From No Entrepreneurial Network to Reinventing Skincare, with Khadi Kebe

How to Build a Startup Without a Network or External Funding: Khadi Kebe's Journey

Building a successful startup without connections or external funding requires identifying a market need, finding mentors, leveraging entrepreneurial support programs, building partnerships, and validating your business model with customers.

How Do You Start a Business Without an Entrepreneurial Network?

Khadi Kebe, co-founder and CEO of Beauté Innée, proves that entrepreneurship doesn't have to begin with an established network or startup experience.

After working as a data analyst in the energy sector, Khadi decided to pursue entrepreneurship alongside her two sisters, Fatou and Hawa. Together, they founded Beauté Innée, a Beauty Tech startup combining artificial intelligence, personalized skin diagnostics, and human expertise.

How Can You Build a Network From Scratch?

Without connections in the startup ecosystem, Khadi and her sisters turned to entrepreneurial support programs, including HEC Stand Up and Station F.

These programs helped them develop their business skills, connect with mentors, and access the resources needed to turn their idea into a company.

Their journey demonstrates how incubators, professional communities, and strategic partnerships can help first-time founders overcome barriers to entrepreneurship.

What Are the Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business From Scratch?

In this episode of Time4, Khadi Kebe joins Aurélie and Alexandra to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship without traditional advantages.

From navigating the tech industry as a female founder to building a business with her sisters, she shares the importance of mentorship, resilience, financial preparation, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Discover how Khadi Kebe and her sisters are building Beauté Innée, their ambitions for international expansion, and their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch a startup without an established network.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Entrepreneur Without Prior Experience?

Khadi Kebe's journey shows that entrepreneurial skills can be developed along the way. From returning to business school to learning how to negotiate partnerships, manage finances, and lead a team, she built her expertise step by step. Her advice to aspiring founders? Stay curious, seek support, build your network, and prepare financially before taking the leap.

Time4 is daphni's podcast spotlighting people who challenge conventions, break barriers, and create new opportunities.

This episode is sponsored by Gaz Européen.