# Jean-Baptiste Kempf

> French computer engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q58879462](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58879462)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Kempf)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jean-baptiste-kempf

## Summary
Jean-Baptiste Kempf is a French computer engineer and software developer best known as the founder and former president of VideoLAN, the organization behind the VLC media player. His work has significantly influenced open-source multimedia software and earned him recognition, including the Knight of the National Order of Merit.

## Biography
- Born: March 30, 1983
- Nationality: France
- Education:
  - École Centrale Paris (2003–2006)
  - CentraleSupélec (2003–2006)
  - University of Paris-Sud (2005–2006)
  - Lycée Henri-IV (1998–2003)
  - Lycée Janson-de-Sailly (2001–2003)
- Known for: Leading VideoLAN and developing VLC media player
- Employer(s):
  - VideoLAN (Founder, President 2009)
  - Scaleway (Chief Technology Officer, 2024–present)
  - eShot Labs (Chief Technology Officer)
  - Videolabs (Chief Technology Officer and Chief Financial Officer)
- Field(s): Computer science, software development

## Contributions
Jean-Baptiste Kempf is the founder of VideoLAN, an organization that developed the VLC media player, one of the most widely used open-source multimedia players. Under his leadership, VideoLAN became a key player in the open-source community, providing a free and cross-platform alternative to proprietary media players. Kempf’s work has had a significant impact on the accessibility and usability of multimedia software, particularly in regions with limited internet access. He has also contributed to other projects, including his role as Chief Technology Officer at Scaleway, a cloud computing provider, and his involvement in eShot Labs and Videolabs. His technical expertise and leadership have been recognized through awards such as the Knight of the National Order of Merit and the SFS Award.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jean-Baptiste Kempf known for?
A: Jean-Baptiste Kempf is known for founding VideoLAN and developing the VLC media player, which is one of the most widely used open-source multimedia players.

### Q: What awards has Jean-Baptiste Kempf received?
A: Jean-Baptiste Kempf has received the Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2018 and the SFS Award in 2025.

### Q: What is Jean-Baptiste Kempf's current role?
A: Jean-Baptiste Kempf currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Scaleway, a cloud computing provider, and holds leadership positions at eShot Labs and Videolabs.

### Q: Where did Jean-Baptiste Kempf study?
A: Jean-Baptiste Kempf studied at École Centrale Paris, CentraleSupélec, and the University of Paris-Sud, as well as Lycée Henri-IV and Lycée Janson-de-Sailly.

### Q: What languages does Jean-Baptiste Kempf speak?
A: Jean-Baptiste Kempf speaks French, English, Italian, and Japanese.

## Why They Matter
Jean-Baptiste Kempf’s work with VideoLAN and the VLC media player has had a profound impact on the open-source community and the accessibility of multimedia software. His leadership has helped make VLC a global standard, particularly in regions with limited internet access. Kempf’s contributions have democratized access to media, allowing users to enjoy high-quality multimedia content without the need for expensive proprietary software. His work has also influenced the broader tech industry, inspiring other open-source projects and fostering innovation in multimedia technology. Without Kempf’s vision and leadership, the VLC media player would not have achieved its widespread adoption and impact.

## Notable For
- Founded VideoLAN and developed the VLC media player, one of the most widely used open-source multimedia players.
- Received the Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2018 for his contributions to open-source software.
- Served as President of VideoLAN from 2009, leading the organization to significant success.
- Currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Scaleway, a cloud computing provider.
- Holds leadership positions at eShot Labs and Videolabs, further demonstrating his expertise in technology and business.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jean-Baptiste Kempf was born on March 30, 1983, in France. He pursued his education at several prestigious institutions, including École Centrale Paris, CentraleSupélec, and the University of Paris-Sud, as well as Lycée Henri-IV and Lycée Janson-de-Sailly. His academic background in computer science laid the foundation for his career in software development and engineering.

### Founding VideoLAN
In 2001, Kempf co-founded VideoLAN, an organization dedicated to developing open-source multimedia software. Under his leadership, VideoLAN created the VLC media player, which quickly gained popularity for its cross-platform compatibility and high performance. The VLC media player became a global standard, particularly in regions with limited internet access, where it provided a free and reliable alternative to proprietary media players.

### Leadership and Awards
Kempf served as President of VideoLAN from 2009, overseeing the organization’s growth and success. His leadership was recognized with the Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2018, an award that honored his contributions to open-source software and his commitment to technological innovation. In 2025, he received the SFS Award, further acknowledging his impact on the field.

### Current Roles and Contributions
In addition to his work with VideoLAN, Kempf currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Scaleway, a cloud computing provider. He also holds leadership positions at eShot Labs and Videolabs, demonstrating his expertise in technology and business. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to advancing open-source software and driving innovation in the tech industry.

### Language Proficiency
Kempf is proficient in multiple languages, including French, English, Italian, and Japanese, which has facilitated his work in a global context. His multilingual skills have been an asset in his professional and leadership roles.

## References

1. [OpenCorporates](https://opencorporates.com/officers/961006499)
2. [Source](https://www.videolan.org/videolan/)
3. [Source](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_(entreprise))
4. [Source](https://www.societe.com/societe/blade-813865870.html)
5. [Source](https://www.scaleway.com/en/news/scaleway-affirms-ais-big-efficient-and-open-future-at-ai-pulse-2024/)
6. [Source](https://playruo.com/our-story)
7. [Source](https://videolabs.io/about/)
8. [Source](https://www.lepoint.fr/high-tech-internet/jean-baptiste-kempf-vlc-la-success-story-d-un-entrepreneur-francais-23-10-2017-2166586_47.php)
9. [Source](http://www.forwards.fr/portraits/jb_kempf_vlc)
10. LinkedIn
11. [Source](http://www.jbkempf.com/documents/JBKempf-CV.pdf)
12. [Source](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=095695067F9999821BD7B4BA3F1DB45A.tplgfr37s_2?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000037615089&dateTexte=&oldAction=rechJO&categorieLien=id&idJO=JORFCONT000037615083)
13. [Source](https://www.numerama.com/politique/440537-vlc-la-france-remet-la-medaille-de-lordre-national-du-merite-au-fondateur-de-videolan.html)
14. [Source](https://fsfe.org/news/2025/news-20251107-01.en.html)
15. Microsoft Bing
16. [Source](https://jbkempf.com/)
17. [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/g6cqr/iama_vlc_media_player_developer_ama/)