HALE Bedding

🌟 Introducing HALE: Where Moroccan Excellence Meets Luxury Bedding 🌟

Bedding isn't just a trend—it's an essential part of daily life. Yet, it's often overlooked, despite its significant impact on sleep and overall well-being.

 We understand that people spend a third of their lives sleeping, yet it's often the most neglected aspect of self-care. Sleep is not just a luxury—it's essential for longevity, mood regulation, and productivity. Yet, it's an underrated problem that many overlook.

That's why HALE exists—to elevate the importance of sleep and bedding quality. We pride ourselves on using the finest Egyptian cotton, crafted by Moroccan artisans with millennial savoir-faire.

Sleep In the World’s Finest Bed Sheets. 
Get your HALE sheets now on www.halebedding.com

Founder & CEO

Jumia Group

Vice President of Commercial Operations

•	Steering the e-commerce and on-demand business for all Jumia’s 11 countries of operations from topline to bottom line.
•	Defining, coordinating and executing Jumia promotional events, from Black Friday and Jumia Anniversary to Weekly commercial events.
•	Promoting the diversity on our websites by coordinating commercial teams and marketing teams to highlight strong diversity.
•	Increasing the number of fast-moving marketplace SKUs secured in Jumia Express to ensure a best in class commercial experience.
•	Ensuring Jumia’s price leadership on its assortment by scanning, mapping and comparing Jumia and its competitors SKUs serval times a week. 
•	Coordinating the execution of the Performance Steering Actions with the Seller Management team.
•	Ensuring we maintain our profitability by controlling Jumia’s retail and marketplace margins as well as improving our unit economics.

Group Director Commercial Operations & Revenue

o	Assessed the efficiency of all revenue streams and building on the next generation of revenue streams, focused on expanding the service-portfolio for sellers and customers.
o	Benchmarked, monitored and challenged countries on their profitability path with a strong focus on gross margin.
o	Presented the execution status vis-à-vis the investor business plan to the group top management.
o	Exercised inventory control to minimise the company risk on inventory by ensuring sound rolling stock and proposing smart nimble pricing model with optimised margin at the product level.

Achievements:

•	Increased the Gross Profit by 120%, achieving a 100% topline growth with an optimised fee structure, optimised investments in prices and a new procedure for Retail Management.
•	Devised and introduced new revenue streams focused on Value Added Services for Jumia’s sellers, generating over €xM of incremental profits in 2019.
•	Minimised the company risk on over €xM of outright with a good rolling stock and a smart nimble pricing model to optimise the margins at a product level.

Regional Revenue Manager

o	Ensured leadership in strategic regions by spearheading the Mergers and Acquisition efforts.
o	Orchestrated the monetisation strategy for several classified websites.
o	Devised and automated the Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) focused on reducing operational costs.
o	Extensively engaged in monitoring and enhancing user experiences.

Achievements:

•	Achieved regional leadership in general classifieds segment with merger integration with Afribaba in Ivory Coast, Cameroun and Senegal.
•	Increased the revenue by 400% in three months by successfully conceiving and executing the monetisation strategy.
•	Reduced local operations cost with centralised and scalable solutions for automatic moderation with 82% automation rate and over 89% accuracy, and cross-border online payments with Direct Pay and Jumia Pay (100% increase in footprint).
•	Launched the buyer/seller Net Promotor Score (NPS) and Customer Effort Score (CES) on three Classifieds with transactional emails and monitored qualitative comments received from the audience for improving the platform.

Head of Special Projects

o	Oversaw the technical BI set-up (Microsoft SQL Server) and the digital tracking and big data set-up (Google Cloud Platform).
o	Engaged in the creation and visualisation of business-relevant reporting with the use of Microsoft Power BI.
o	Performed the analytical crunching of recommendations by employing MySQL and Python.

Achievements:

•	Automated dashboard layer and a clear digital footprint of the customer.
•	Instrumental to a step-by-step transformation of the company into a tech-enabled organisation with self-service BI stack by enabling the creation of a DWH to aggregate multiple sources of data (Google Analytics, ADX, DFP and BigQuery , SFMC and Facebook APIs) using an ETL process based on Luigi, a Python module to help build complex pipelines of batch jobs.

Head of Business Intelligence

Fugro

o	Executed the product from prototype to Go-To-Market solution and rolled them out across all Fugro entities in Africa, Europe, Americas, Middle East and South East Asia.
o	Led product innovation for Fugro’s in-house “Moonshots” while enabling the evolution of the Assets integrity business line around Machine Vision, Augmented Reality and Precise subsea assets positioning.
o	Supported the regional business development team with inputs, marketing materials, training and joint client visits.
o	Supervised the Agile innovation teams tasked with the product, for aligning them in terms of vision and priorities.

