The luxury industry in Africa is still in its infancy, but it exists and is beginning to become visible. It is to accelerate development that LaureenKouassi-Olsson, a French-Ivorian entrepreneur, launches Birimian, an investment company focusing on African and Afro-luxury European.
“One of the reasons for Yves Saint-Laurent’s success was the association between Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who was actually the head of the brand.” LaureenKouassi-Olsson is convinced of this: behind every designer is a talented strategist or manager. And she intends to provide African designers with what they often lack. That is, the operational forces.
“So we identify the profiles that may correspond to the problems of administrative and financial management. But above all, there must be a good chemistry between the creator, his vision and the person who will support him when it comes to the boss. And we stand behind it to strengthen its management capacity. ”
Birimian does not only suggest hiring managers. Yeba Olaye was seduced by the global project proposed by Laureen Kouassi-Olsson. This Belgian-Beninese designer founded a luxury leather goods company, Yeba. The company has been around since 2015 and it only signed an agreement with the investment company.
“They will not necessarily enter the capital, but they will make funds available in the form of loans. And at the same time, they will support us in various programs that help strengthen the marketing and sales strategy. We will prepare the brand and see if it will have been able to grow with all available tools over a certain period of time. And only then do we get into a real discussion about shares in stocks. But what I liked about how Laureeen approached me is that she respects the fact that my brand is still young and must not rush. “
Human resources, financial resources, Birimian strives to be a “patient” investment company. No quick return on the funds attached, but above all a long-term partnership. Birimian also has the ambition to promote a sector that is still in its infancy in Africa, that of exclusive, even luxury, whether it is fashion, leather goods or beauty. LaureenKouassi-Olsson.
“We try to understand the creative universe of these brands. What are the sources of inspiration, the messages that are conveyed through the identity and DNA of these companies. This is very important, because all the brands that we want to gather around Birimian must be united around our values, which are: aesthetics, tradition, heritage, creativity and excellence. ”
Birimian, which has a few million dollars, wants to be able to collect about 20 at the end of the year. And support at least ten companies in Africa and Europe.
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