The wait before going before the QVEMA jury
Behind the scenes, the atmosphere is electric: young female entrepreneurs focused and seen here and there, technical teams bustling about, microphones being adjusted and lights giving the scene an almost unreal dimension.
Before going on stage, Bathsheba mentally rehearses her presentation – above all, not to exceed the 1 minute 30 second pitch! – polished dozens of times, because every word, every second on the set of Qui Vaut Être Mon Associé is invaluable.
This new season 5 promises to be full of surprises, with investors ready to spot promising young start-ups.
We make one last adjustment to our clothes, take a deep breath… and we go for it. The cameras are already rolling, capturing every shiver, every glance. The production team, kind and supportive, gives us encouraging smiles. Ombline Rousseau, the show's producer , whispers to me: "This is your moment! You're not leaving empty-handed! " And that immediately gives me a boost. Okay, Ombline.
This appearance before the QVEMA jury is more than a presentation: it is the culmination of years of work and passion for Baûbo.
The curtain rises, the spotlights dazzle us for a moment… Will our innovative balms convince the investors? It's up to us! ✨
Meeting with each member of the QVEMA Jury: our impressions of the investors, in complete transparency!
🏆 Éric Larchevêque – The Tech Pioneer
Initial reaction : Eric was attentive and discreet, because clearly, women's intimate health isn't his area of expertise – and he said so himself. His silence was far from insignificant, but rather the mark of a true professional: instead of monopolizing the attention, he let us defend Baûbo by analyzing our strengths and weaknesses.
His analysis : Éric Larchevêque pointed out a fundamental strategic error at Baûbo : attributing the weaker growth in 2024 to external factors. A major mistake, according to him, and he's not wrong.
Key moment : He encouraged us to find the real reasons for our difficult growth, and that helped us a lot. The reasons are, in fact, more personal and even: human, all too human. It was becoming a real challenge to keep the business going with just the two of us. To be perfectly honest, we were at our wits' end!
🏆 Kelly Massol – The Inspiring Self-Taught Woman
Reception : Kelly was very meticulous about the product, marketing, packaging, and graphic design… She was on the offensive, determined to expose our brand's weaknesses. We eventually understood why: this self-taught entrepreneur had invested in our competitors' businesses, off-air!
Her focus : She reviewed everything, monopolizing the questions a bit. But at the same time, it helped us: we were able to demonstrate the quality of our care, our approach, our work.
Notable exchange : When Kelly told us that Baûbo lacked a strong message, Bethsabée (who manages communications) wasn't expecting it… Especially since we think exactly the opposite ! Baûbo was one of the first brands to open up the conversation about intimacy and break taboos with bold, fun, and socially conscious messages. Often copied, by the way 😉
🏆 Anthony Bourbon – The Audacious Entrepreneur
First interaction : Anthony immediately noticed that our logo was too small on the packaging. Good catch! It's a small detail, but a good point to work on to strengthen our brand identity.
His focus : Always on the lookout for the most profitable businesses, he appreciated our growth, our margins, and our approach. In this fifth season of QVEMA , investors are primarily looking for innovative projects.
Memorable moment : When Anthony advised us against bringing in an investor and to remain a "small business", It reminded us a bit of the macho talk about women we often heard, especially during our time incubating at Station F. Yet, we have an innovative approach and a solution that addresses a real need! Moreover, companies designed and led by women have virtuous practices and are less likely to fail. In fact, women-led businesses generate on average 10% more revenue after five years. And a study of over 40,000 medium-sized French companies revealed that those led by women are 32% more profitable . In short, we won't be partnering with Anthony, too bad for him ;)
🏆 Jean-Michel Karam – The Visionary Innovator
Initial impression : Jean-Michel Karam is a gentle and inspiring man, who does not hesitate to show his vulnerability while being a formidable strategist in business and artificial intelligence applied to beauty care.
His angle of attack : We are at the opposite end of his world: he focuses on technological luxury and the purity of white, we on pop and 100% natural formulas that rely on the immense benefits of organically grown plants.
Significant interaction : When we were defending our pioneering position, Jean-Michel Karam reminded us that Google, far from being a pioneer, was initially ranked 30th among search engines , and that being first in a sector isn't everything. Innovation alone isn't enough. A bit of a blow to hear… but he was right!
🏆 Alice Lhabouz – The Finance Strategist
Perceived reception : Alice Lhabouz, along with Jean-Michel Karam, was one of the show's new investors, so very little was known about her. We were immediately impressed by her calm approach and highly relevant business questions. Alice paid particular attention to Baûbo as a company that delivers value and profits.
Her areas of interest : A true French finance guru, Alice Lhabouz knows that male-led startups raise on average 224% more funding than those led by women. And that this situation cannot continue!
Key moment : When Alice made us an investment offer, of course ! Against all expectations and the opinions of others, she was able to see Baûbo 's economic potential and its eco-responsible approach, its values of respect for women and its full potential for the future.
🔥 Conclusion: Has Baûbo found his partner? A female partner, rather!
We left this exchange energized , challenged, but more confident than ever. This experience proved to us that young startups can also have a clear vision and establish themselves in innovative sectors.
This experience has strengthened our resolve to develop Baûbo , to innovate, and to offer products that transform women's lifestyles . With tailored support and an investor who believes in our innovative concept, we will continue to grow.
👉 One thing is for sure: the next season of QVEMA still has some great surprises in store!