Hera Behind the Scenes at QVEMA / Athana

I'm finally taking the time to put into words what we 've just been through.

Appearing on “Who Wants to Be My Business Partner?” on M6 is already an experience like no other. But what made the biggest impression on me was the intensity of the moment, the kindness we received… and everything that happened right after.

Hera—what exactly is it?

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

In practical terms, Héra fits in the palm of your hand and is very easy to use. You turn it on, select the intensity, and then apply it to a specific area—such as the nape of the neck, chest, wrists, or face—depending on your preference.

The cooling intensity can be adjusted to several levels, ranging from 10°C to 5°C. A session lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds, after which the device automatically pauses. Once the green light comes back on, you can start another session if needed.

We also designed Héra with real life in mind: it charges via USB-C, just like a phone, and its battery life makes it perfect for everyday use, even on the go.

And for those who are interested, a mobile app lets you track your sessions and battery life. The app is a nice-to-have, not a requirement.

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

On set, I introduced *Héra*. Of course, I was nervous, but above all, I was convinced that bringing this topic to prime time was important.

And I was very happy that Alain Toledano was there with us. Beyond his presence on set, he’s advising Athana on the scientific aspects and leading our upcoming clinical trial. Having someone close to us who understands the societal implications of these issues and their concrete impact on daily life gives even more meaning to what we’re building.

Dr. Alain Toledano is a French oncologist and radiation oncologist. He is notably a co-founder of the Rafaël Institute for Integrative Health—often described as “the home for post-cancer care”—and served as head of the Oncology and Medicine Department at the American Hospital of Paris.

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

Product testing: the moment when everything comes together

There's one particular moment I'll never forget: the moment the jury tests Hera.

When you're developing a product, you spend months (or even years) iterating, tweaking, prototyping, and improving it. On set, everything happens in a matter of seconds. And then, to hear someone say spontaneously:

“It’s very, very cold.”

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

And then there was this comment that made me smile (and really made the team happy):

“The packaging is incredible—it’s really impressive!”

Because yes, behind Héra, there is obviously technology, but there is also a commitment to creating a complete experience: simple, beautiful, and reassuring—one that lives up to the trust placed in us.

Investment: A Major Step

And then there’s that moment we don’t dare imagine coming too soon: the moment when someone decides to publicly express their belief in the project.

Alice Labouz invested €100,000 for a 5% stake.

This is a strong message—not just for Athana, but for the cause we’re championing. It means: “We hear you. We believe this matters. We believe it can grow.”

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

I honestly didn't expect that.

After the broadcast, we received thousands of orders and, above all, a huge number of messages—testimonials, thank-you notes, and personal stories.

We’ve also received a lot of encouragement from people who don’t necessarily experience these symptoms themselves, but who understand what’s at stake. And that really means a lot. Because that’s exactly what we want: to make this issue more visible, better understood, and taken more seriously.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who watched, shared, commented, wrote, and recommended our content. Thank you to the jury for listening and for the quality of our discussions. Thank you to our loved ones and our team, who keep things on track when everything suddenly picks up speed. Thank you to Alice Labouz for joining us on this adventure!

That evening gave us a tremendous boost of energy. And now, back to work—more motivated than ever—to live up to the trust you’ve placed in us.