Editions En Cavale: the children’s game publisher [Podcast]

En Cavale is a start-up from the Lyon area that has developed an innovative concept of games for children. Unlike computer games, En Cavale’s ambition is to take our little ones off their screens and make them live adventures… by mail. When the pace of life in our society is accelerating, En Cavale games advocate the long term. It is, therefore, a “Low Tech” start-up whose results, in barely 3 years, show that you don’t necessarily have to be in IT to succeed. Good ideas, impeccable execution, and an iron will are the elements that Astrid Faure puts forward in this podcast to explain her success.

Summary

• Chapter 1: the entrepreneurial experience in 1 figure
• Chapter 2: the genesis of the business idea
• Chapter 3: the validation of the business idea
• Chapter 4: get started
• Chapter 5: take off
• Chapter 6: the future
• IntoTheMinds podcasts

Chapter 1: En Cavale in 1 key figure

1 million euros. This is the turnover that En Cavale Editions has reached in only 3 years. This figure is all the more remarkable since publishing is not necessarily the most promising sector in the age of digitalization.

There are many reasons for this success (we discuss them in the podcast). However, it is essential to underline the differentiating character of the company. The En Cavale investigations, which place children in the shoes of an investigator, are indeed sent … by mail.

When the child is the story’s hero, it makes him dream, but he also retains what he learns much better

The principle may remind you of the “Books you are the hero,” a popular series in the 80s.

Chapter 2: the genesis of the business idea

We knew there was a need, so we instinctively went for it

As Astrid explains, the genesis of the business idea took shape thanks to Nasa research, awareness, and firm conviction. 

The Nasa research realized in 2016 showed that 98% of 5-year-olds are creative geniuses and that once they reach adulthood, this percentage drops to 2%. So it was research that made sense to Astrid and her colleague Margaux and was enough to convince them to tackle children’s creativity.

They found that the over-connection of children to screens was a proven fact. Therefore, they wanted to find an alternative to screens through their game.

Finally, they had the immense conviction that games were a powerful vehicle for learning and discovery, so they developed their business idea.

Chapter 3: confirmation of the business idea

Astrid and her colleague Margaux used excellent market research techniques to confirm their business idea. We will mention here 2 particularly efficient processes:

• Realizing a prototype (see step 2 of our market research methodology) 
• Animation of workshops with children

We are particularly fond of this approach because it allows us to confront future customers’ needs directly. This very pragmatic approach will quickly reveal the weaknesses of your project and the points of improvement. 

Chapter 4: getting started

Determined by the idea of writing investigations by mail, Astrid chose to test her product as a service. She thus started to animate illustrated and themed treasure hunts in real life, previously named “Histoire en cavale.”

Astrid was then selected by Ticket for Change, an association that changed the phase of her project. At this exact moment, she crossed paths with Margaux and Bruno, an event she describes as “professional love at first sight.” This meeting gave birth to Editions En Cavale.

Chapter 5: take off

Astrid realized the first sales in Christmas markets. She describes this experience as “precious” because it allowed her to collect feedback in real life, directly from families. It’s a really qualitative research process.

Thanks to this direct contact, Éditions En Cavale à l’heure gained awareness in the real world. At that time, traffic on the website was still low, so this awareness was very welcome. Astrid explains that real-world sales were essential for the beginning of her project

The Covid was a positive phase for Éditions En Cavale. The children had to be kept busy during the confinements. The mysterious and disconnected nature of the product was a determining factor in the choice.

Today, En Cavale favors reasoned growth. Astrid emphasizes the importance of prioritizing. For the moment, priority is given to the product. Particular attention is paid to the aesthetics and quality of the adventures.

En Cavale is positioned as a pure player in terms of digital strategy. Indeed, even if the company proposes games by mail for children, it is in line with the times since it is an e-commerce player. 

Astrid also relies on the importance of word of mouth, which is why she has decided to work with press agents.

Chapitre 6 : the future

Astrid has a lot of ideas, and the development of En Cavale may well hold some surprises!

The business objective is to become the reference in terms of investigation games, not only for children but also for adults.

Astrid plans to support growth through new product development, recruitment, and customer acquisition. Astrid is looking for investors to raise 1 million euros to realize these objectives. 

Towards the conquest of Europe? This is the option that En Cavale could consider, especially when we know that exports to Belgium and Switzerland represent 5% of its turnover to date. The business model is perfectly transposable, and there is no reason why children in other countries should react differently.

Illustration images: shutterstock