Achievements:

•	Built an automated solution, winning the tender for KAOMBO, globally the largest Offshore field development for entire Angola. The solution reduced the Operational time by 300% with monthly savings of €10.5 M for the whole project duration.
•	Generated contracts valuing over €8 M in the fast-growing Offshore wind energy segment in Europe by pushing the Machine Vision products to ensure the leadership in this market.
•	Collaborated with the key senior management and stakeholders to initiate and launch the Augmented Reality project, including the €x business case roadmap and R&D proposal.
•	Managed five product roadmaps split between four R&D teams in The Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.

Product Manager

iXBlue

o	Researched new methods focused on reducing the computing complexity of the iXBlue algorithm.
o	Developed a new Algorithm to improve the positioning accuracy of all iXBlue inertial navigation product lines.
o	Assessed the accuracy and performance efficiency of all the new algorithm features or enhancements.

Achievements:

•	Introduced an Unscented Kalman filter with 84% quicker performance in iXBlue Algorithm and zero impact on the solution accuracy.
•	Studied over 300 research papers on Kalman filtering & Inertial Navigation helping iXBlue improve their Algorithm and implement them when relevant.
•	Proposed three prototypes to improve the algorithm used by iXBlue.

R&D Engineer

I help VC-funded startups become profitable | 10-figure IPO | 7x Profit and 3x Revenue for Africa's first Unicorn | Founder & CEO Halebedding.com

A customer-centric E-commerce business leader with a successful history of formulating and implementing insightful commercial strategies to empower the revenue and profit growth of the businesses by helping them develop significant business in their target markets. Adept in directing teams in their e-commerce and Omnichannel business initiatives while driving a profitable P&L. 

⇝ Streamlining Revenue & Profit Strategies and improving E-commerce Operations to enhance Process Efficiency and User Experience

	10+ years of hands-on experience in spearheading complex e-commerce operations and digital projects with creative business plans, digital strategies, and revenue models. Expertise in successfully rolling out new online stores in new and existing markets and revamping the online presence of the existing e-commerce brands to empower their presence.


☑ MY EXPERTISE LIES IN: Profit & Revenue Growth    Business Strategy    Leadership    Strategic Planning   Process Definition    Management   Forecasting    Negotiation    E-commerce   Digital Transformation    Project Management    Product Management    Competitive Analysis   Marketing Strategy    Team Leadership    Business Development   Digital Marketing

⚑ WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE:
Strong Customer Service Orientation | Strategic Business Intelligence with flawless execution | A focus on increased Brand Visibility with effective Communication | Razor-sharp execution of strategic imperatives

➤ DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS:
✔ E-Commerce Thought Leader, Key Influencer, Subject Matter Expert and Catalyst for Change through Innovation.
✔ Developing New Business in highly Challenging, Competitive and High-Performance Environment.
✔ Collaboration across Functional Teams to accomplish complex Digital Projects
✔ Excellent Business Evangelism, Powerful Communication and Presentation Skills.

☛ Contact: younes.louafy@gmail.com 


Il faut dire que le Maroc est encore loin du compte en termes de financement des jeunes entreprises innovantes. Et si le gouvernement devenait un ‘Business Angel’?


En effet, le Maroc accuse un retard significatif en matière de financement des start-up, avec seulement 17 millions de dollars levés en 2023, représentant à peine 0,4% du total des investissements dans les start-up en Afrique, très loin derrière le Kenya (800 millions de dollars), l’Égypte (640 millions de dollars), ou encore l’Afrique du Sud (600 millions de dollars).

Pour remédier à cette lacune, le gouvernement marocain, en collaboration avec le ministère de la Transition numérique, le Fonds Mohammed VI pour l’investissement et la Caisse de dépôt et de gestion, lance un nouveau mécanisme de financement spécifiquement dédié aux start-up. L'objectif est de stimuler l'investissement dans les start-up marocaines et de garantir un financement continu tout au long de leur développement.

Ce nouveau mécanisme intervient dans un contexte où le besoin de capital-amorçage et de capital-risque pour les start-up est crucial, mais souvent insuffisamment comblé.

L’an dernier, en Afrique, les investissements dans les start-up ont baissé de 46% par rapport à 2022 avec un total de près de 3,5 milliards de dollars, principalement captés par l’Afrique du Sud, Le Nigeria et l’Egypte. Le Maroc se hisse à la 5 e position de ce classement, un chiffre déjà gonflé car comptant la levée de fonds de CashPlus qui n’est pas une start up.

Le Fonds Mohammed VI pour l’investissement prévoit également d'investir massivement dans les années à venir, avec un plan ambitieux visant à mobiliser 120 milliards de dirhams sur la période 2023-2026. Ces investissements sont alignés sur les priorités nationales et visent à soutenir des projets stratégiques dans des secteurs clés tels que l'énergie, l'alimentation et l'eau.

