Rémi Grandjean: 25 years old and a young entrepreneur

20 January 2025 Portraits / Podcasts

In 2021, while still a student, Rémi Grandjean (PGE 2023) founded Slidocks with Gautier Tubert (PGE 2023) and Arthur Privat (MSc Entrepreneuriat 2023): a brand of flip-flops and matching socks. Rémi explains the key stages in his journey from school to incubator to entrepreneurship.

TBS Education: a springboard for entrepreneurship

Rémi chose to join the Master in Management at TBS Education for several reasons, including the possibility of benefiting from international university partnerships, the double degree and access to TBSeeds, the school's incubator.

"The support provided by the incubator and especially by our coaches was a real help and time saver."

During her studies, the entrepreneurship specialization played a decisive role in her career. The support of her coaches and the opportunities offered by the TBSeeds incubator enabled her to turn her ideas into reality and set up her own company with her classmates: Slidocks.

Alumni play a crucial role in the growth of Slidocks

Slidocks, was born from a simple observation: the long-criticized fashion of sock flip-flops has become a style icon in 2023.

During their entrepreneurship specialization, they came up with the idea of revisiting this trend for a school project, adding their own personal touch and drawing inspiration from eco-responsible concepts such as La Vie est Belt.

Launching Slidocks required an intensive apprenticeship. Rémi spent several months sourcing suppliers, designing prototypes and forging strategic partnerships.

The encounter with the Atale association, headed by two TBS Education graduates, Marie-Claude Augier (PGE 1965) and Claudine Manterola (PGE 1977), was decisive for the Slidocks team.

They played a crucial role in the project's development, sharing their network and enabling them to make strategic meetings, while providing invaluable advice on the entrepreneurial side.

“We are extremely grateful to Marie-Claude Augier and Claudine Manterola. Their support has been essential in helping us move forward.”

Today, Slidocks has two main focuses:

B2C: with direct sales of matching flip-flops and socks, with an ergonomic design including an orthopedic sole and adjustable Velcro fasteners for optimum comfort.

B2B: with the manufacture and personalization of objects for companies, thanks to a rich catalog of over 80,000 references.

TBSeeds, invaluable support

TBS Education's TBSeeds incubator is a real lever for young entrepreneurs.

The premises are designed to encourage collaboration between project leaders, while the incubator's professional network opens up unique opportunities for partnerships and mentoring.

"It's a complete incubator, with qualified coaches, superb premises and facilities. It's exactly what young entrepreneurs need."

The coaches, who often come from the world of business or entrepreneurship, share their experience and guide young talent in areas such as management, marketing, or even fundraising. These interactions enable the incubatees to gain confidence and face challenges with serenity.

Having since left the incubator, Rémi retains links with the team and in particular Joëlle Laine, a key figure who continues to inspire and support former incubatees.

Advice to students and alumni

According to Rémi Grandjean, the network is an invaluable asset for any budding entrepreneur. He urges students and alumni to multiply their networking opportunities, as each interaction can open unexpected doors.

"When you meet someone, you never know who you're dealing with. Take advantage of the TBS Education network and don't hesitate to ask for help."

At the same time, he stresses the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Failure is not an end in itself, but a step towards success.