Xavier Niel is a French entrepreneur and businessman, best known as the founder of Iliad, a telecommunications company that operates the Free brand. Born on August 25, 1967, in Maisons-Alfort, France, he started his career in the early 1990s by launching a successful online Minitel service. Niel is recognized for his innovative approach to the telecom industry, particularly for introducing low-cost mobile and internet services in France. In addition to his work in telecommunications, Niel is also a prominent investor in technology and startups. He co-founded Station F, one of the largest startup campuses in the world, located in Paris. Niel's contributions to the tech ecosystem have made him a significant figure in the French business landscape.