En résumé, cette initiative reflète la volonté du Maroc de dynamiser son écosystème entrepreneurial, d'encourager l'innovation et de stimuler la croissance économique. Toutefois, il reste à voir si le gouvernement saura tirer les leçons des échecs passés, notamment celui d’INTILAKA, et s'assurer de disposer de l'expertise nécessaire pour mener à bien cette initiative.

Younes 🛏 Louafy

Dans mes derniers posts, j'ai parlé du Fond Mohammed VI (FM6I) pour l'investissement. Ce fond est ce qu'on appelle un "Private Equity" qui va offrir de nouvelles possibilités de financement par fonds propres aux entreprises marocaines. Mais qu'est-ce un "Private Equity"?



Voici tout ce que vous devez savoir sur le Private Equity:

🔹 Comment fonctionne une société de Private Equity

🔹 Stratégies d'investissement des sociétés de Private Equity

🔹 Stratégies de sortie du Private Equity

🔹 Sources de création de valeur dans le Private Equity

🔹 Risques potentiels liés à l'investissement dans des fonds de Private Equity

Source The Valuation School

Everything_about_Private_equity

Today marks a significant day, the birthday of my son. It serves as a reminder of the commitment I made to embark on my entrepreneurial journey.




Reflecting on my life's journey, I've followed a distinct path:

From my academic years to graduation, the focus was on relentless learning, mastering the fundamentals of various disciplines, and cultivating the ability to continually learn.

Entering my professional until my thirties, it was about dedicating myself fully to my career, absorbing knowledge tirelessly, and embracing every opportunity without constraints.

Beyond thirty, the focus shifted to giving back, returning to my roots, cherishing family time, and nurturing the next generation.

I owe much of my upbringing and values to my parents, who prioritized my education and instilled in me the aspiration to surpass their achievements. Their mantra echoes in my purpose: to guide my children toward becoming better versions of myself.

Leading by example, I ventured into entrepreneurship, driven by the desire to inspire my children to fearlessly pursue their dreams. I couldn't bear the thought of not trying and later facing my son's questioning gaze, asking why I didn't dare to chase my aspirations.

The outcome of my journey with HALE remains uncertain, as with any entrepreneurial pursuit. Yet, I'm accustomed to defying odds and achieving what seemed improbable. As I embark on this endeavor, I affirm my commitment to make HALE the KING of the bedding industry.

Happy birthday, Isaac! Today, I celebrate not just your birth but the courage to embrace the unknown and strive for greatness.

Human beings possess an extraordinary ability often overlooked: the power to adapt and change.


As entrepreneurs, we confront challenges that demand skills we may not naturally excel in. For me, these hurdles boiled down to three key areas:

1) Selling: The daunting task of reaching out to potential clients or reviving lost leads would often leave me paralyzed with hesitation.

2) Communication: As an introvert, the mere thought of writing or public speaking drained me of energy.

3)Fundraising: Though adept at crafting strategic plans, the prospect of pitching investors was entirely foreign to me.

Yet, entrepreneurship thrusts us into situations akin to near-death experiences. Faced with the abyss, we're left with a stark choice: evolve or perish.

Change thrives in discomfort. Growth demands more than routine; it requires high-intensity intervals, much like the athlete's sprinting sessions that drive improvement.

Reflecting on my journey, I've learned that true greatness emerges from discomfort. Only through perseverance and relentless effort can we transform dreams into reality.

So, if you harbor aspirations, be prepared to weather the storms of adversity on your path to fulfillment.

Special thanks to Roberto Ferraro for the art illustration.

Nous vivons dans un monde obsédé par la gratification immédiate, où il est facile de se laisser emporter par le tumulte du moment présent. 

Mais la véritable clé pour se démarquer, pour surpasser 99% des autres, réside dans l'adoption d'une mentalité à long terme et dans une action cohérente. Voici un résumé succinct pour y parvenir :

Objectifs : Décennies

Identifiez votre mission globale - l'impact que vous souhaitez avoir sur le monde. Pour moi, c'est contribuer au développement économique de mon pays. N'oubliez pas, aider les autres conduit souvent au succès personnel.

Stratégie : Annuelle

Élaborez chaque année une stratégie en phase avec votre mission à long terme. J'utilise la méthode “Wheel Of Life” pour guider ma planification stratégique. Il s'agit de se rapprocher progressivement de son but. [Lien n°1 en commentaire]

Tactiques : Trimestrielles

Revoyez, peaufinez et exécutez des tactiques chaque trimestre qui soutiennent votre stratégie annuelle. Concentrez-vous sur les 20 % d'actions qui produisent 80 % des résultats.

