How SmartBox, a replicated business, sold for +$200M

Hey Entrepreneurs,

Yvan here from Neoseed.

Ever ask yourself how you can take a stellar business idea that's thriving overseas and localize it for untapped potential right where you are?

That's the kind of curiosity that fuels us here at Neoseed.

We're on the prowl for concepts that are hitting it big in one country but are still non-existent elsewhere.

And we bring those insights straight to your inbox.

Take, for instance, the SmartBox phenomenon.

Originating in Belgium, these gift boxes loaded with experience vouchers reshaped the art of gifting.

Pierre-Edouard Stérin spotted this opportunity and didn't just import it to France—he transformed it, launching SmartBox in 2003 and adapting it to the essence of French gifting elegance.

By putting SmartBox in prime retail locations, Stérin propelled SmartBox to a multi-million company.

Fun-fact: a Belgium guy (not affiliated to Smartbox in Belgium) told Stérin "I'm giving you an idea in exchange of 50% of shares in the company, if you create a company with this idea (otherwise, it's free)."

Stérin accepted! And Stérin bought back the shares of the Belgium guy 4 years later for $5 million!

Here's what makes this tale epic: it underscores the magic that happens when you replicate a proven concept and tailor it locally.

At Neoseed, we see the power of replicated businesses.

Digging into this, we've unearthed business models globally that are waiting to be picked like ripe fruit and planted in new soil.

Could these concepts be your next big venture?

We’re here to guide you through niches that aren’t just about making a profit, but creating value, stirring the local economy, and crafting stories of success in your country.

Are you ready to explore what's out there and seize the opportunity to carve out your own local success story?

If you're ready, subscribe to one of the premium plans below (if you haven't subscribed yet!).

Here are the different options:

• 🔐 Monthly (6€ per month) - click here 🔐
  • 🚀 4 businesses per week
  • 🎁 9 businesses from the latest newsletters (sent instantly)


• 🔐 Annual (72€ per year) - click here 🔐
  • 🚀 4 businesses per week
  • 🎁 128 businesses from the past newsletters (sent instantly)


• 🔐 Annual Premium (199€ per year) - click here 🔐
  • 🚀 4 businesses per week
  • 🎁 128 businesses from the past newsletters (sent instantly)
  • 🎁🎁 Our explained methodology and our sources to find great businesses that don't exist yet in France

Cheers,
Yvan Derogis

If you want to connect on Linkedin, here is my profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvanderogis/