry.

In 2024, YouScan joined the OVHcloud Startup Program and then the Fast Forward AI Accelerator. The decision to partner with OVHcloud came at a critical moment as the company sought more cost-effective, scalable infrastructure solutions. YouScan achieved a tenfold reduction in costs—saving hundreds of thousands of euros annually. The move not only cut expenses but also boosted performance and flexibility.

“Switching to OVHcloud was a game-changer for us. The cost savings on our infrastructure have allowed us to invest more in innovation and product development. OVHcloud’s AI solutions have streamlined our machine learning workflows. Our team can now focus on training and deploying AI models without worrying about complex setups or infrastructure management.”

– Oleksii Orap, CEO and Founder

As an AI-first company, YouScan powers some of its most advanced features with OVHcloud’s AI infrastructure. One of their latest innovations, Insights Copilot, is the industry’s very first AI agent for social listening. It lets users interact with their social listening data through a chat interface, helping brands quickly understand customer sentiment, product comparisons, and emerging trends. YouScan’s Visual Insights capability, a proprietary computer vision technology, processes tens of millions of social media images daily, detecting brand logos and generating automated visual content reports that help brands understand how consumers engage with their products in the real world.

YouScan is now expanding its presence in key markets across the EU, North America, and LATAM. In 2024 alone, the company saw a 54% increase in annual revenue, driven by the growing demand for AI-powered social media intelligence solutions.

With its visionary leadership, cutting-edge AI solutions, and a trusted partnership with OVHcloud, YouScan is set to continue transforming how brands listen to and understand their customers.

“The OVHcloud Startup Program has given us more than just technical resources. Their workshops, mentoring sessions, and global network of partners have been instrumental as we expand into new markets. For any startup looking to scale efficiently and securely, OVHcloud is an ideal partner.”

– Oleksii Orap, CEO and Founder

YouScan’s journey with OVHcloud highlights how the right cloud partnership can help startups and scale-ups overcome challenges, achieve sustainable growth, and scale globally. If you’re a startup looking to transform your business, we encourage you to join the OVHcloud Startup Program or contact OVHcloud to discover how our solutions can support your journey!

MapTiler, a pioneering startup based in Switzerland, is transforming the world of digital mapping, designed for developers, enterprises, and governments. At the heart of MapTiler’s solution are two core products: MapTiler Cloud, a map hosting and visualization platform, and MapTiler On-Prem, a solution that enables businesses to serve maps on their infrastructure with full control over data. These platforms give users the ability to integrate highly customizable maps into their applications for navigation, data visualization, and location-based services.

MapTiler was founded by a team of geospatial engineers and entrepreneurs led by Petr Pridal. Their expertise in geospatial technologies and deep commitment to open-source innovation have driven MapTiler’s success, enabling them to offer a mapping solution that balances data sovereignty with advanced technical capabilities.

In 2024, MapTiler joined the OVHcloud Startup Program to support its growing infrastructure needs. As a company undergoing rapid growth and delivering high-performance mapping services worldwide, MapTiler needed a scalable and reliable cloud hosting partner that could offer predictable costs while maintaining European data privacy standards. OVHcloud’s robust cloud infrastructure provided exactly that—enabling MapTiler to handle demanding geospatial data processing workloads and deliver fast, reliable services to its global customer base.

“The OVHcloud Startup Program has been a very supportive environment for MapTiler’s journey, particularly in supporting our cloud infrastructure. As a growing company, we needed their robust and scalable cloud hosting solution with manageable and predictable costs, so we can continue to deliver high-performance services to our customers worldwide.”

– Petr Pridal, Founder

Beyond infrastructure, the OVHcloud Startup Program has given MapTiler access to a network of expert technology partners. Mentorship and strategic guidance from OVHcloud helped the MapTiler team refine its cloud architecture, enhance security, and scale sustainably. With their infrastructure in safe hands, the partnership has given MapTiler a chance to focus on delivering innovative mapping solutions without being held back by infrastructure limitations.

MapTiler is now focused on expanding its global reach and advancing its AI-powered map customization capabilities. The company plans to strengthen its cloud-native geodata hosting services, further strengthening its role as a leader in the logistics, real estate, and mobility industries where precise, customizable mapping solutions are in high demand.

With a commitment to advancing open-source geospatial technologies, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access high-quality mapping tools without vendor lock-in, MapTiler is exploring opportunities to integrate edge computing, machine learning, and 3D mapping into its offerings, setting new standards in digital cartography.

