Alexandre Testu
Front-End Engineer
(Photo credit: Pierre Guilbert)
What do you do at CB Insights? What did you do before?
I’m a front end engineer. At CBI that means I have my hands in data visualization, web design, user experience… pretty much anything that you see on the site. I also help out with customer support (as we all do) and hiring when needed.
Before CBI I studied Information Systems at Stevens, and before that, Computer Science at EPITA in Paris, France.
What’s one interesting fact that not many people know about you?
I used to run the biggest fan site for Kaamelott, the best French TV show ever (fact). Kaamelott started as a hilarious medieval parody with 3 minute episodes and moved on to prime time as a “dramedy” of 52 minute episodes; it’s really quite something.
I launched the fan site in college, got noticed and they invited me to a premiere where I got to hang out (sort of) with the actors and creators of the show. It started taking too much of my time and more competent people are now running it: http://www.onenagros.org
What’s your ideal vacation spot?
I went to Iceland last summer with one of my best friends, that was pretty close to ideal. Surreal landscapes, no phone or internet, away from civilization… you have to unplug from time to time to stay somewhat sane.
1 horse-size duck or 100 duck-size horses? Why?
100 duck size horses. I would launch a lil’ Sebastian as a Service business (that’s lil’Saas). Rent a mini horse. You know you want one.
List your top 5 TV shows of all time
I’m going to cheat and I’m not sorry. I’ve seen a lot of shows. Here are my 5 TV show bundles of all time, organized by ambiance (oh yeah):
- The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Mad Men
- Seinfeld, Friends, Coupling
- It’s always sunny in Philadelphia, Kaamelott
- The Wire, True Detective
- Firefly, Freaks and Geeks
What’s your favorite GIF?
