What's up
From a Walloon workshop to a global footprint, the journey of Olivier Dufrasne
What does it take to transform a local industrial expertise into a global success story?
This week at A6K, our entrepreneurs had the chance to find out, directly from someone who has done exactly that.
During an inspiring Founder’s Talk, Olivier Dufrasne, President at Ecosteryl, active within AWEX, and AKT, took us behind the scenes of a journey marked by bold decisions, international ambition, and a deep belief in people.
A story of transition and vision
From the early days of AMB to the global expansion of Ecosteryl, Olivier walked us through the crucial turning points:
how a niche technology became a worldwide reference, why alternative solutions to incineration matter more than ever, and how durability and maintenance became strategic pillars, not just technical ones.
Today, with 300+ machines in 65+ countries, Ecosteryl’s impact is clear; innovation can travel far when you build trust, stay close to your clients, and keep improving, just like an iPhone evolving from version 1 to 17, thanks to dedicated R&D teams in Belgium, France, and Italy.
Scaling is never just about business
If there is one message he repeated, it’s this:
“Culture is not a nice-to-have. It’s what makes growth possible.”
From recruiting the right talents to nurturing a human-focused company mindset, he reminded our founders that performance follows people, not the opposite.
Strong values, transparent communication, and joyful teams are what allow a company to grow without losing its soul.
Surround yourself well and globally
Whether through financing partners such as Wallonie Entreprendre and IMBC, or through his work with AWEX and AKT, Olivier highlighted the importance of building the right ecosystem: investors, advisors, international partners, and mentors who challenge you, and believe in your trajectory.
Because scaling internationally isn’t just a strategy.
It’s an attitude.
What our entrepreneurs learned
▪️ Your values guide you when the world expands
▪️ Your ecosystem shapes your growth
▪️ Your team culture determines your long-term success
▪️ And above all: resilience is your most valuable skill
A huge thank you to Olivier Dufrasne for his openness, energy, and precious lessons.
At A6K, we are proud to offer founders the opportunity to learn from those who have already carved their path — so they can, in turn, shape the future of technology.
Every month, our accelerated entrepreneurs step into a new masterclass where inspiring entrepreneurial leaders open up about their journey, share hard-earned lessons, and offer actionable insights to help them grow and scale with confidence.
Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep building. Together.