“For MapTiler, our partnership with OVHcloud has been a key enabler of our success, and we strongly recommend it to other ambitious startups aiming to build resilient, high-performance cloud-based solutions.”

– Petr Pridal, Founder

MapTiler’s journey with OVHcloud highlights how the right cloud partnership can help startups and scale-ups overcome challenges, achieve sustainable growth, and scale globally. If you’re a startup looking to transform your business, we encourage you to join the OVHcloud Startup Program or contact OVHcloud to discover how our solutions can support your journey!

But what is ‘responsible AI’? How can developers ensure that their concept, development and the ongoing application and future of their AI apps are handled responsibly? These questions pose something of a rabbit hole for most startups and founders, who may even begin to question what the very idea of ‘responsibility’ means!

This isn’t simply a philosophical question: given that the AI Act in Europe can currently enforce penalties of up to €35m for violations. Other regions are sure to follow, so startups should be considering this from the outset. Thankfully, several industry heavyweights have already made their views clear on what ‘responsible AI’ should look like.

How to create responsible AI in practice

There’s lots of guidance to follow when it comes to responsible AI. Three of the key institutes in this area are the World Economic Forum (WEF), the UK’s Alan Turing Institute, and the US’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – all of whom broadly agree on the most important points. There was even an ISO standard (ISO 42001) set in 2023, specifying standards that AI providers and users should follow to ensure responsible development and use of AI systems. For clarity, our recommendations follow the Alan Turing Institute’s easy ‘FAST’ framework (Fair, Accountable, Sustainable and Transparent) and also contain content from all three organisations.

Fair

Startups and scaleups should always ensure that their AI systems are fair. This means avoiding both human bias and unfair harm.
From a process perspective, this means:

• Making sure that training datasets are as bias- and discrimination-free as possible.
• Checking that training models contain ethical content that has been obtained properly – for example, respecting copyright laws.
• Having processes in place to look for and manage implicit human bias, such as using diverse ‘red teams’ who look for problems with systems.
• Ensuring that AI systems always look after human autonomy, privacy and dignity – both from data management and an application perspective This includes not only safeguarding data but not creating apps that support weapons development.

Accountable

As well as fairness and minimising harm, AI systems must be auditable so that they’re trustworthy. The three organisations have the following advice for startups:

• Build audit capability into AI systems: Ensure that code is explainable, the datasets retraceable, and that human teams can answer questions about how systems work
• Enable user feedback and ensure that any non-human interactions are disclosed so that testers and users know when they’re talking to AI!

Transparency and more

There are a few other challenges for growing companies that the global organisations have highlighted, from ensuring good transparency to broader social issues. These include:

• Being able to explain why AI models perform as they do, and what goes into the model to start with.
• Being part of broader AI initiatives to help the public understand and use AI responsibly.
• Being part of international initiatives to encourage collaboration.

As AI gains pace and systems become increasingly sophisticated, it’s more important than ever that we’re mindful of creating responsible AI systems that embody the principles of fairness, accountability, sustainability and transparency. However, this often seems far from straightforward, but by embracing the simple FAST principles, startup leaders can make sure that they’re on the right path to better, fairer, and ultimately more responsible AI.  

To read the reports in-depth, you can download the NIST AI Framework, the WEF Presidio Recommendations, the Alan Turing Institute’s guide to understanding AI ethics and safety, and the ISO/IEC 42001 standard.

If you’re not an OVHcloud Startup Program member and would like to get help building your responsible AI solution, you can apply to join the program here to benefit from an accompanied journey onto our cloud with up to €100k in free cloud credits and free tech consultation.

And it’s easy to see these kinds of regulations things to be complied with. After all, it’s hard enough for startups and scale-ups to market themselves, develop compelling products and seek funding without having to add further due diligence to their workload – let alone understand the data ‘supply chain’ of their suppliers and partners.

But embracing respect for data – data sovereignty – as a design principle, can greatly enhance relationships with customers, investors and the broader ecosystem. To understand why, we have to delve further into what data sovereignty is and isn’t.

What is Data Sovereignty?

Data sovereignty is about control and freedom. It’s also about rights: GDPR laid the foundations for individuals to have control over their personal data, including how it’s handled, stored, whether it’s transferred and who has access to it. These themes are all at the heart of data sovereignty. However, there are many more types of data than personal data, and the future acts from the EU aim to address this.

