We are the Digital Gateway to Wealth: Your Key to Own and Enjoy the Finest Real World Assets

In the mid-’90s, long before conceiving the ground-breaking venture known as Slicit, Franck invested in a second home in the South of France. Owning a second property had always been a dream for Franck, Slicit’s co-founder and CEO. Though financially demanding and logistically complex, he saw it as a challenge worth facing. 

“Much like many aspirational families, we found the idea of owning a holiday home enchanting but financially daunting,” Franck explained. “Our workaround was renting the property during our absences. While it was a privilege to own the place, the nitty-gritty of managing it was a taxing affair.” This experience planted the seed for a better way to make second home ownership more manageable, an idea that would germinate in Franck’s mind for years to come. 

Franck’s upbringing was in a middle-class household, with a father who was an architect turned entrepreneur, deeply influenced by icons like Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry, that his father met when Gehry moved to Paris in 1961. Named in their honour, it made Franck’s name doubly meaningful. His mother, a lifelong entrepreneur and a fan of Frank Sinatra, gladly agreed to it! 

Drawn to aesthetic beauty from an early age, Franck was attracted by maths and sciences but also steeped in a culture of art and architecture. His aunt owned a high-profile art gallery, and both his maternal grandparents and his mother were art collectors. It was hardly a surprise when young Franck sketched his first designs—layouts for a U-shaped Californian villa on graph paper. His father further fuelled this passion by taking him on various business trips to see iconic structures such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Art Museum of Kobe in Japan and the Stahl house in West Hollywood. Franck soon found himself engrossed in the works of architects like Tadao Ando, Calatrava, and Le Corbusier. 

After initiating a career in trading and finance, Franck soon ventured into entrepreneurship. He launched a software consulting company and sold it successfully to a Swedish firm by the time he was 30. It was before this business triumph that Franck bought his French vacation home. Although he was running a successful business, he was not able to buy a whole second house outright, and the cost to own another home was significant. He and his family were thrilled to have a special place in a beautiful location that they loved, but it seemed like second home ownership should be easier and more accessible. 

“Achieving this dream was a monumental moment for me,” Franck remembered. ” I wanted to make that attainable for a broader spectrum of people and I yearned to streamline the whole buying and owning experience.” 

Thus, the seeds for Slicit were sown, deeply rooted in Franck’s own challenges and achievements. 

Following a distinguished stint in fintech and a role as VP EMEA and CEO in an AI startup, Franck’s lifelong love for sailing re-emerged as a focal point. Holding a Yacht master offshore license since his 20s and having enjoyed sailing adventures with his father in his youth, Franck had only managed to own smaller, weekend-use boats. Yet, he aspired for more—summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean aboard a spacious family yacht. 

It was this aspiration that led him to explore yacht ownership more seriously. However, the significant investment required for both purchasing and maintaining a large yacht, especially for limited annual use, quickly revealed itself as an obstacle. Conversations with friends who shared similar dreams inspired a solution—why not establish a fractional ownership and yacht-sharing enterprise? 

This concept began to crystallize shortly after the AI startup where Franck was involved went public on the NYSE. Franck recognized that for most people, opportunities like yacht ownership or other high-value assets were financially unattainable luxuries. The prohibitive costs made it difficult for middle-class individuals to diversify their portfolios or even entertain the idea of such extravagances. And so, the kernel of an idea began to sprout: what if owning a slice of luxury could be democratized? 

Amidst a brainstorming session that blended his love for real estate, high-end assets, and technological innovation, Franck had an Epiphany moment. Over numerous cups of coffee and a whiteboard filled with scribbles, a transformative idea began to take shape. What if these seemingly exclusive investment opportunities were democratized, making them accessible to everyone, including the younger Millennial and Gen Z demographics? 

Franck’s initial concept was to simplify second home ownership. The goal was to “right-size” the ownership experience, allowing people to purchase just the amount of a property they would actually use, thus reducing hassle. However, this nascent idea soon evolved into something much broader: dismantling the traditional barriers that restrict the average person from owning a variety of high-value assets. This included everything from top-notch residential and commercial properties to unique items like rare diamonds, vintage cars, exceptional watches, and of course, beautiful yachts. 

