Our Story: How we began delivering Digital Delicacies

Delivering exceptional products for over a decade.

How we started

The inception of Start.it Creative Digital Agency is rooted in a shared dream that dates back to the early 2000s in France.

During our mid-school years, we immersed ourselves in the world of HTML and CSS coding under the mentorship of a dedicated teacher from a technical college. Together, we created our first website centered around Manga for an exam, achieving notable success. It was during this time that the idea of launching our own agency first took shape. However, the specifics—when, who, and how—remained undefined. It was a nascent aspiration, waiting for the right moment to come to life.

Following our own paths

After high school, François pursued his studies at the prestigious tech school, Epitech, while William enrolled in one of France’s renowned private art institutions, Ecole de Condé, both in Paris. At that time, collaborating together wasn’t part of the plan. We focused on our individual journeys, maintaining occasional contact mainly during visits home to see our families.

The beginning of the real adventure

In 2011, François set off for Beijing, China, to complete the final year of his Master’s degree, while William continued his studies in Shanghai. Inspired by François’ experience in China, the suggestion was made for him to return to Shanghai upon graduation. In October 2014, our paths converged once more in Shanghai, marking the beginning of our shared adventure.

Our first client

Combining the skills of a top-tier back-end developer from a prestigious school with the talents of a designer proficient in both front-end development and design resulted in extraordinary digital products. Our inaugural project—a stunning showcase website for a professional photographer—was a testament to this synergy. As freelancers, we secured project after project, delighting our clients and fueling our passion for digital excellence.

The separation

In 2015, William received an opportunity to join a large e-commerce company in London, leading to a temporary separation. However, this stint in London lasted only a year and a half. Finding that the London lifestyle didn’t quite fit, William decided to return to China by the end of 2016. We resumed our collaboration on various small projects, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

Start.it emerges

From freelancing through mid-2019, we experienced an increasing influx of clients. Recognizing the momentum, we decided to take the next big step. In August 2019, we officially established Start.it Creative Digital Agency. What began as a dream has now become a reality, and our adventure continues to unfold!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who believed in our vision, to the clients who placed their trust in us, and to our partners whose collaboration made it all possible. And this is just the beginning!

The sky is the limit

At Start.it, we are dedicated to elevating our clients’ online presence to new heights of excellence and beauty. Our commitment extends to developing incredible digital products that enhance daily lives. Stay tuned for what’s to come!

Our sights are set on being nominated as Agency of the Year by awwwards.com by 2026. The journey continues, and the sky is the limit!