Effort : Quotidien

Le travail quotidien transforme la vision en réalité. Engagez-vous quotidiennement dans des actions non négociables, pour moi par exemple c’est faire de HALE la marque de référence en matière de literie de qualité. Utilisez des outils comme Google Calendar pour vous assurer que les efforts quotidiens sont alignés sur votre mission. [Lien n°2 en commentaire]

Conclusion

Le succès ne réside pas dans l'acharnement aveugle ; il repose sur un travail discipliné et structuré. Rêvez grand, mais élaborez des plans étape par étape pour réaliser ces rêves. Restez dédié à votre mission avec une approche organisée.

Continuez à avancer avec détermination et engagement. Votre parcours peut comporter des défis, mais rappelez-vous que c'est l'approche structurée qui vous propulse vers la grandeur.

In my 7+ years of ecommerce, I've learned a lot about building a profitable business. But how to go about that without external funding? Here are three key steps that have helped my brand, HALE, navigate this challenge:




1) Build your unit economics:

Start by understanding every cost and revenue line item to ensure profitability. Need help? Check out my detailed comments on this post: https://lnkd.in/eW8YDUHj

2) Work around the Meta tax:

Small businesses can't rely solely on Meta platforms for growth. Try these strategies instead:

→ Capture demand vs. discovery: Target niche keywords for your product and optimize your landing page for high conversions. Have a chat with Haris Ertsos 😎 to learn more.

→ Leverage organic UGC content: Explore Lachezar Voynov framework to engineer UGC creatives that have the potential to go viral. https://lnkd.in/exRqddgW

→ Build a community: Connect with your customers by sharing your founder story and values. Learn from Joanna Williams on the power of community building.


→ Build a brand: The brand is the MOAT. This is will be your profit making machine. For me what Sean Riley have done with DUDE Wipes is the best in class example of this concept. If you want to learn more about how to "reverse engineer" how to build a brand than you must follow Preston 🩳 Rutherford.

3) Build a test process with feedback loop: Continuously test, analyze, and iterate for growth. Here's how:

→ Analyze your competition: Learn from your competitors' successes and failures.

→ Identify customer pain points: Listen to your customers on platforms like Reddit, Quora, and Trustpilot to understand their needs.

→ Zero-party data: Use tools like Formtoro to gather valuable insights directly from your customers and optimize your marketing strategy accordingly. Follow 🏌🏼‍♂️Jon Ivanco for more insights.

Implementing any of these strategies can yield positive results for your business. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance. Happy Monday!

Greatness stems not from intelligence but from character, forged in the crucible of suffering. 

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's testament to the paramount importance of resilience resonates deeply, affirming its pivotal role in overcoming trials and tribulations. Reflecting on my own path, I've encountered numerous setbacks, each serving as a crucible for growth.

1- Oil & Gas market crash in 2014

Upon assuming my role at the tender age of 22, the oil market plunged from $140 per barrel to a mere $25. While many feared for their livelihoods, I perceived this upheaval as an opportunity to accelerate our innovation agenda. Repurposing neglected prototypes, once dismissed as failures, we transformed them into indispensable assets, steering the company through the turbulent times unscathed. This strategic maneuver shielded my OPCO from the looming specter of layoffs but also resulted in a yearly bonus.

2- Jumia’s near bankruptcy in 2020

In 2019, a similar saga unfolded at Jumia. Our shares plummeted from a lofty post-IPO pinnacle of $43 to a mere $2.9 in Q1 2020.

I proposed a radical shift in our approach: a horizontal analysis of the profit and loss statement, with a granular breakdown of costs for each revenue stream—a watershed moment in our understanding of unit economics.

Then came the onset of COVID-19, and every passing month felt like a battle for survival. I recall toiling relentlessly, working 16-hour days to shoulder the weight of new responsibilities thrust upon me. By February 2021, our shares had rebounded to reach a zenith of $65 each.

3- HALE expansion to the US Market

Having achieved profitability in Morocco, I ventured to conquer the elusive treasure trove of my niche market: the United States. Yet, this endeavor proved far more arduous than anticipated. Why? Once again, I found myself underestimating the formidable challenge of propelling a direct-to-consumer brand to prominence in a new domain.

The sting of defeat was palpable, despite possessing all the ingredients for triumph: a stellar partner to aid in website design, an impeccable product, and a savvy strategy leveraging Meta and Google to attract customers. However, the harsh reality of the business world soon became apparent: cash flow reigns supreme.

Indeed, financial resources are paramount in this digital age. The algorithms of Meta and Google, far from being true artificial intelligences, rely on repetitive iterations and brute force tactics to optimize models—a process requiring ample data acquisition. In simpler terms, it's akin to a blind marksman armed with an abundance of ammunition: eventually, persistence yields accuracy, guiding the trajectory of success.

