The story of Kalido, formerly known as Youkado, illustrates the evolution of a visionary French company. Founded in 2009 by Philippe Desprets and Stéphane Frémy, two former executives at Castorama, this company has forged its own path since its inception to become a major player in the field of relationship marketing and customer loyalty.
The beginnings of Youkado
Youkado was founded in 2009 with a bold vision: to become the leading B2B2C marketplace in France. The revolutionary idea that propelled the company to the forefront was that of personalized "gift boxes" tailored to customer profiles. The goal was to make the gift selection process simpler and more meaningful for consumers.
Revolutionizing the gift box market
Why did the founders choose to enter the already competitive gift box market, with all the risks that entailed? The answer lies in their desire to revolutionize this market. At the time, many gift boxes were only valid for one year, which limited recipients' options and could sometimes lead to the loss of these gifts. Youkado took a different approach by extending the period of use to two years, giving recipients greater flexibility in choosing their experiences. This customer-centric philosophy quickly captured the public's attention and attracted major retailers.
The advent of Youkado Business Solution
Youkado continued its expansion by collaborating with e-commerce giants such as Cdiscount, as well as renowned players in the toy industry such as Toy'R'Us. However, in 2013, the company made a decisive strategic shift by launching Youkado Business Solution, a customized SaaS platform for businesses. This marked the beginning of the company's specialization in the B2B sector.
With Youkado Business Solution, Youkado has become the leading relationship marketing agency in France, always putting customer satisfaction first. This strategic transition has been the driving force behind even faster growth.
The birth of Kalido
In 2020, the company took an important step forward by changing its name to Kalido.
Commitment to customer satisfaction
Kalido has strengthened its commitment to customer satisfaction by offering fully customized loyalty programs. These programs, designed for B2B customers, enable brands to significantly strengthen customer loyalty. The customer-centric approach has become the cornerstone of Kalido's success.
Today, Kalido has a turnover exceeding €30 million, with more than 50 employees committed to its mission. The company has also expanded its international reach, operating in Peru, Spain, and Portugal.
The importance of the work environment
Kalido's impressive growth is no accident. It is based on a healthy and stimulating work environment. In 2022, Kalido proudly earned the "Great Place to Work" certification, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its employees.
Foster a collaborative environment
The key to Kalido's success lies in its unique corporate culture. Several departments, made up of diverse personalities, work hand in hand in a spirit of collaboration. The company has created an environment where competition is set aside in favor of cooperation, thereby promoting creativity and innovation. This distinctive corporate culture has been a key factor in Kalido's growth.
Kalido today and tomorrow
Currently specializing in loyalty programs, Kalido continues to evolve. One of its most notable recent initiatives is the creation of the Univert50 license. This responsible license will reward virtuous customer behavior in all sectors of activity. It will be available starting in 2024.
Kalido continues its journey by writing a story of constant innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a strong corporate culture and dedication to its customers, Kalido is much more than a loyalty company. It is a key player in redefining the future of customer loyalty.Kalido's storyis an inspiring testament to transformation and adaptation to market needs. Founders Philippe Desprets and Stéphane Frémy have succeeded in creating a thriving business by placing customer satisfaction at the heart of their mission. Kalido embodies a corporate culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility. With the Univert50 license on the horizon, Kalido continues to innovate and shape the future of customer loyalty.
