What It Takes to Build Successful Connected Products That People Trust

Building trusted connected products requires long-term product vision, user-centered design, reliable technology, strong privacy and data transparency standards, and teams committed to improving everyday life without compromising security or trust.

A Pioneer of Trusted Connected Products

In this episode, we welcome Fred Potter, a pioneering entrepreneur behind some of the most widely adopted connected consumer products in France and beyond.

He was the first to connect everyday devices such as:

• Smart scales
• Weather stations
• Thermostats
• Intelligent home ventilation systems

Each product focused on usefulness, reliability, and trust.

Designing Smart Homes With Privacy and Transparency

Fred’s approach to connected products centers on safety, privacy, and data transparency.

Rather than treating data as an afterthought, his companies integrated:

• Privacy-by-design principles
• Clear data ownership models
• Secure data handling from day one

Trust becomes a product feature, not a marketing claim.

Building Long-Term Product Vision Across Multiple Companies

Fred founded Cirpack, Withings, and Netatmo, demonstrating the ability to repeatedly design and scale successful consumer technology products.

His work shows that long-term product excellence comes from:

• Deep understanding of user needs
• Relentless attention to product quality
• Continuous iteration over many years

Innovation Through Strong Teams and Culture

Always surrounded by strong teams, Fred emphasizes collective intelligence over individual genius.

Building trusted products requires:

• Diverse technical and creative talent
• Shared values around responsibility and impact
• A culture of craftsmanship and precision

Technology, Trust, and Social Commitment

Beyond product innovation, Fred co-founded the Anne and Frédéric Potter Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to underprivileged science graduates pursuing top engineering education.

This commitment reflects a broader vision: technology innovation should serve society and expand opportunity.