Y-Brush, the French start-up based in Lyon that has developed and patented a new generation electric toothbrush, manufactured in France, will be able to further accelerate its development. The company announced this Tuesday that the Seb group becomes one of its investors for an amount that has not been communicated.
Industrial experience
“Although it is and remains a minority partner, the presence in the capital of the Seb group represents an important lever for the start-up in terms of industrial experience and commercial development, both in France and internationally,” the statement reads. of press.
“We are proud that a French group like Seb supports us. We are convinced of the need to make tooth brushing easier as a way to significantly improve health. Having Groupe Seb by our side allows us to accelerate. We are currently expanding to the US. “U.S. and Japan,” says Benjamin Cohen, co-founder of Y-Brush, in a press release.
sonic vibrations
Let us remember that Seb operates around thirty emblematic brands (Tefal, Seb, Rowenta, Moulinex, Krups, Lagostina, All-Clad, WMF, Emsa, Supor, etc.) marketed in 150 countries, has a turnover of 7.3 billion euros in 2019 and has more of 34,000 employees.
The start-up will maintain its independence, especially in production, but this investment seems to be “an accelerator”, explains Benjamin Cohen.
Launched in 2021, the device created by Y-Brush and co-designed with dentists radically changes the way we brush our teeth, a gesture that has not changed in decades.
The object, which is in its third version (the fourth will be launched at the end of 2024), is presented as a kind of gutter or mouthguard made up of 35,000 patented nylon filaments fixed in a flexible Y-shaped brush, which we squeeze between our teeth, propagating sonic vibrations. In reality, you just need to activate the vibrations and “chew” the brush.
Made in France
The procedure is completely new but the result is quite impressive in terms of the feeling of having clean teeth. Much more than with a classic mid-range electric toothbrush. And above all it is very fast: only 10 seconds.
This technology seems convincing since Y-Brush has more than 100,000 users in France, Europe, the United States and Asia, according to its manufacturer. The toothbrush also received an award at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
In addition, the start-up takes care of the “Made in France” aspect of its product and to date owns the only factory manufacturing electric toothbrushes on French territory.
30% of international sales
“A choice made by the company to maintain control of the quality of its products and promote the Made in France industry, constantly improving its ecological impact (carbon footprint, packaging, materials, design, etc.),” he explains. .
The startup was supported by the State with the Bpifrance recovery plan and its deep technology fund, by the European Union through the EIT Health program, raising 2 million euros in 2020 before its launch and then 6 million euros in 2022. “almost 30 employees.”
The product, which is mainly sold online (30% of international sales), is also distributed in Darty and Boulanger: “We are currently considering a presence in large food stores,” Benjamin Cohen tells us.
The global toothbrush market is valued at $45 billion and only 30 to 40% use electric devices.
Source: BFM TV