As I pen these words on a serene Sunday morning, I find myself immersed in the entrepreneur's paradox: a blend of intense tribulation and an unwavering determination to weather the storm.

My sincerest congratulations to Roberto Ferraro for his splendid artistic illustration.

The modern world has been used to hollow promises and superficial branding. But Authenticity stands as the cornerstone of both my character and my brand ethos. Indeed, within HALE, the very essence of authenticity is encapsulated in the letter "A."

Take a moment to observe our logo - the crown positioned deliberately atop the "A" is more than a mere design choice; it serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to transparency and truth. 

The bedding industry, unfortunately, has devolved into a relentless race to the bottom. Amidst a sea of soulless, mass-produced products lining the shelves of big-box retailers, the concept of quality has been grievously undermined. Cost-cutting measures have ravaged the market, resulting in a commodification of bedding goods.

In response, startup brands, adorned with flashy logos and catchy slogans, have emerged, armed with substantial (VC) venture capital and cloaked in the guise of disruption. Yet, despite their claims, they all share one common thread - deception and misleading marketing tactics.

Many of these direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands tout exorbitant mark-ups ($200-$300) on subpar $30 sheets, all in a bid to finance their relentless descent into mediocrity. (Hint: Meta is the victor; one never triumphs against the house.)

Don't take my word for it - read their 1-star reviews. Or even worse, buy them, be disappointed and throw them away after 2 years.

Perhaps you've pondered the enduring allure of your grandmother's linens - smooth, silky, and timeless, still gracing her bed to this day. Luxury linens, much like Louis Vuitton handbags, often boast astronomical price tags. A dreamy king-size set of Frette's "Ultimate Sheet Set" can set its purchaser back $4,050.

With HALE, however, we offer unparalleled quality at a fraction of the cost - $329 ($289 with our opt-in discount code). How do we achieve this?

Through:

→ A consumer-to-manufacturer (C2M) approach
→ Regional integration, unlocking savings as we source and craft locally
→ Strong Unit Economics
→ Feedback loop system to optimize every step of the value chain
→ Unlocking the economies of scale.

Furthermore, we proudly stand behind our product with a genuine one-year warranty and provide all requisite certificates to substantiate the quality of our offering.

So, if you're in pursuit of the world's finest Egyptian cotton sheets, look no further than www.halebedding.com.

I am personally committed to addressing any inquiries or concerns via direct message.

Wishing you a splendid Friday ahead!

Managing time as a founder presents one of the toughest challenges you'll encounter. I've shared numerous strategies to improve time management, but they all have limitations.



Here's a summary of three effective time management principles:

→ Utilize your calendar to forecast your work.
→ Delegate effectively through specification, training, and monitoring.
→ Batch similar tasks to optimize brain energy.

But what happens when your calendar fills up like this?

The fallacy lies in believing that optimization alone can solve all your problems. Contrary to popular belief, volume often matters more than efficiency to some extent. There's no hack in the system; you must build intensity, focus, and resilience to navigate peak work periods.

As an entrepreneur, you'll encounter additional challenges:

→ You can't delegate without the means to hire people.
→ You can't delegate tasks you don't understand.
→ You can't automate without experiencing the pain of manual tasks.

The key is to learn how to replenish your energy. The hardest part is doing it within the same day.

Honestly, I'm still mastering this skill, but here are some tactics that have worked for me:

→ Go for a run or walk to maintain physical health.
→ Take a nap to recharge within the same day.
→ Spend time with my child to boost positivity and motivation.
→ Connect with family or friends by calling them.
→ Engage in prayer or meditation as a reminder of life's trials.

During this period, my "advisory board" of close friends plays a crucial role in addressing my blind spots and suggesting new approaches to the challenges I face.

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively and replenish your energy? Share your insights in the comments !

Today marks a pivotal moment where the commitment to daily LinkedIn posting nearly faltered. Amidst the trials of recent weeks, I've found myself facing the most formidable challenges of my entrepreneurial journey.

My life has followed a pattern of three-year cycles, where adversity ignites a torrent of disruptive ideas. Yet, with this surge of creativity comes a relentless need to capture, plan, and execute before momentum wanes. Sleep becomes a luxury as I grapple with a symphony of chaos within my mind. The gif bellow is the closest illustration I found that could describe what it looks like.

Entrepreneurship, I've often likened to fractional running—rather than a normal marathon there will be moments where you need to sprint. I'm propelled forward at full throttle, though not without its side effects. Emotional turbulence, irritability, and moments of lost composure punctuate this intense journey.

So, why push to post today, despite the temptation to ease up? A break in momentum risks unraveling the intricate tapestry I've woven over three years. Like a rocket hurtling through space, any loss of momentum could prove catastrophic.

In this state, boundless optimism reigns supreme, infusing every aspect of my being. Physical feats mirror the fervor of my mind—running at peak speeds and finding solace in the discipline of Ramadan.

Recording voice notes replaces written tasks as I accelerate, propelled by a newfound clarity of purpose. Every idea, every move meticulously planned and executed with the precision of a seasoned strategist. Creativity soars to unprecedented heights, productivity peaks, and exhaustion becomes a badge of honor.

I refuse to regress to mediocrity. It's breakthrough or bust— Wish me luck!

Not all customers are equal. In the intricate dance of commerce, some wield greater influence than others. These are the VIP customers, the select few who drive profitability and shape the destiny of a brand.


In my observations, catering excessively to bargain-hunting customers often leads to a precarious path. Their appetite for discounts and demands for special treatment can strain profit margins and erode long-term sustainability. It's a slippery slope where concessions breed entitlement, and the brand becomes a mere commodity.


In stark contrast, VIP customers are the guardians of a brand's prosperity. They value quality over discounts, offering invaluable feedback and championing the brand through word of mouth. Their insights illuminate blind spots, guiding the brand towards refinement and expansion.


VIP customers are not merely patrons; they are the bedrock upon which a brand's fortress is built. Their loyalty transcends transactions, fostering a community bound by shared values and experiences. Nurturing this elite cohort is essential for sustainable growth and resilience in a competitive landscape.


To cultivate VIP customers, brands must extend gestures of appreciation and exclusivity. By empowering them as ambassadors and community leaders, brands forge deeper connections and unlock new avenues for growth. It's an investment in loyalty that pays dividends far beyond the balance sheet.

So, as stewards of our brands, let us heed the wisdom of prioritizing VIP customers. They are not merely consumers but torchbearers illuminating the path to enduring success.

Vous avez l'idée révolutionnaire, mais les fonds vous manquent pour la concrétiser ? Découvrez comment lever des fonds et donner un coup d'accélérateur à votre start-up


avec le guide incontournable de Y-Combinator !

Un incontournable, un guide complet pour les fondateurs cherchant à lever des fonds d'amorçage pour leurs start-ups. Il répond à toutes vos questions, telles que:

→ Pourquoi Lever de l'Argent?

→ Quand Lever de l'Argent et Combien Lever?

→ Options de Financement: Dette Convertible, Actions Privilégiées, Actions Sûres

→ Valorisation: Quelle est la valeur de mon entreprise?

→ Capital Risque ou Investisseurs Business Angels: Quelle option de financement est la meilleure pour les start-ups et pourquoi?

→ Comment rencontrer et encourager l'intérêt des investisseurs?

→ Le financement participatif est-il une option viable pour la levée de fonds des start-ups, et pourquoi?

→ Quels éléments clés les entrepreneurs doivent-ils garder à l'esprit lors de la préparation des réunions avec les investisseurs?

→ Comment les entrepreneurs peuvent-ils négocier efficacement la valorisation et les termes avec les investisseurs?

→ Quels documents sont cruciaux pour les entrepreneurs à fournir lors de la due diligence pour sécuriser l'investissement?

→ Ce qu'il ne faut pas faire lors de la communication avec les investisseurs.

Sources: Y-Combinator et les Essais de Paul Graham

Si vous trouvez cela utile - veuillez aimer, commenter et partager pour que cela atteigne les fondateurs qui cherchent actuellement à lever des fonds.

Y-Combinator Guide To Seed Fundraising

What does Elon Musk, Michelle Obama, Friederich Nietzsche and Christopher Nolan have in common? And why is this crucial for your success as an entrepreneur…


We all share the same personality type – INTJs. One of 16 Personality types.

Known as the Architects, INTJs possess traits of introversion, intuition, thinking, and judging, fueling a relentless pursuit of intellectual growth and creative innovation.

Understanding oneself is paramount, as articulated in the 6th century BC Sun Tzu’s timeless wisdom: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.” 

As an entrepreneur your enemy may be : your ego, the industry practice, a big Goliath trillion dollar monopoly in the same segment, time, money,...

So to win the battle you MUST know yourself. 

At my university I was lucky to attend the Sociology module animated by Professor Linda Gardelle. This module has changed my life as I started self-learning journey with the enneagram personality test, revealing my innate traits as an Active Controller. 

I was shocked by this discovery as I did not believe I had any charisma or leadership. But that was the beginning of a journey to learn about myself.

For my first job, I interviewed at TotalEnergies. As part of the interview process I had an interview with a consulting firm specializing in dissecting personality types. This is where I learned I was an INTJ. 