Data sovereignty is important for many reasons. First and foremost, data is subject to the rules of the country in which it’s stored. So, if your country allows processing of data by the government for intelligence purposes, or your data is transferred to a country like this, then it’s important for customers to understand this.

“Data sovereignty for us means giving customers certainty that the data they transmit to us will remain beyond the remit of foreign government interference.” Ludwig Bull, CEO, CourtCorrect.

But again, sovereignty isn’t just about privacy and control. Having a good sovereignty approach also means that your organization has thought about whether you’ll want to move your data and how technically feasible this is. For example, some cloud providers can charge fees for moving data in and out of their clouds (ingress or egress fees) and others use different standards, making ‘free data movement’ difficult and expensive.

This situation can be a bit like a having bank account, but then when you want to transfer to another bank, you have to pay a large part of your savings to do so – and then also have to pay the new bank to open the account and move your money in! Similarly, many cloud providers have long minimum contract periods, which means that if anything changes at that provider, you won’t be able to pivot your data strategy very quickly to react.

A robust sovereignty strategy also includes making sure that you can pick the right hardware and data handling for your applications and customer requirements, including any specific sectoral needs. This ensures that workloads run in the best possible way, and that data which needs to be handled in certain ways – for example, in the healthcare industry or the public sector – is well managed.

All of these things are not only prerequisites in some cases, but also send a number of messages to customers about the kind of organization you are.

Making Data Sovereignty pay off

So that’s what data sovereignty is. But how does it actually benefit you, beyond simply complying with regulations?

First and foremost, data sovereignty ensures trust. A sovereignty strategy says to other organisations that you’re treating their data with respect, and that you have the flexibility to adapt if needs be. It’s like seeing your doctor wash your hands or put medical gloves on before starting a treatment – it’s respectful and is good practice. This kind of visibility and transparency also tends to sit very well with procurement departments.

“Any organization that sells on the basis of building a trusted relationship with its customers will benefit greatly from Data Sovereignty,” Shân Millie, Bright Blue Hare.

However, there are a number of other benefits:

• Data Security: Consider a startup in the fintech sector. This company processes vast volumes of sensitive financial data daily. A sound approach to sovereignty ensures that data remains under the protective umbrella of the company’s home country, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
  
• Data Compliance and Regulations: Startups and scaleups often operate in a global context, serving customers worldwide. However, different regions have distinct data protection laws and regulations. Showing that your organization is already compliant with such regulations from the get-go can also accelerate your journey through procurement processes.
  
• Data Ethics: In today’s era of heightened data ethics awareness, consumers expect companies to handle their data responsibly and transparently. Data sovereignty empowers startups to adhere to ethical standards in data handling, building trust with their customers and partners. It allows organisations to answer fundamental questions like whose data is this, who controls it, who processes it, and who gets to choose these things?

All of these things are tremendous assets to startups. And in fact, startups often have the edge in developing sovereignty strategies. Large, well-established organisations have many challenges in re-architecting old principles and approaches to meet the needs and requirements of modern society, including sovereignty. Startups are nimble, agile organisations and can include considerations of data sovereignty by default and by design, building them into their company DNA. By adopting these principles, they can show that they are secure by design, compliant by design, ethical and considerate by design – and that’s a very compelling USP for any organisation.

Riding the prevailing winds

It’s also important to note that if you’re in the EU, or doing business with the EU, data sovereignty isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s the direction that the industry is going in. US organisations are already having to adapt to this, and the data adequacy between the UK and the US, for example, shows just how seriously countries are taking this, let alone large organisations.

EU bodies have started something unstoppable. They are building a landscape of trust and showing that cutting-edge innovation is compatible with respect for consumer data. The sun is setting on the old ways of doing business, and increasingly putting people in charge of their own data. This is inherently a better, more respectful online world – and for those who get on board early enough, a huge market opportunity.

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For modern businesses, sustainability is crucial because it affects all aspects of growing and running the firm, including how customers, employees and investors see and value them. By integrating sustainability into their operations, leaders can set their business up for long-term success and create opportunities for innovation and growth, whilst also addressing important social and environmental issues.

Many startups have seized this opportunity already. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in 2020, over 60% of startups in the United States and Europe consider sustainability to be an important factor in their business operations.

