VR4Business Transforming Business Through Immersive Experiences: Franck Milet
Today we sit with Mr. Franck Milet, CEO of VR4Business, to discuss how his company is using virtual reality to support businesses in new ways. VR4Business offers immersive VR solutions for training, team building, and product presentations, helping companies enhance their approach to learning and engagement. Their aim is to provide impactful experiences that offer real value to clients.
TFS: Welcome to TFS, Mr. Franck Milet, CEO of VR4Business. We are excited to learn more about your journey in the virtual reality industry and how VR4Business is transforming the way companies approach training, team building, and immersive experiences.
Franck Milet: Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to share our story.
TFS: Let us start by talking about the early days. What first inspired you to start your own business, and what led you to establish VR4Business? How does the company’s mission fit with your own vision for the role of virtual reality in the business world?
Franck Milet: Sure. As a gamer, I was introduced to virtual reality quite early on, and I quickly realised it was something truly transformative. I looked at what was happening in other countries, particularly in the USA and Asia, and saw the potential. That is when I decided to create the first gaming room here, following a similar model. Now, I truly believe that VR offers a unique value to companies, whether it is for learning, developing interpersonal skills, technical training, or presenting products in an immersive way. It is far more powerful than any other medium when it comes to conveying emotions and creating memorable experiences.
TFS: How does VR4Business set itself apart from other companies in the VR space, especially when it comes to the services and solutions you provide?
Franck Milet: Well, I would say there are two key factors that set us apart. First, we have built our experience on over 10,000 customers who have come to play in our rooms. That gives us a significant advantage in understanding how people react to VR and helps us assess materials and platforms effectively. Second, we have extensive experience across multiple platforms and hardware. Our main focus is always on delivering an exceptional customer experience, rather than simply providing a collection of headsets and software.
TFS: Could you share a specific example of how your VR solutions have made a significant difference for a client, perhaps in areas like team building, training, or another service?
Franck Milet: One example that comes to mind is when we created VR replicas of machines and prototypes for a client. This approach saved them a considerable amount of time and money, as they could avoid the traditional process of building machines, testing them, and making modifications. Instead, they were able to work with the virtual models directly, which made everything much more efficient.
TFS: How do you approach customising VR experiences to fit the specific needs of your clients, particularly for bespoke projects?
Franck Milet: We really focus on understanding what each customer requires before we propose a solution. It takes quite a bit of time to refine and define those needs. We also prefer to start with a minimum viable product, which helps us gauge how well we are meeting their requirements before we proceed further.
TFS: What do you believe the metaverse and 3D projects can offer to businesses, and how are you assisting your clients in making the most of these immersive environments?
Franck Milet: I see great potential in the metaverse and 3D projects for businesses. With VR becoming increasingly popular, we can create permanent worlds where avatars can interact socially and even try on products. The key for customers is to focus on areas where VR truly adds value rather than simply viewing it as a gimmick.
TFS: What do you see as the key benefits of using VR for training programs, and how do you make sure these programs effectively replicate real-life scenarios?
Franck Milet: Well, one key aspect is something called brain muscle memory. There are several studies showing just how much more effective VR can be in facilitating learning that people can actually use and remember. To put it simply, when you experience something in VR, your brain perceives it as a real experience. So, the next time you find yourself in a similar situation in real life, it feels as though you have already been there before. This kind of familiarity really enhances the effectiveness of the training.
TFS: How do you think VR improves team-building activities when compared to traditional methods? Also, what sort of feedback have you received from clients about this service?
In Switzerland, we find that only about 10 to 15% of participants in our team-building activities have prior experience with VR. They are often truly amazed by the immersive power and the ability of the equipment to convey sensations. This excitement usually leads them to share their experiences with friends, which is great for spreading the word!
TFS: How does using VR for onboarding new employees enhance the process? What kind of results have you observed regarding engagement and retention?
Franck Milet: One standout result we have seen, especially with younger employees, is an engagement score of 4.6 out of 5 for the initial onboarding section when using VR for recruitment and training. They often find it far less dull than traditional methods. We have not yet conducted a comparison with conventional approaches, like PWC has, but I think we already know how that would turn out!
TFS: That is impressive! Could you share an example of a successful workshop or practical experiment you have conducted? I would love to hear how it helped the client identify specific use cases.
Franck Milet: One approach we take is to bring together departments that do not often interact, like IT and marketing. By having them use all the demos and equipment together, we see creativity sparked in ways we could not achieve alone. It really opens up new avenues for collaboration and innovation.
TFS: What trends do you see emerging in the VR industry, and how is VR4Business planning to remain at the forefront and keep innovating in such a fast-paced environment?
Franck Milet: There are some exciting technical advancements happening every 15 to 18 months. Right now, I am seeing developments in hand tracking, environment scanning, and body tracking. The integration of artificial intelligence, particularly in animating avatars, is also becoming significant. Our goal is to make technology affordable and accessible for most companies while creating solutions that meet customer needs without getting too caught up in the technical details. As our motto states, ‘Tech to the people!
TFS: I hope you do not mind me asking something a bit more personal. Can you describe a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur?
Franck Milet: Well, I must say there is really no typical day, and I enjoy that! At the moment, I am managing both Secondworld and VR4Business, which involves tackling a wide range of topics. I need a broad set of skills to handle everything from recruiting game masters who can animate team-building activities and children’s birthdays to defining the requirements for a nine-month project to create a digital twin of a city.
The only consistent aspect of my days is the need to be prepared for emergencies. As Elon Musk would say, I tend to handle the most challenging problems in the company because no one else has solved them in between.
TFS: How do you keep your motivation and drive alive in your entrepreneurial journey, particularly during challenging times?
Franck Milet: I find that one useful strategy is to reflect on everything I have achieved so far, especially during moments of doubt or fatigue. It is often surprising to realise how much I have built that I once thought was beyond my reach. Beyond that, I try to follow a few key rules. First, I make sure to rest when I am tired. Second, regular exercise is essential for me. Finally, I remind myself that it is important to switch off from the business every now and then.
TFS: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own businesses?
Franck Milet: Based on my experience, I would say it is important not to let others discourage you with the usual comments, such as “it will never work” or “it has been done before.” Interestingly, even negative feedback can be beneficial if you use it to identify potential risks and opportunities.
I would also advise against spending too much time and effort on traditional business cases and extensive market research. The real market research occurs after your product is launched, when you can observe how the public reacts to it. More often than not, things do not unfold as you initially plan!
TFS: Great insights! What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur for you?
Franck Milet: One of the most rewarding aspects for me has been the ability to choose the people I work with. Leaving larger companies allowed me to develop a true sense of ethics that I can apply within my own business. This freedom to create a work environment that aligns with my values has been incredibly fulfilling.
TFS: It has been a fascinating conversation, Mr. Milet. I have enjoyed exploring your journey and the innovative work that VR4Business is undertaking. Thank you so much for joining us today.