Tell us about yourself and your professional journey.
My name is Apolline, and I am 24 years old. I am the founder and CEO of Cappella. I grew up in Germany in a French family and studied engineering, which developed my deep passion for technology and innovation. After a gap year to work in investment banking, I pursued a master’s degree in finance at MIT, followed by a master’s in engineering in France.
Shortly after graduating, I had the dream to create a solution to help new parents worldwide and support them in raising emotionally healthy and happy children. I believe the early years of a person’s life are the most important and shape who we become as adults. I have dedicated my life to supporting families through this transformational time.
Tell us about your organization/venture.
Cappella is more than just an app; it’s a comprehensive support system for newborn parents and caregivers, offering peace of mind and assistance. Our cornerstone is the AI-driven baby cry translation technology. However, our ambition extends beyond that, aiming to continually enhance our services to effectively meet and exceed parental needs.
What challenges did you face as a businessperson and a businesswoman?
Building a company is inherently challenging, with assembling a capable team being paramount. My journey, marked by growth and learning, has been influenced by navigating the complexities of being a woman in the business world. Despite the ongoing challenges, including bias and funding discrepancies, I am committed to fostering an environment where female founders can thrive and succeed.
What are some of your biggest milestones/achievements?
Our significant achievements include establishing robust hospital partnerships and setting new standards in baby cry analysis. These collaborations ensure the collection of precise data and validation of our methodologies by healthcare professionals. These milestones affirm our commitment to excellence and reinforce the trust placed in us by the families we serve.
What are some differences between being in the corporate sector and having a venture of your own?
The contrasts between entrepreneurship and corporate employment are stark. As the founder of Cappella, I relish the autonomy and responsibility of steering the company, prioritizing projects, and leading a team toward shared dreams. Although this path demands more from me than a corporate role might, the opportunity to pursue my passion is incomparably rewarding.
How has the UAE business landscape enabled and empowered you?
The UAE’s dynamic business landscape has been incredibly receptive to our research endeavors, especially in forming hospital partnerships. The positive feedback and support from this region are foundational to our plans for expansion and further research collaborations.
What advice would you like to share with those entering the field?
Entrepreneurship demands a unique blend of resilience, determination, and self-awareness. It’s essential to introspect and ascertain if you possess the relentless drive to navigate the challenges of founding and running a business. Entrepreneurship is not suited to everyone, and recognizing whether it aligns with your personal and professional goals is critical.
Any last words?
I encourage anyone acquainted with expectant parents or new families to introduce them to Cappella. Our mission is to support and enhance the parenting journey, offering tools and insights that benefit both parents and their newborns.