You may wonder why one of the Major 4 Oil and Gas companies run an expensive profiling for their interviewers? Because when you work for Total they invest in you for a decade. And they want to make sure that you remain for another two decades to get their ROI.

Funny enough, during my  first performance review with my manager at Fugro he took a wheel with four colors from his pocket:

“Younes, which color do you think best matches you?”

“ I have no clue” (my alarm bell shouted "it's a trap!")

“I think you are FIERY RED: could you please read it out”

“Sure: so Competitive, Demanding, Determined, Strong-Willed and Purposeful. Hum yeah I can relate to that.”

“Ok so you see this is you on a good day”. Then he flips the small carton circle. “Now this is you on a bad day: Aggressive, Controlling, Driving, Overbearing and Intolerant”

Me: “ Grins in awkward silence…”

This has been and continues to be one of my greatest assets no matter how hard the enemy or the challenge I’m facing.

As I strive to establish HALE as the pinnacle of the bedding industry, I confront formidable foes – from soulless competitors, Luxury brands with ridiculous mark-ups to deceptive VC-backed ventures. Yet, armed with self-knowledge, I forge ahead undeterred. 

So, I ask you: What's your preferred personality test? Who is your adversary in the pursuit of your entrepreneurial dreams? Let me know in the comments!

The guide to knowing yourself

Les amis, arrêtez de vous focaliser sur l'idée de votre startup




Au lieu de cela, concentrez-vous sur le problème.

Si vous êtes trop concentré sur votre "idée" ou votre solution, vous risquez de passer à côté d'enseignements importants sur la manière dont vous devriez itérer sur cette idée initiale.

La réalité est que vous allez probablement pivoter sur votre idée initiale plusieurs fois.

On me demande souvent comment j'ai eu l'idée de HALE.

Et honnêtement, c'était ainsi que je pensais autrefois que les entreprises devaient être lancées.

Vous avez ce moment "aha" à propos d'une idée et d'une solution.

Mais maintenant, j'ai inversé ma réflexion à ce sujet.

Tout ce que je sais, c'est que nous nous concentrons sur la résolution d'un problème énorme et douloureux.

Le problème que nous résolvons : lutter contre les pratiques éthiquement douteuses dans la catégorie du linge de lit, telles que le marketing trompeur et les marges bénéficiaires exorbitantes, en offrant aux clients la possibilité de dormir dans les meilleurs draps en coton égyptien au monde.

C'est un énorme problème, vieux de plusieurs décennies, pour les dormeurs. Avec la course à la baisse dans la catégorie du linge de lit et les pratiques trompeuses et les prix exagérés, les consommateurs recherchent désormais activement des solutions pour améliorer leur sommeil. 

C'est là qu'intervient HALE. Et même si nous proposons des draps en coton égyptien de la plus haute qualité, nous continuons à nous ancrer dans le problème fondamental du sommeil pour offrir une expérience de sommeil incomparable.

La réalité est que vous allez recevoir des retours, itérer, évoluer et même pivoter en tant que solution.

Mais si vous vous concentrez sur un problème suffisamment important et écoutez les clients à propos de cette douleur, vous savez que vous êtes sur la bonne voie.

In the pursuit of self-improvement, one must embrace a philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return. 


This ethos has guided my quest to evolve into a better version of myself each day, propelling me through the three invaluable stages of learning.

1) Reading:

Delving into the vast realm of literature has been my cornerstone for growth. My library brims with volumes on management strategies, biographies of titans, and technical manuals illuminating fields of interest. Through reading, I've honed my strategic acumen, refined my managerial skills, and confronted the stark realities of entrepreneurship with eyes wide open.

2) Doing

Theory alone is insufficient; practical application is paramount. Consider the case of titanium sensors in offshore oil and gas exploration. The theory suggested immunity to corrosion, yet real-world challenges in ultra-deep waters revealed a different truth. It's in the act of doing—of confronting challenges head-on—that true mastery is achieved.

Or when Oppenheimer said that atomic fission was impossible and worked out a proof of why it's the case. While Lawrence and his team, ventured into the laboratory, recreating experiments and capturing the elusive energy on an oscilloscope. Through hands-on experimentation, they shattered preconceptions and unlocked new realms of understanding.

3) Teaching

The pinnacle of knowledge attainment lies in the act of teaching. When tasked with crafting a training program on a subject I believed I had mastered, I was humbled. Teaching demanded a depth of understanding beyond mere familiarity, compelling me to digest complex concepts and respond to probing inquiries. Through teaching, one not only imparts knowledge but solidifies their own comprehension, experiencing profound fulfillment as students flourish under their guidance.