As far as real estate is concerned, Franck aimed to consolidate several owners into one upscale property, effectively reducing the competition for top-tier listings. His findings showed that most secondary residences sit vacant for the majority of the year—approximately 10 to 11 months. This insight led him to conclude that a shared ownership approach could not only democratize access to luxury properties but also contribute to more consistent economic benefits for local areas. 
 
The principle was also applicable to other high-value possessions, like collectible cars, rare watches, and valuable art pieces. Franck envisioned a platform where people could purchase fractional shares in a wide array of tangible assets—from premium real estate to limited-edition collectibles. This would open doors to investment opportunities previously available only to the wealthy. 

Yet, drawing from his fintech background, Franck sensed that the idea was still incomplete, as if a key element was missing from the overall picture. It was clear that a revolutionary idea was needed, one that seamlessly blended the worlds of ultra-luxury, investment, and technology.  

He envisioned accomplishing this by capitalizing on state-of-the-art blockchain solutions for secure, transparent transactions, while also employing AI and machine learning for advanced data analysis, predictive trends, and real-time market insights. Confident in the power of this cutting-edge approach, Franck believed it could truly democratize the sphere of alternative investments, making it accessible to a wider demographic. 

After a series of in-depth brainstorming sessions, Franck concluded that his innovative concept needed its own distinct label to encapsulate its essence. This realization led him to coin the term “LuxTech,” effectively giving a name to this innovative intersection of luxury and technology.  

The concept was as simple as it was disruptive. It was the evolved form of luxurious asset ownership that Franck had long imagined.  

In Franck’s vision, the term “LuxTech” served as the ideal descriptor for an avant-garde sector that blends upscale luxury with advanced technology.  

Indeed, this naming aligns with the nomenclature of other tech-transformed industries like PropTech, FinTech, and BioTech. LuxTech is tailored to focus on the luxury investment market, imbuing it with an additional layer of tech-driven sophistication.  

It acts as a nexus between financial technology and asset management, utilizing cutting-edge technologies like Web3 and blockchain to ensure transparent and secure transactions. LuxTech also incorporates cryptocurrency-based online payments, introducing a decentralized dimension to luxury asset investment. 

Furthermore, LuxTech uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to offer advanced capabilities like predictive analytics, trend analysis, and real-time market monitoring. These technological applications provide unparalleled asset valuation insights, thereby refining investment strategies and offering robust financial solutions. 

Aware that this idea was only the beginning, Franck knew he had a lot more work to do. Next on his list was to validate the feasibility of his vision, untangle its legal intricacies, and most critically, assemble a team capable of bringing this revolutionary platform to life. 

The infancy of Slicit’s startup made one thing abundantly clear: even mould-breaking ideas are inert without the right team to animate them. Franck found himself mulling over how to sync the skillsets and ambitions of individuals who were not only experts in their fields but were also in tune with his vision for innovations in the world of LuxTech. This marked the beginning of his search for the ideal ensemble—a fusion of experts, innovators, and visionaries. 

The bedrock of Slicit’s enterprise lay in its operational leadership—the role of the COO, the cornerstone and first critical element in building the organization. Franck found the ideal partner in Billy, a virtuoso in operations who had already proven his mettle by leading initiatives like the Dubai Sovereign Funds and overseeing one of the UAE’s most prominent property conglomerates. 

Billy’s financial acumen and sector-specific knowledge were exemplary, but it wasn’t just his resume that impressed. What truly sealed the partnership was a shared vision: both Franck and Billy were committed to leveraging technology to democratize the world of luxury. Billy wasn’t merely an operations guru; he was a believer in the transformative power of technology to redefine luxury as something accessible, not exclusive. 

Together, they understood that to bring about change, operational efficiency needed to meld seamlessly with technological innovation. They envisioned a company where traditional barriers to luxury assets would be shattered, replaced by an inclusive model backed by cutting-edge tech solutions. Billy’s adeptness in both finance and operations provided the much-needed balance to Franck’s technological and entrepreneurial flair. 

In Billy, Franck found not just a COO but a co-visionary.  

For personal luxury, nothing speaks louder than jewellery. To cover this sector, Franck enlisted Arnaud, an accomplished jeweller and a recognized expert in the world of luxury. 

Arnaud holds the role of Vice President overseeing Diamonds, Jewellery, and Luxury Goods at Slicit. He also serves as the Executive Chairman of 2DOT4 Diamonds LLC, based in Dubai. 

