Vincent Huché-Deniset (MiM 20), Cofounder- Paradigme

First, a short presentation of Paradigme...

Paradigme is a second-hand fashion platform for premium brands, launched in 2022 by two passionate brothers (HEC ex-Bain / ESCP). We support major retailers in the shift towards circular economy models.

Galeries Lafayette, Showroomprivé, Place des Tendances, BHV, Ines de la Fressange... Over 40 partners have launched second-hand initiatives with Paradigme. All collected items from these collaborations are resold on paradigme.fr and through our growing network of Paradigme stores across France.

👉 What are the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs today?

"One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is constant uncertainty. You need to be able to adapt quickly and make fast decisions, while staying aligned with your long-term vision.

Today, it’s also about doing a lot with little — being both frugal and ambitious, and aiming for profitability early on."

👉 How did you build your business model?

"We built our business model step by step. Today, it relies on two pillars: a classic B2C buy-and-sell model, and a B2B model co-created with our partners.

Each collaboration is based on a fair value exchange: if one of us is losing money, the model won't last. We took time to test, adjust, and build a model that’s solid, relevant for our clients, and sustainable for us and our partners."

👉 How did you finance your start-up and what advice would you give on this subject?

"We launched Paradigme through bootstrapping — with very limited resources and a desire to do everything ourselves. That’s what I would recommend to anyone starting a first project: it helps you understand your market better and fine-tune your model before trying to raise funds.

After proving the attractiveness of our model during the first two years, we were able to speed up thanks to funding: public support from BPI, and a €1.2 million seed round in early 2024, with business angels, early-stage funds, and Showroomprivé."

👉 How did you find your first customers and develop your market appeal?

"Without any network in the fashion industry, we convinced our first partners thanks to our model and the quality of execution. We refined the model with these early clients who believed in us from the start.

Our dual B2B/B2C positioning helped us stand out quickly — today, we work with major brands like Galeries Lafayette, BHV, or Place des Tendances."

👉 What technological or economic trends do you think could redefine entrepreneurship in the coming years?

"AI, of course, is already transforming how we work: more efficiency, more personalization, and a better experience for our clients.

No-code is also a powerful tool. It allows us to test fast, at low cost, without compromising on quality.

On the economic side, the next few years will be a test for companies committed to sustainability. And we’re counting on public policies to step up and support the players who are truly engaged in these issues."