Anthony Bourbon, one of the most compelling jurors on the popular French television show Qui veut être mon associé, continues to make headlines not just for his investments, but for his straightforward advice to budding entrepreneurs. Though he's achieved significant wealth and recognition at just 36 years old, Bourbon's path to success was anything but obvious. Coming from humble beginnings, he learned early on the value of hard work and initiative.
From the age of 16, Bourbon embarked on his entrepreneurial adventure, leaving his family home to seek independence. His formative years were spent dabbling in various small businesses, including selling calculators and importing German cars. These early undertakings paved the way for his eventual leap to becoming the founder of two influential companies, Feed and Blast Club.
Bourbon's educational background includes earning a master's degree in private law with specialization in corporate finance from the University of Bordeaux, which equipped him with the necessary knowledge to thrive. He founded Feed back in 2017, introducing meal substitute powders available for dilution. Today, his products are stocked in approximately 4,000 retail locations across 40 countries, marking Bourbon as a significant player on the global stage.
It's estimated his fortune now stands around 100 million euros. Yet, Bourbon remains grounded, leading a lifestyle contrary to what one might expect from someone of his wealth. He prefers living simply, eschewing luxury cars and oversized residences. Instead, he invests his wealth wisely, with more than 1.5 million euros channeled back to entrepreneurial projects featured on Qui veut être mon associé.
Each week, viewers tune in to see Bourbon alongside other prominent investors, including Marc Simoncini and Éric Larchevêque, as they scout innovative start-ups. The premise of the show revolves around existing businesses pitching their ideas for financial backing, leveraging the investors' expertise to secure their futures. For many entrepreneurs, like Romain Dhenin and Romain Baheux of Bioteos, the stakes are significant; these hopefuls were aiming to raise 300,000 euros for their air purification company presentation on the show.
Bourbon's candid style is what resonates most with audiences and entrepreneurs alike. A previous interview revealed the depth of his personal connections, especially when it came to reflecting on his former partner and co-founder, Mélanie Der. He eloquently stated, "A kind glance can change your fate. The only person who had a positive influence on my life is a girl named Mélanie, with whom I lived for eight years. When nobody believed in me, she was the only one who supported me and helped me rise." Though they eventually parted ways, their bond remains strong, characterized by mutual respect and support.
Today, Bourbon is reportedly seeing someone new, whom he describes as stabilizing and refreshing, hailing from a wealthy background. "She doesn't understand the problems I face, which is refreshing and brings me peace," he shared. This balance seems to translate positively to his business pursuits, as he confidently asserts, "Being in a relationship allows me to be very stable. I detest being single; it consumes too much time trying to meet people. I’ve never resorted to dating apps because they’re not my generation."
The recent season of Qui veut être mon associé kicked off on January 5, 2023, delighting fans with its lively pitches and dramatic negotiations. Amid the exciting showcase, Bourbon's willingness to invest with intention stood out, as he aims to significantly increase his investment reach via Blast Club, hoping to surpass 150 million euros by 2025.
Fans of the show and budding entrepreneurs have noticed his unique demeanor on set, often capturing him caught in whimsical positions during filming. He humorously noted, "I’m not great at sitting still. I'm always at the back of the class next to the radiator, and I keep doing things my way. While they tell me I have extreme positions, I need to feel comfortable for my mind to work. That's why I stay as natural as possible." This authenticity is one reason why he has become such a beloved figure on the program.
Bourbon’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his humorous candor and captivating personal life, has firmly established him as one of France’s leading business figures. Each week, his investments and genuine support breathe life and hope back to those chasing their dreams on Qui veut être mon associé.
Most recently, the show itself has reached such levels of popularity it began inspiring parodies, including one by comedian Jérôme Commandeur, illustrating the cultural impact Bourbon and the show have made. The broader community continues to look forward to seeing what fresh innovations he will embrace next, and what new entrepreneurs will step forward to engage his enthusiasm for investment.