Birimian Ventures

Capacity building for creative entrepreneurship! Pour ce premier épisode de notre série centrée sur notre programme d’accélération de performances en partenariat avec Institut Français de la Mode, Laureen Kouassi-Olsson et Thomas Delattre reviennent sur l’impact d’actions ciblées de renforcement de capacités sur les performances opérationnelles de marques financées par Birimian Ventures. Directeur du Fashion Entrepreneurship Center de l’ Institut Français de la Mode, Thomas Delattre est en charge de l’ingénierie pédagogique et du suivi de programmes d’accélération et d’incubation au sein de l'IFM tels que #IFMLabels. Fort d’une riche expérience dans l’accompagnement de marques émergentes et l’entrepreneuriat créatif, Thomas a conseillé les marques du portefeuille de Birimian dans la revue de leurs business model, la structuration de leurs activités et de leurs projets de développement. Nous sommes fiers de cet accélérateur de performances unique construit en partenariat avec l'Institut Français de la Mode et soutenu par le Ministère français des Affaires étrangères, M Création Africa, L'Institut Français de Côte d'Ivoire (@IF_ci), et l'Ambassade de France en Côte d'Ivoire.

Time for our September 24 Industry Recap ! Amidst the flurry of fashion weeks, September shines as the definitive month of style and creativity. A plethora of events are placing Africa and its exceptional talents firmly on the global fashion map.  From the #BoF500 2024 class announcement to the catwalks of New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, the african creativity and increasing influence were highly celebrated.  Brands such Imane Ayissi Couture @Manthe Ribane, @Tolu Croker or CHEZ NOUS. embodied the “African fashion revolution” with landmark milestones, while events such as the Creative currency initiative at the New York Stock Exchange, the Tranoï Women SS 25 show in Palais Brogniart, the African Fashion Week and Black Fashion Experience in Paris showcased the creativity stemming from our continent with pride. These events are definitely strong statements on the undoubtable role the African Creativity can play on the international fashion scene.     #FashionMonth #AfricanFashion #Africancreatives #Africancreativity #IndustryRecap

Toutes nos félicitions Sandrine Kouao pour ce parcours entrepreneurial impressionnant et ces belles réalisations ! Nous sommes ravis que ce programme d’accélération vous ait été bénéfique. Nous avons hâte de passer à la seconde phase du programme avec vous !

Birimian x Institut Français de la Mode - Accélérateur de Performances ! Nous sommes fiers du lancement d’un programme novateur en partenariat avec l’Institut Français de la Mode visant à renforcer les performances des marques de notre portefeuille. Durant un mois, une vingtaine d’entrepreneurs créatifs vont bénéficier de master class, coaching intensifs et conseils sur le développement de leurs activités, accompagnés par des experts du réseau de l’IFM. La première phase de ce programme lancé à Abidjan, a mis l’accent sur le branding, la confection, les stratégies digitales et l'entrepreneuriat. Ce programme, soutenu par @CréationAfrica, fonds du Ministère des Affaires étrangères français et par l’Institut français, constitue un véritable accélérateur de croissance pour les industries créatives africaines. Nous exprimons nos remerciements à Creation Africa, l’Ambassade de France en Côte d’Ivoire, à l’Institut français, à Orange Digital Center pour leur soutien dans la réalisation de cette initiative inédite sur le continent. Grand merci également aux experts qui ont lancé avec brio à Abidjan la première phase de ce programme : Thomas Delattre, Céline LOPES, Steeve Lambert et Blenda Clerjon! #CréationAfrica #ModeAfricaine #Entrepreneuriat #Innovation #IndustriesCréatives #fashionentrepreneurship

News from the fashion world ! In July, new collaborations at the intersection of fashion and sports were announced. Christian Dior Couture appointed F1 driver Lewis Hamilton as new ambassador, also signing on an upcoming capsule collection. Labrum London continued to establish itself as the go-to fashion brand for sports teams, linking up with Arsenal for a new kit, while the awaited collaboration between Timberland and Louis Vuitton hit the shelves. In Africa, Benin also made headlines for the performances of its textile industry and a dazzling fashion month, while many turned to South Sudan to look for new faces during a much anticipated fashion week. Swipe for more 👉🏾 Credits: cover by Fe Noel, for The Guardian  #sportswear #fashionandsports #F1 #hamilton #culture #arts #benin #southsudan #fashionweek #modelscouting #collabs

