Rita Hadjioui and Hind Benchaaboun, co-founders of Behav, a sustainable leather alternative
Rita Hadjioui and Hind Benchaaboun, co-founders of Behav, a sustainable leather alternative
Tell us about yourself.
Rita HADJIOUI, I’m 28 years old, French and Moroccan. I grew up in Casablanca in Morocco and came to France when I was 20 to finish my studies. I graduated in 2017 with a master’s degree in Business Finance. Then, I worked for five years as a management controller, in the automobile and aeronautics industry at Trigo, then in fashion at ba&sh. In 2022, I co-founded BEHAV with my superb associate and serve as CEO, taking care of the start-up’s financial, legal and business development issues.
Hind BENCHAABOUN, I’m 29 years old, French and Moroccan. I grew up in Casablanca in Morocco and came to France when I was 18 for my studies. I graduated with an engineering degree in Applied Mathematics, and I worked for more than three years as a project manager in a variety of sectors, including fashion, finance, media, and automobiles. I love all things clothing and fashion, so in 2022 I took the plunge and co-founded BEHAV, specializing in biochemicals to develop a plant-based alternative to leather. Today, I am BEHAV’s CTO, responsible for internal and external R&D and working with partner laboratories.
Could you tell us more about your project?
BEHAV is a start-up dedicated to eco-design and innovative materials in clothing. We are currently in the R&D phase of an environmentally responsible alternative to leather that is based on cactus and unused waste from the Moroccan aloe vera industry.
Our vision is to contribute to the clothing industry’s environmental transition by offering a fully traceable, ethical, sustainable alternative to animal and imitation leather. Our solution addresses two issues: the textile industry’s environmental impact and changing consumer expectations and European regulations on the circular economy.
You have been supported by Sylvain Dufourny at IMT Nord Europe’s incubator. How has this support been useful in developing your project?
We have been supported by IMT Nord Europe and Sylvain Dufourny since November 2022. Sylvain Dufourny helps us with the project’s technical issues, putting us into contact with IMT’s research institutions and applying for funding. We are learning a lot from him and are very happy to have him with us.
In addition to the traditional support that an incubator provides in training and mentorship, IMT has allowed us to work with their research structures to refine our innovation strategy and given us access to funding thanks to an interest-free loan from Fondation Mines-Telecom in April.
What do you expect from Vivatech?
At Vivatech, we expect to meet innovation managers from companies that use animal or imitation leather in their textile, furniture and automotive products, as well as investors with an interest in high-impact start-ups.
Do you have any advice for those who want to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Surround yourself with the right people to make your entrepreneurial adventure a reality! You aren’t alone in this. Find inspiring co-founders, dynamic incubators and valuable partners. Make time for this right now!
Remember, entrepreneurship is an exciting marathon, not a frantic race. Hold onto your dreams, celebrate every little success and make the most of every moment. Build ties with other entrepreneurs.
Take care of yourself and take regular breaks to replenish your strength between each key step. Be bold, relax and recharge your batteries. Your success depends on your energy and your creativity.