With a remarkable career of over 18 years in leadership roles within the jewellery industry, Arnaud has refined his skills and broadened his expertise, making him a specialist not just in jewellery, but also in diamonds and the wider luxury market. Prior to his current roles, he was the International Sales Director at Cooksongold, the UK’s leading supplier of precious metals, jewellery components, and tools, serving 109 countries worldwide. Under his guidance, the company reached unprecedented growth through his global sales strategies. At MW Creation, Arnaud led the company into innovative directions, solidifying its standing in the jewellery domain. 

Arnaud was specifically recruited to take on the role of CEO at Scintilla Monaco, a luxury jewellery brand. In this capacity, he has curated collections and fostered collaborations that have gained both commercial success and critical acclaim. Later, he relocated to Dubai to serve as a Board Member of the Dubai Diamond Exchange-DMCC. 

Arnaud’s extensive skill set makes him much more than a jewellery connoisseur; he is also a savvy business strategist well-versed in the intricacies of the luxury sector. His diverse abilities make him an invaluable asset to Slicit’s executive team. 

Lucy brings her recognized expertise as a qualified art market appraiser and RICS valuer (The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) to SLICIT’s Expertise Investment Hub. Here, she leverages her deep understanding of art market dynamics to devise optimal investment strategies for clients. Lucy’s advisory role enhances SLICIT’s services with her reliable, unbiased insights into art collection and investment. 

Handling artworks valued up to $65M, her contributions are vital in guiding high-value transactions. Lucy’s academic journey includes Masters in Modern & Contemporary Art and Art Market Economics & Law from Christie’s and the University of Glasgow, complemented by ongoing PhD research.  
 
Her role at SLICIT goes beyond curation; her strategic insight and advisory acumen make her an indispensable part of the team and a boon to clients. 

Committed to bridging high-end lifestyle and the entertainment sector, Marc came on board as Slicit’s Vice President responsible for Music, Sports, and Fine Arts, with the aim of amplifying our brand’s presence across these sectors. 

Marc’s career commenced after earning his degree from art college back in 1978. At the young age of 19, he teamed up with artists from the progressive rock group Van der Graaf Generator to establish a subsidiary ensemble named The Pool of Sound. Although they were visible on the live music circuit for three years, they didn’t manage to secure a record deal. 

Financial necessities led Marc to employment at Our Price Records in London, where he worked five days a week. Simultaneously, he contributed his time on a voluntary basis to Eaton Music, an independent music publisher. This level of commitment opened doors for him: at just 22, he was offered a role as a Professional Manager by the owner of Eaton Music. Here, he worked with popular bands, including Status Quo. This experience caught the attention of Nick Stewart, the A&R lead at Island Records, renowned for signing U2, leading Marc to his subsequent role as General Manager at Blue Mountain Music. 

Marc’s career saw a leap with the smashing success of “Pump Up the Volume,” a hit by A.R. Kane. The track not only climbed to the number one spot in five countries but also made its way into the top ten in six others, racking up global sales of over a million copies. 

As he continued to ascend in his career, Marc oversaw Island Music Publishing UK and Island Visual Arts, a nascent film and TV production company. During this tenure, he signed on influential artists like Massive Attack, De La Soul, and Marcella Detroit of Shakespeare Sisters. 

Upon Polygram’s acquisition of Island Records Group in 1989, Marc became the Managing Director of Island Records UK, setting the record as the industry’s youngest MD at that time. Under his visionary leadership, the label underwent a period of significant transformation, birthing stars like Pulp, PJ Harvey, and The Cranberries. Marc’s influence was notably visible when artists from Island Records claimed the esteemed Mercury Music Record of the Year prize on three occasions. 

His managerial skills further shined during the 1990s as he steered U2’s career through monumental phases, culminating in nearly 60 million album sales. Marc’s influence wasn’t just limited to the music industry; he also ventured into philanthropy, working alongside Bono on the Jubilee 2000 campaign aimed at reducing third-world debt. Bono has subsequently thanked Marc on both the stage of the MTV awards and whilst addressing the UN council chamber in New York. 

After his tenure at Island Records, Marc led the development and implementation of the award-winning U2.com, following a successful $5 million fundraising effort. The website now boasts over 1.4 million registered users and sustains hundreds of thousands of subscription-paying customers. 

Marc then founded his own management company, Terra Firma Ltd. His client list included noteworthy names like Richard Ashcroft, Paul Oakenfold, and Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), whose comeback album sold 850,000 copies globally under Marc’s guidance. 