Establish a sustainability strategy from the start

As a startup, it can be tempting to focus on achieving financial success via the usual methods. However, it is important to consider sustainability early in the journey, because factors such as your carbon footprint, brand values and implementing sustainable supply chains can all have a significant impact on both your company’s long-term financial viability and its reputation.

Adopting a formal sustainability strategy – also known as Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) – is the best way to ensure success. Shân Millie, Data & Tech-Enabled Value Generation expert at Bright Blue Hare, believes a startup business plan must incorporate ESG readiness from the beginning. She says:

“It is no longer possible to separate financial success from either the societal context in which the firm operates, or the societal impacts of what it does, sells, makes or invests in. Startups need to understand, anticipate and meet the expectations of the established firms they need as partners, investors, clients – those who build as ‘ESG ready’ will have significant advantages over those playing catch-up”.

4 good reasons to adopt a sustainability strategy

Cost Saving

Sustainability and cost savings are closely connected, as efforts to be more sustainable often involve reducing waste and increasing efficiency, which can result in cost savings. For example, implementing energy-efficient practices or using sustainable materials can lead to lower energy bills and reduced waste, saving your company money in the long run.

Credentials

Both consumers and talent are keen to find companies that prioritize sustainability. In addition, TotalJobs recently found that 60% of UK job hunters research a potential employer’s sustainability commitments before accepting a position, so incorporating sustainable practices can help to improve your company’s reputation and attract customers, new talent and funding.

ESG Requirements

Although startups (of a certain size and turnover) might not be required to report their environmental practices to regulatory agencies, their investors might require this information. In the long term, it is expected that non-financial reporting will be a necessary part of winning new business for suppliers to larger companies. Therefore, it will become increasingly important for these suppliers to effectively manage their relationships with their larger customers, who are required to report on non-financial information. Differences in ESG reporting frameworks remain between US, UK and EU, but the regulation landscape is changing quickly. You need to be ready to be compliant and ESG-ready for any markets that are important to you.

Investors

Companies with green credentials are increasingly attractive to investors, with climate impact often among the criteria investors use to assess suitability. CNBC recently reported that global sustainable funds reached record highs in 2020, with over $51 billion in new investments – more than double the previous record set in 2019.

Simple steps to get started

There are several ways for startups to make positive changes for the environment – and cut costs too. These may include switching to a paperless system, providing bike vouchers to commuting employees, recycling and properly disposing of waste, and turning off unused devices and lights in the office. These actions can not only help to protect the environment, but also reduce costs for the organisation.

Think about establishing clear and achievable objectives to improve sustainability. This can include anything from eliminating single-use plastic, setting a minimum number of hours for team members to volunteer for environmental causes, or setting aside a certain percentage of revenue for sustainable initiatives. It’s important to set goals that are realistic and achievable, as this can help to ensure that progress is made towards improving sustainability in a meaningful way.

Selecting the right suppliers is an effective way for businesses, including technology companies, to improve their sustainability. Even if a tech company does not manufacture or sell physical products, there are still opportunities to make positive changes in the supply chain. It’s important to consider the environmental impact of all products and services offered, including financial services, recruitment, equipment, and refreshments. Tech businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by partnering with suppliers that align with their values and are taking steps to become more environmentally friendly. This can help to reduce the overall environmental impact of the business and send a clear message about the company’s priorities.

Where does choosing the right cloud provider fit in?

The cloud has the potential to significantly reduce the energy and resources needed for computing, but it is important to choose a provider that uses renewable energy, has a commitment to sustainability and disclose its data. Not only is this good for the environment, but it can also help to reduce costs and improve the resilience of your business. By choosing a sustainable cloud, you can reduce your carbon footprint and play a role in combating climate change.

The last word

In summary, sustainability should be a priority for startups. Incorporating sustainable practices can help to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to a positive social and environmental impact. By considering sustainability early in the journey, startups can set themselves up for long-term success and a more sustainable future.

At OVHcloud we are truly committed to offering a sustainable and affordable cloud. Our datacentres are built on sustainable water-cooling technology, and we have full control of our supply chains. Discover more about our unique approach here.

Want to learn more about the cloud and sustainability? Why not attend our FREE webinar! Learn more here. We hope you join us for the discussion on 15^th February!

As a startup, one of the best ways to benefit from the cloud is to join a cloud provider startup program. These programs often offer free credits to access cloud solutions and support. As a leading European cloud hyperscaler with 20 years in the industry, OVHcloud offers a well-established startup program. Read more about the OVHcloud Startup Program.