Jean Michel Karam, a visionary Franco-Lebanese entrepreneur, is featured on “Who Wants to Be My Partner” on M6. After leaving Lebanon during the civil war, he earned a doctorate in microelectronics and led a CNRS laboratory to MEMS technology leadership. He founded MEMSCAP and later IOMA, revolutionizing personalized skincare. In 2017, he launched IEVA Group, merging technology with beauty. Karam’s competitive spirit and commitment to innovation position him as an influential figure in the beauty industry.
Meet Jean Michel Karam: A Visionary Entrepreneur
Jean Michel Karam, a talented Franco-Lebanese engineer and entrepreneur, is set to grace your screens tonight on the popular show “Who Wants to Be My Partner” airing on M6. Originally hailing from Lebanon, Karam made a bold decision to leave his country in 1990 during the civil war, in pursuit of higher education in engineering in France. After earning his doctorate in microelectronics, he joined a CNRS laboratory, focusing on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), an innovative technology applied in various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and telecommunications. Leading a team of 30 researchers, he transformed his laboratory into a European leader in MEMS technology.
From Telecommunications to Personalized Beauty Solutions
In 1997, Karam founded MEMSCAP, tapping into the booming telecommunications industry. The company experienced a remarkable IPO in 2001, reaching a valuation of $430 million. Despite facing challenges during the internet and financial crises, Karam’s resilience allowed him to pivot MEMSCAP towards more stable sectors such as medical technology, partnering with giants like Siemens and Philips, as well as aerospace companies. This journey solidified his belief in management that prioritizes human values, focusing on resilience and employee growth.
In 2010, Karam expanded his horizons by venturing into the cosmetics industry with the establishment of IOMA. Inspired by a medical appointment that highlighted the lack of diagnostic technologies for skin conditions, he created groundbreaking devices like the IOMA Sphere, which provides precise analyses of skin hydration and firmness. His goal was clear: to deliver personalized skincare rooted in scientific diagnostics. Under Karam’s leadership, IOMA emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of customized cosmetics, emphasizing clean formulations and 100% French production. The success of IOMA was further underscored when it was acquired by Unilever in 2012.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Karam launched IEVA Group in 2017, merging technology with beauty to create tailored solutions for individual lifestyles and environments. In 2020, he reacquired IOMA and introduced the myIEVA concept—a beauty subscription service that offers advanced diagnostics, custom products, and informative content focused on beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. His ambitious vision is to establish IEVA as the ‘Netflix of beauty’, seamlessly integrating products, services, and digital experiences. With innovative offerings like connected jewelry that monitors environmental factors affecting skin health, IEVA boasts brands such as IOMA, Made with Care, ELENATURE, and the acquisition of L’Atelier du Sourcil. The group currently operates 116 experiential points and is gearing up for international expansion into the United States by 2025. With a growing subscriber base of 4,000 and increasing revenue, Jean Michel Karam exemplifies how personalization and technology are shaping the future of beauty. His holistic approach to innovation blends technology, precision, and human values to transform visionary ideas into practical solutions, redefining industry standards.
As he makes his appearance on “Who Wants to Be My Partner?”, Karam will offer his remarkable insights as a seasoned engineer and successful entrepreneur to aspiring project leaders. His diverse experience, from founding MEMSCAP to expanding the IEVA Group and achieving success with IOMA, positions him as an inspiring and formidable investor. Viewers can anticipate engaging discussions and a keen perspective on innovation and value creation.
Karam expresses his enthusiasm for the show, stating, “This show presented an opportunity for me to explore new avenues while assisting other entrepreneurs in their journeys. There were moments of electrifying excitement, passionate pitches, and a competitive atmosphere among investors eager to secure deals. As a former professional basketball player, I approach my work like a game; whether winning or losing, the enjoyment remains paramount! But make no mistake, I’m a fierce competitor—when I step into the arena, it’s to win!”