Behind the scenes at QVEMA: Héra, the device revolutionizing menopause

I am finally taking the time to put into words what we have just experienced.

Appearing on “Qui veut être mon associé ?” (the French version of Shark Tank) on M6 is already a unique experience. But what struck me the most was the intensity of the moment, the kindness we received… and everything that happened right after.

Héra, what is it, concretely?

Héra is a portable cryotherapy device designed to provide immediate relief through cold, the moment a hot flash strikes. The idea is simple: instead of just enduring it, you have a quick, discreet, and controlled solution right at your fingertips.

Practically speaking, Héra fits in the palm of your hand and is very easy to use. You turn it on, choose the intensity, and then apply it to a targeted area such as the neck, chest, wrists, or face, depending on your preference.

The cooling level is adjustable between 10°C and 5°C. A session lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds, after which the device automatically pauses. Once a green light reappears, you can start a new session if needed.

We also designed Héra for real life: it recharges via USB-C, just like a phone, and its battery life allows for daily use, even when traveling.

And for those who wish, a mobile app allows you to track your episodes and battery level. The app is a bonus, not a requirement.

Presenting Héra to the jury (and experiencing it for real)

On set, I presented Héra. I was obviously nervous, but above all, I had a conviction: bringing this topic to prime time is important.

And I was very happy that Alain Toledano was there with us. Beyond his presence on the show, he supports Athana on the scientific side and is leading our future clinical study. Having someone by our side who understands the societal importance of these issues and their concrete impact on daily life gives even more meaning to what we are building.

 

Dr. Alain Toledano is a French radiation oncologist. He is notably a co-founder of the Institut Rafaël Integrative Health, often referred to as the "post-cancer home," and was formerly the Head of the Oncology and Medicine Department at the American Hospital of Paris.

He also heads the Integrative Health Research Chair at the Cnam (Conservatoire national des arts et métiers) and works as a radiation oncologist at the H. Hartmann Institute of Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery.

The product test: the moment everything becomes real

There is a particular moment I will never forget: when the jury tested Héra.

When you develop a product, you spend months (years) iterating, adjusting, prototyping, and improving. On set, everything comes down to a few seconds. And then, spontaneously hearing:

“It’s very, very cold.”

Then seeing the reactions, the discussions, the curiosity… it was a mix of relief and pride.

And there was also this comment that made me smile (and that the team was very happy to hear):

“The packaging is incredible, it’s very impressive!”

Because yes, behind Héra, there is obviously technology, but there is also a desire to create a complete experience: simple, beautiful, reassuring, and worthy of the trust placed in us.

The investment: a major milestone

And then there is that moment you don't dare imagine too soon: when someone decides to believe in the project, publicly.

Alice Labouz invested €100,000 for 5%.

It’s a strong signal. Not just for Athana, but for the cause we are championing. It means: “We hear you. We think it matters. We think it can grow.”

After the show: a wave of support (and thousands of orders)

Honestly, I didn’t expect this.

After the broadcast, we received thousands of orders, and above all, an enormous number of messages. Testimonials, thank-yous, and personal stories.

We also received a lot of encouragement from people who don't necessarily experience these symptoms themselves, but who understood the issue. And that really means something. Because that is exactly what we want: to make this subject more visible, better understood, and taken more seriously.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who watched, shared, commented, wrote in, and recommended it. Thank you to the jury for their attentive listening and the quality of our exchange. Thank you to our loved ones and to our team, who hold the line when everything accelerates all at once. Thank you to Alice Labouz for joining us on this adventure!

This evening gave us immense energy. And now, back to work, even more motivated to live up to the trust you have placed in us.

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