Beginning its fifth season, the French television show "Qui veut être mon associé?" continues to capture the entrepreneurial spirit, bringing fresh ideas and fierce competition to the forefront of reality television. With its debut on February 5, 2025, at 21:10 on M6, the program retains its role as a key player in the arena of business startup showcases.
"Qui veut être mon associé?" has consistently stepped up as both inspiration and entertainment, and according to Guillaume Charles, the Director General of M6 Programming, the show remains one of their proudest creations. "We had done a test projection with the German and English versions... It was a total rejection. We felt we were heading for disaster, but we believed in this concept and decided to refine it," he recalled.
Since its launch in 2020, the show has become increasingly popular, averaging 1.8 million viewers during its fourth season and appealing especially to the coveted 25-34-year-old demographic, capturing nearly 37% of the audience share within this age group.
This season, three new investors join the well-known panel comprised of Marc Simoncini (Meetic), Anthony Bourbon (Feed), Éric Larchevêque (Ledger), and Kelly Massol (Les Secrets de Loly). Alice Lhabouz, Jean-Michel Karam, and Julian Jacob are set to bring their unique perspectives and experiences as entrepreneurial investors. At just 30 years old, Lhabouz is already recognized as the youngest woman to have created and managed an investment firm, Trecento, starting out with only 300 euros.
"I adore this show; I watch both the American and French versions! It inspires women and youth... There’s almost an educational character to it," remarked Lhabouz. Her successful establishment demonstrates her capability, born from sheer determination and the desire to empower others through finance.
Karam, hailing from the field of microtechnologies and beauty, bears his unique story as well, illustrating his immigrant experience. "I grew up in modest means, left my war-torn country, and arrived in Paris with no money," he shared. His entrepreneurial drive led him to develop cutting-edge solutions for beauty, marking his entry as another valuable investor on the panel.
Jacob, on the other hand, aims to transform the toy industry through his firm Wyncor, expressing his motivation for joining the show, "This program is necessary today; it encourages the new generation to take the plunge and conveys core values." Each of the new investors joins the established team, bringing diverse backgrounds and insights—a strength cited by Kelly Massol as integral to the dynamics.
This season introduces significant changes, including the timing constraints for pitches. Entrepreneurs will now have just 1 minute and 30 seconds to present their ideas, striving for efficiency and conciseness, as producers aim to mirror real-world scenarios more closely. "We noticed discrepancies with the pitch lengths, so this change equalizes the timing across the board," explained Ombline Rousseau, the show’s editorial and artistic producer.
Even as fresh talent enters the stage, former judge Jean-Pierre Nadir has stepped back, expressing mixed feelings about leaving after three seasons contributing to the show's success. "After 18 weeks of prime time on M6, it leaves traces. This show has changed my life as both man and entrepreneur," he acknowledged.
Despite his departure, Nadir will continue to follow the season as he deconstructs episodes for his followers on LinkedIn, sharing insights and analyses of the show, particularly interested to see how the new investors fit within the established framework.
Investors face dilemmas when evaluating proposals, as highlighted by Philippe Dussoulier's presentation of his flood protection invention. Concerned investors wrestled with the idea's capital structure—not the concept itself. "It’s not about your project but the way it’s structured financially," responded Bourbon, emphasizing the challenges posed by the Danish investors who hold majority shares.
The show's impact reaches beyond the immediate stake for investors; it contributes to broader narratives surrounding entrepreneurship, providing listeners with tangible insight and education. It opens avenues for entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to find funding and appears to publicize their ventures effectively.
Returning as staple figures, Simoncini, Bourbon, Larchevêque, and Massol continue to play pivotal roles. Simoncini's legacy from founding Meetic puts him at the forefront of the entrepreneurial scene, proving invaluable for guiding newcomers through their pitching process.
Season 5 promises thrilling developments, emotional pitches, and perhaps, groundbreaking partnerships. Each episode, broadcast every Wednesday at 21:10, invites viewers straight from their living rooms to participate simultaneously as they witness the intense pitches and gripping negotiations. The show’s engaging format encourages audiences to support these aspiring entrepreneurs, making it crystal clear why "Qui veut être mon associé?" is not just television—it's a movement.