Pet tech leader on women in innovation & GPS safety

On International Women's Day, we recognise the women shaping the future of technology across industries, including the fast‑growing world of pet tech. Among them is Bénédicte de Villemeur Vieille, co‑founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Weenect, the French company behind one of Europe's leading GPS trackers for dogs and cats.  

Founded in 2012, Weenect has grown into a trusted name in pet technology, distinguished by its commitment to safety, reliability, and user-centered design. Under Bénédicte's commercial leadership, the company has expanded internationally while staying anchored to a clear philosophy: technology should be simple, dependable, and built around the real needs of animals and their families – with safety at the forefront.  

Drawing in part from her own experience as a dog owner, she has remained focused on delivering genuine peace of mind to pet owners worldwide. 

In this interview, Bénédicte reflects on leadership, responsible innovation, and the evolving role of women in the technology sector. 

1. You co-founded Weenect in 2012 and helped grow it internationally. Looking back, what defining moments most shaped your leadership journey?  

Looking back, I see four stages that really shaped my journey. 

The first was the big leap: leaving a comfortable salaried position to launch Weenect. Suddenly, there's no safety net. Every decision is yours. You quickly understand that nothing is ever guaranteed and that the responsibility is entirely on you. It makes you clear‑eyed… and, honestly, much humbler. 

The second was all the high‑pressure phases of growth, when everything accelerated and became more complex at the same time – industrially, financially, and humanly. Those moments forced us to clarify who we wanted to be. That's when it dawned on us that our credibility doesn't rely only on technology, but also on strong commitments: Reliability, Simplicity, Availability, and Excellence.

These values guide us both in how we serve our customers and how we work with our teams. 

The third turning point was moving from 100% online to omnichannel – convincing retail networks to trust us. We had to prove our solidity, keep our commitments, be ready to be evaluated over time, and stay humble. Once again, the four pillars of Weenect guided us. 

Finally, there was international expansion and building teams. Moving from "doing it yourself" to "helping others grow" profoundly transforms your leadership stance. You must learn to trust, to listen better, and to establish a clear framework without stifling initiative. It's not natural at first… but it's essential. 

Ultimately, it's the times of uncertainty that shaped me the most. They force you to decide, to commit, to take a stance. And above all, to embody every day what you claim to stand for. 

2. As a woman in the technology sector, what challenges have you encountered, and what changes would you most like to see to support more women in technical and leadership roles?  

I came from the industrial sector before creating Weenect, so I was already used to working in environments that were overwhelmingly male. Purely technical roles are still largely held by men – that's a fact. 

What was difficult for me the most was fighting impostor syndrome. I don't know if it's because I'm a woman… Fortunately, my co‑founders always recognised my expertise – that was incredibly important. What really matters is competence and the strength of your decisions. When you know your subjects and master them, respect follows. 

In the end, my biggest challenge wasn't being a woman in tech. It was creating Weenect while my four children were still very young. Balancing a fast‑growing company with a busy family life is not simple. Especially when you have a "fifth baby": your company. 

It requires energy, organization, and a lot of clarity about your priorities. I was lucky to have a husband who was 100% supportive emotionally, and children who always told me they were proud of me. That kind of pride gives you incredible strength. 

As for the changes I'd like to see: 

• More visible female role models in technical and leadership positions. You can't become what you don't see. 

• That young girls stop self‑censoring. If they love tech, science, and engineering, they should go for it wholeheartedly. They shouldn't wonder whether "it's for them". If it excites them, that's all the reason they need. 

• Truly making it easier to balance professional and personal life – for women and men. Balance shouldn't be a "women's issue." 

Tech needs talent. And talent has no gender.  

3.  What leadership principles guide you today as Weenect continues to grow?  

For me, "lead by example" is my compass. I want to be exemplary. You can't demand anything from your team if you don't demand it from yourself. I also place great importance on keeping my word. A yes is a yes, and a no is a no. And finally, I try to be a serious leader without taking myself too seriously.  

4. Responsible innovation is becoming an important topic in pet tech. In your view, how can technology genuinely improve animal welfare while remaining practical for everyday use? 

GPS, of course! 

Joking aside, it really allows you to protect your pet from danger, to monitor them, and to train them. 

The more precise the GPS is, with strong battery life, the more it contributes to animal welfare. That's what we strive to do at Weenect every day. 

5. After more than a decade building Weenect, what continues to motivate you personally in this field?  

What motivates me most is thinking that we're only at the beginning of the journey – and yet we've already come so far! 

It's wonderful, it's exciting.  

6. On International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with the next generation of women considering careers in technology or entrepreneurship?  

Go for it! The world is waiting for you!