Who are you? What is your background? 

After completing a scientific baccalaureate, I pursued a two-year preparatory programme and then gained admission the EDHEC Business School. 
During my studies at EDHEC, I joined the Global Economic Transformation & Technology (GETT) programme, which deepened my interest in impact entrepreneurship.

Both my experience as CEO’s right hand and my experience at Amazon, where I launched a B2C marketplace exclusively for French-based startups and created a training programme for them, gave me an extensive overview of the entrepreneurship world.

Eager to expand my horizons further, I then joined Rocket Bike, an association that aims at interviewing entrepreneurs all around the world while traveling by bike. Within this organisation,   I co-founded a South American project, which led me to bicycle for 6 months across Chile and Bolivia, and to interview and learn from 56 local entrepreneurs.

My passion for impact entrepreneurship has been the driving force behind my endeavors. And it  is this passion that led me to found GlobeSisters, a venture where I can leverage my skills, knowledge, and interests to create a positive impact on the world.

You created GlobeSisters. Could you tell us about the genesis of this project? How did you come up with this idea?

GlobeSisters was born out of my passion for traveling and local adventures. Two years ago, I decided to embark on a bicycle trip in South America to work for a nonprofit association promoting entrepreneurship. During my trip, I was eager to experience homestays and meet local  people. However, I had a concerning experience with one of my male hosts, which made me feel   unsafe and very uncomfortable.

After talking with friends, family, and other women I met while traveling, I realised that I was not alone in this problem. Many women face similar issues while using homestay solutions or other accommodations, and as a result, many aspiring female solo travelers are hesitant to pursue their dreams. This realisation led me to the idea of creating a platform that offers a safe and supportive community for women travelers.

With GlobeSisters, we aim to empower women to travel the world confidently and safely, connecting them with a network of like-minded women and trusted hosts who prioritise their safety and comfort. Our platform offers a unique blend of travel inspiration, social networking, and accommodation solutions that cater to the specific needs and preferences of female travelers.

How long did it take to turn the idea into a live project?

After conceiving the idea for GlobeSisters during my South American trip, I spent a lot of time thinking about it. When I arrived at Berkeley for my last year of study, I started exploring the concept further. Some of my teammates found the idea compelling, and we decided to use it as the basis for our master's thesis at EDHEC.

We spent several months analysing the market and assessing the feasibility of the project before deciding to move forward with development. During the first semester of our time at Berkeley, we participated in the STeP incubator programme, which allowed us to deeply refine our business model.

In the second semester, we started testing the idea and developing our first minimum viable product (MVP). By the end of the school year, we had already contacted potential partners and decided to devote ourselves full-time to the project. So overall, it took us about a year to turn the initial idea into a live project while we were studying at the same time.

Could you describe the business?

GlobeSisters is a travel tech company that makes immersive travel accessible to women. Our mobile app connects ID-checked women travelers with local hosts in the area where they are traveling.

Our primary focus is on providing safe home-sharing experiences for female travelers. By connecting them with trusted local residents, who can host them for a short period of time (usually 2-4 nights), we aim to empower women to travel by providing them with reliable accommodation solutions.

GlobeSisters is more than just an accommodation platform; we're a community for women travelers. In addition to connecting female travelers with safe and reliable home-sharing experiences, we organise meetups all over the world where women can share recommendations and ask questions about their next trip.

Our goal is to provide women with the tools they need to jump into the adventure and connect with like-minded women along the way. Through our platform, women can feel supported and empowered as they explore new destinations and make meaningful connections with locals and   fellow travelers.

In the long term, our goal is to build a complete ecosystem of safe services for women who travel solo. This includes a variety of accommodations, activities, restaurants, insurance, and transportation options. We believe that our platform can help women feel more confident and comfortable exploring the world, while also providing a way for them to connect with like- minded travelers and locals.

 
How do you divide your roles with the team? 