The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony was one of the most anticipated event of the year. Leading up to it, many questions were raised about the city's ability to host the Games in optimal conditions.  Additionally, the country appeared to be severely divided after the recent elections, which saw a worrying rise of the French far-right party. It was therefore not a given, that millions of viewers would watch what could possibly be the “best Olympic Ceremony of the Modern Age” according to media. Even more surprising, were the many messages and symbols of inclusion and diversity that were conveyed. Artistic Director Thomas Jolly did not shy away from portraying underrepresented communities on this global stage. Paris seemed to shine thanks to its diversity, and the event was full of meaningful and emotional moments. Is it possible that this ceremony will mark a turning point for minorities in France, leading to greater recognition in the sports, arts and culture? Here is a selection of the symbolic moments that make us think so.   #parisolympics #sportswear #olympics2024 #culture #arts #danse #opera

Ready, set, go ! The 2024 Paris Olympics are just a few days away they are bound to be the most fashionable sporting event of the year. Taking place in Paris with luxury group LVMH amongst its sponsors, it will be a key event for both sports and fashion enthusiasts. The uniforms worn by each teams will have to fulfill performance requirements while being original and stylish enough to shine a positive light on their respective countries. During the opening ceremony especially, every uniform will be a symbol of national pride. At Birimian, we are watching with pride as African teams are collaborating with brands of African heritage. They are seizing this opportunity to make a statement and tapping into exciting talents from the diaspora, or betting on local brands to create memorable looks. Finally, Haïti has taken the spotlight by coming up with one of the most original kits, proving that its teams and athletes are ready for the competition despite the political unrest and natural disasters that have recently hit the country. Here is our top 5 of the Olympic kits and costumes revealed so far ! Credits: Cover image, Jasmine Tookes for Self Magazine #parisolympics #sportswear #olympics2024 #africancreatives #fashion #sierraleone #haïti #nigeria #morocco #egypt #fashionandsports #paris2024 #roadtoparis2024

In June, the new collections and collaborations presented were strongly influenced by various cultures around the world. A tangible proof of the crucial role that inclusivity can play in this industry. French-Malian artist Samory Fofana created a Qamis for global brand adidas, turning a symbol of cultural pride into a statement sportswear item.  Similarly, Nike and Opium Paris put Moroccan culture under the spotlight  with the release of a shoe inspired by the traditional “Zellige”. At Place Vendôme, Vogue World was a sparkling celebration of fashion, sports, and the many individuals who have contributed to shaping fashion trends in the past century. Taking place at UNESCO, Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection took us for a journey around the world, with the Air Afrique crew, celebrating the diversity of humanity. Finally, Champion linked up with Highsnobiety and Ivorian collective La Sunday for a capsule collection and a celebration of West-African party culture. Swipe right to read more ! Credits: cover by Marcus Sabah, for Le Mile Magazine (2022)

From June 3rd to 5th, we had the great pleasure to participate in the 2024 Business of Beauty global forum by BoF. The event gathered leading entrepreneurs and creatives from the industry, who engaged in meaningful exchanges aiming to reimagine the global beauty and wellness landscape. It was an enriching experience, as we got to learn about the dynamics at play in other parts of the world, while sharing our experience with the development on this industry in Africa. A panel was dedicated to the “Multi-Billion Dollar Africa Opportunity”, where our Founder & CEO Laureen Kouassi-Olsson shared the investment perspectives on this market. Panelists Linda Gieskes-Mwamba Dr. Joyce Gikunda Co-Founder of Lintons Beauty World, also shared insights into the social and economic conditions conducive to the industry’s growth.  This event was the perfect opportunity to build community and have interesting conversation with leaders of the beauty  industry. The African beauty business offers exciting perspectives and we look forward to contributing to its expansion. Many thanks to Imran Amed, Priya Rao whole team at The Business of Fashion for such an amazing event. Swipe left for some key takeaways ! Credits : Irina Shestakova, Getty Images  #BoFBeauty #BOF #beauty #industry #birimian 

African Beauty Selective Retailers Snapshot One major challenge to overcome regarding the growth of the beauty industry in Africa is distribution networks. How does a global brand find trusted partners to distribute cosmetic products? Where can customers find the viral brands spotted on social media and who offers the best customer experience?     We have compiled a list of major beauty retailers around the continent. Although the key players are mostly regional, they are gaining more and more traction from beauty enthusiasts around the continent. South Africa and Kenya are leading the way with retailers ARC (six stores in South Africa), Lintons Beauty World (35 stores between Kenya and Uganda).   Swipe left to learn more about Africa’s beauty distribution networks.    Credits : Oscar Oscar Salons   #birimian #beauty #creativeentrepreneurs #africa #africancreatives #distribution #multibrand #cosmetics #Beautyselectiveretailing