Transitioning into the film industry, Marc acted as a music supervisor and producer for multiple film soundtracks, such as Angel Heart and Notting Hill. He even had a role in eight box office-topping films in the USA, like The Matrix and Swordfish. 

In 2008, Marc divested his stake in Terra Firma, selling it to the Dutch-based Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) and taking up the role of CEO. During his term there, he managed an extensive list of over 400 athletes and 25 well-known artists, including Billy Ocean. 

In 2012, he accepted an Executive Chairman role at The Crown Talent and Media Group Ltd, overseeing a diverse roster of approximately 100 personalities from various fields like music, TV, and sports. 

By 2018, Marc decided to pivot to a career in art and has been exploring the fascinating intersection of art and technology through digital art, leading to collaborations with multiple art galleries and publishers. 

Marc’s rich and diversified background in music, entertainment, and fine arts positions him as an invaluable contributor to Slicit’s ambitious plans for growth. 

Given that real estate is one of the main sectors driving Slicit’s business, it made sense to complement the expertise of Billy, our real-estate veteran and CTO with that of another top executive in real estate, finance, and hospitality management to further strengthen our core capabilities, substantially enhancing our potential for ambitious growth. 
 
Introducing Elie, another Powerhouse to have joined out team! 

Elie serves as a pivotal member of Slicit’s Advisory Board, with a special focus on real estate development, hospitality management, and corporate property matters. Concurrently, he holds the title of Vice President of Development at Radisson Hotel Group. There, he steers the company’s ambitious growth initiatives across the Middle East and select regions in Southern Europe, with a roadmap to expand Radisson’s regional footprint to over 200 hotels and 40,000 rooms by 2030. 

A veteran with nearly two decades of industry experience, Elie began his career with a full immersion into hotel operations before specializing in real estate, finance, and development. Prior to joining Radisson in 2010, he contributed to HVS, a global consulting firm specializing in hospitality, where his work included financial valuations, ROI analyses, and strategic advisory roles in both London and Dubai. 

Elie’s advancement to the VP role at Radisson is a testament to his proven track record across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, in securing new construction and conversion agreements, while maintaining solid relationships with property owners and ensuring top-tier hospitality services for end-users. 

As a dedicated Real Estate Development Champion, Elie’s multi-faceted experience fortifies Slicit’s ability to excel in real estate and hospitality management and to guarantee that our end-customers not only have their expectations met but also exceeded. 

The experience of luxury isn’t just about the items you possess; it extends to the spaces you inhabit. That’s why I’m excited to have collaborated with Virginie, an accomplished interior designer. She started her career early, founding her own design firm at the age of 24 after studying Interior Design in England. 

Her firm has grown to become the most seasoned design practice in the Indian Ocean region, spanning countries like the Maldives, Seychelles, Reunion Island, and Mauritius, as well as making a mark in Africa, particularly in South Africa and Kenya. Her work isn’t just limited to residential projects; her portfolio is diverse, featuring 5-star award-winning resorts and corporate settings like the PwC Tower. She’s even had the distinct honour of redesigning the State House in Mauritius, the official residence of the President. 

Virginie has had the opportunity to work alongside industry legends like Kelly Hoppen, a testament to her expertise. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Virginie transforms spaces into luxurious retreats without ever compromising on quality or functionality. She’s a “detail maniac,” keeping an eye on every aspect of a project, from materials to colours to visual arrangements. 

Beyond adding visual elegance, Virginie brings something invaluable to our company: her designs embody a sustainable and comprehensive approach to ultra-luxury, aligning perfectly with our mission to offer more than just surface-level allure. Through her contributions, we’re elevating the concept of luxury to new heights, providing both aesthetic and ethical value to our clients. 

We’ve successfully gathered a diverse group of experts in various fields including finance, art, and technology.  

Putting together our team required countless hours of discussion, plenty of coffee, and travel across continents. But once everything fell into place, we found that we had something special—a mix of skills and creativity, strategy and vision. We’re not just looking to succeed in the LuxTech sector, we’re working to redefine what luxury means for the future. 

The saying “To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together” applies to us. But we’re aiming for more than just distance; we’re striving to make a lasting impact. 

As we close the chapter on these early triumphs and challenges, we can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what comes next. The road ahead is brimming with possibilities as we set our sights beyond the horizon.