We started focusing on the project full-time with 2 other founders. One oversees the development   of the mobile app, the other is in charge of the Financials and the Operations, while I am in charge of the Marketing, UX/UI of the App and of Networking with potential investors.
We are also lucky enough to be helped by some smart UC Berkeley students on various topics.

You are still at Berkeley Haas School of Business. What services do you benefit of? How were you allowed to stay? 

During my time at the Berkeley Haas School of Business, I wholeheartedly embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and made the most of the available services and resources. I actively engaged in conferences and competitions that specifically catered to startups, eagerly absorbing insights from industry leaders. Recognising the wealth of hidden resources within Berkeley, I sought out opportunities that aligned with my entrepreneurial aspirations.

Furthermore, my team and I were privileged to be accepted into the Berkeley SkyDeck incubator.   By showcasing the potential of GlobeSisters, we gained access to invaluable mentorship, resources, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs. This pivotal opportunity propelled the growth of our venture and equipped us with the guidance necessary to build a community, test our product and launch it!

In terms of our stay in the US, we proactively navigated the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa programme, satisfying the eligibility requirements by completing a minimum of two semesters  of study in the country. This achievement allowed us to extend our stay for up to one year, empowering us to fully immerse ourselves in the American startup ecosystem and capitalise on the diverse opportunities available within the UC Berkeley community and beyond.

Overall, I firmly believe that Berkeley presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through actively pursuing and embracing these opportunities, we successfully turned our dreams into a reality with GlobeSisters. If you have a genuine interest in entrepreneurship, I highly encourage you to consider this opportunity. Feel free to contact me for further information or assistance—I am more than willing to help!

How did the GETT program prepare you to create this activity?

The GETT programme has been truly transformative for me, expanding my horizons and strengthening my entrepreneurial spirit. Immersing myself in the vibrant landscapes of Paris, Seoul, and the Silicon Valley, I gained exposure to diverse cultures that directly influenced the development of GlobeSisters. Our mission of creating a comfortable and inclusive platform for hosts and travelers from around the world was greatly supported by the insights and experiences I gained through the programme.

The programme's emphasis on innovation and its diverse range of subjects allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in crucial areas that are integral to my business, including finance, venture
 
capital, global marketing, and digital marketing… It offered invaluable resources and opportunities for learning, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship. Being in Berkeley and being part of the programme allowed me to maximize my learning and take full advantage of the resources available.

Overall, the GETT programme has played a pivotal role in my entrepreneurial journey, equipping me with the necessary tools and mindset to navigate the complex entrepreneurial landscape. It has been instrumental in turning the vision of GlobeSisters into a reality and has provided me with the knowledge and network to successfully create and manage my own business.

What’s next?

We have some thrilling news to unveil! First, we are overjoyed to announce the successful launch of the GlobeSisters mobile application in the US, marking the inception of our incredible journey. The response has been overwhelming, with registrations pouring in from all corners of the world. But our aspirations don't stop there – we are now setting our sights on expanding to France, opening even more remarkable opportunities for women travelers. With the GlobeSisters app readily available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store, women can easily access our empowering platform.

As we continue to grow, we are actively seeking hosts in France and throughout Europe, creating the perfect environment for women to explore, travel, and immerse themselves in captivating events across these vibrant regions. However, this is just the beginning of our grand vision. We are wholeheartedly committed to expanding our services to meet the unique needs and desires of our dedicated GlobeSisters. Soon, we will introduce an array of alternative accommodations and tailored trip options specifically designed for women embarking on solo adventures.

Our ultimate mission is to build a comprehensive ecosystem of reliable and safe services, empowering women with the utmost confidence to fearlessly explore the world. Help us spread the word and reach out to women who might be interested in hosting or embarking on unforgettable journeys. Together, we are redefining the possibilities of women's travel!

• The app is available on Apple Store et Google Play Store: GlobeSisters
• You can follow Globesisters on Instagram: @globesisters_
• The Globesisters website: https://www.globesisters.com