Paul Benelli, Legal Director at MYM, shares his journey from legal practice to the corporate world, discussing compliance and the inner workings of a little-known industry.
For this new episode of The Cheat Code, we welcomed Paul Benelli, Legal Director of MYM. A former lawyer who became a key player at a rapidly growing platform, he discusses his career path, his vision for the profession, and the behind-the-scenes of a frequently misunderstood industry.
Paul practiced as a lawyer for about nine years, with rapid advancement and the good fortune of being mentored by individuals like Gérard Arras and Stéphane Astier. But his passion eventually gave way to a certain weariness. He describes a profession sometimes too self-absorbed and a justice system he considers fatigued, with endless disputes.
His conclusion: to truly understand his clients, he needed to switch sides. This conviction led him to join MYM, a decisive step to grasp companies' needs from the inside.
A rather unusual feature: from his very first day at MYM, Paul worked on a roadmap he had defined himself as the company's lawyer. He hit the ground running.
Since then, he has built a strong team, with Virgile, his intern who joined a year later, and Thomas, a senior legal counsel. But his role extends far beyond legal matters: he also served as Head of Payments for two years, which allowed him to understand the intricacies of international transactions and the complexity of tax regulations across different countries.
Known as a platform dedicated to the adult world, MYM is also, according to Paul, the project of two entrepreneurs who built a solid company that is mindful of standards. He has supported them from the beginning and emphasizes their approach: sound foundations and genuine proactivity in compliance.
For example, age verification was implemented at MYM as early as 2021, ahead of many other major platforms. By participating in discussions on standards and collaborating with organizations like ARCOM, MYM positions itself as a responsible player. The company notably contributed to shaping an AFNOR standard that has become a benchmark for online child protection.
Paul doesn't deny the burden of French regulation, but he considers it essential. According to him, France plays a leading role in online child protection, which may hinder competition but also positions the country as an example. He discusses his experience with the French Tech 120 program and the importance of understanding the requirements of banking networks, which are crucial for this type of activity. For him, regulation is not just a constraint; it's also a way to stand out.
MYM has been profitable from day one, but Paul wants to debunk some common misconceptions. The 100 million in business flow generated says nothing about the actual profit, which is much more modest than one might imagine. Between server costs and insurance, every cent counts.
Hence his priority: rigorous budget management and legal advice that truly understands the market and its developments. His conviction for succeeding in this sector: a clear and pragmatic vision.
A frank discussion on an atypical career path and an often misunderstood industry.
Available in its entirety on The Cheat Code by OURAMA.