Let us embrace these stages of learning as we navigate the endless pursuit of growth and enlightenment. May our journey be as enriching as it is rewarding.

Special thanks to Roberto Ferraro for the captivating illustration.

Entrepreneurship, with all its allure, often comes hand in hand with solitude. For those observing from the sidelines—friends, family—supporting an aspiring entrepreneur might seem like an enigma.



The solution, however, is remarkably straightforward: purchase their product. But, crucially, refrain from seeking discounts or freebies. Every business transaction entails a cost.

Better yet, pay full price and offer genuine, unfiltered feedback. Champion their venture by sharing positive reviews and endorsing their offerings through word of mouth whenever the opportunity arises.

If direct purchase isn't feasible, simply engage with their social media platforms. A like or a share costs nothing but speaks volumes in encouragement.

Yet, it's disheartening to witness how few are willing to extend even this modest support. Understandably so, as one can never fully grasp the trials of entrepreneurship until they walk that path themselves.

Therefore, resist the urge to undermine their efforts with doubts or unsolicited advice. Instead, foster an environment of encouragement and understanding. For in the realm of entrepreneurship, a supportive network can make all the difference between thriving and faltering.

Our world is filled with mediocrity, this is why the power of passion is a must to rise above the noise. 


Passion, my friends, is the fuel that propels us beyond the ordinary, driving us to push boundaries and conquer challenges.


During the whirlwind years spanning 2018 to March 2020, I found myself traversing the globe, from the vibrant streets of Dubai to the bustling markets of Nigeria, the ancient wonders of Egypt, the lush landscapes of Kenya, and the enchanting allure of Morocco. Amidst the chaos of jet lag and endless flights, I often found myself yearning for respite, craving the solace of restful sleep.


As a staunch advocate for productivity, I understand the pivotal role quality sleep plays in fostering peak performance. Without it, we risk succumbing to the shadows of fatigue, our emotions teetering on the edge of control.


Enter HALE—not merely a product, but a solution forged from the crucible of necessity. Born from the throes of insomnia and the relentless pursuit of restful slumber, HALE stands as a beacon of hope for weary souls seeking refuge in the embrace of tranquility.


If sleep eludes you, dear reader, I implore you to consider our sheets. While I cannot promise a panacea for your woes, I can attest to their transformative potential.

It bemuses me to witness the fervor with which individuals lavish exorbitant sums on fleeting luxuries—be it designer bags, opulent timepieces, or lavish footwear—while neglecting the very foundation of their well-being. For what is life, if not a tapestry woven from the fabric of our dreams?


And yes, our sheets may bear a price tag that gives pause, for they are unrivaled in quality, akin to the artisanal craftsmanship of their Italian counterparts fetching sums that defy logic. 

But therein lies the paradox of value: to those who understand, no explanation is necessary; to those who do not, no explanation will suffice.

Do you want to experience ultra-luxury like when you sleep in top 5-star hotels in Vegas?



Imagine that supreme comfort becoming part of your daily routine.
I made that dream a reality with HALE Bedding - the world's finest bed sheets.

- 100% authentic Giza 86 cotton sourced from the river Nile
- 600 thread count with long-fiber, extra-long staple, single-ply thread
- Made in Morocco by artisans using their hand-embroidery skills
- Non-toxic, organic, skin-friendly, breathable fabric (OEKO-100 Standard Certification)

So if you're ready to upgrade from inexpensive, low-quality bed sheets that underperform, take a look at our website: https://bit.ly/3U0fHYW

P.S. We have a 10 year warranty and money-back guarantee, if HALE isn’t the best sleep of your life, we offer a full refund

Today, I made a conscious decision to embrace the power of strategic rest—a deliberate pause amidst the whirlwind of activity.


In recent weeks, the pace of life has been relentless, leaving me grappling with the elusive concept of time. Yet, this morning, I surprised my wife by opting for a leisurely morning, indulging in the luxury of a "grasse matinée".

As I reflect on this choice, I am reminded of the wisdom of the cheetah. In the anticipation of upcoming Eid holidays, where operations come to a halt, why not seize this opportunity to recalibrate and rejuvenate?

In the tranquility of this moment, I pose questions that often go unanswered in the frenzy of daily life:

- What alternate approaches could yield better results?
- How might I leverage my resources more effectively?
- Are there overlooked opportunities that hold the key to success?

By stepping back, I invite the possibility of fresh perspectives and novel solutions. It is in this spaciousness of mind that breakthroughs are born and fortunes are forged.

As we embark on the second quarter, let us embrace the ethos of renewal and resilience. May it be a time of growth, discovery, and prosperity.

To those celebrating the end of Ramadan, Eid Mubarak. May this occasion be filled with joy, reflection, and abundant blessings.

Taplio

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