Virginie Charles-Dear

Business Angel

2021 - Current

Founder & CEO

2012 - 2023

Our vision is to empower children through play. As much as we want children to have fun, to be carefree and happy, we also want them to develop into curious and critical thinking people, to open their minds to new ideas, and have outlets with which to express themselves. toucanBox is built to be such an outlet, with every project designed to support a philosophy of empowerment, both intellectual and emotional, for children and parents. We deliver on our vision by providing personalised educational arts and crafts activity boxes to children aged 3 to 8 years old, posted straight through their letterbox. From our headquarter in London and our factory in Heathrow, we design, manufacture and distribute kits to 150,000 children every month in 30 different countries. toucanBox projects are designed by a team of former teachers and educational experts to cultivate a child’s natural curiosity to learn. While our inspiration stretches across many methods of learning and curriculums, from the National Curriculum to Montessori, each box ultimately champions STEAM. Using Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths as key touch points, children are invited to think creatively: observing, designing, inventing, expressing themselves and solving problems to complete their project. All whilst having a great deal of fun. Our products have received many awards including the Loved by Parents, Junior Design, Mumsnet Best awards and Academics' Choice Award. With over 4 million kits shipped to children across Europe last year, toucanBox is one of the fastest-growing educational product companies in Europe.

President APM London Trigger

2018 - 2021

APM (Association Progrès du Management) is a non-profit organisation, which purpose is to focus on the progress of companies through the progress of their leaders. Members are CEOs committed to improving their leadership skills by participating in monthly discussions with experts and sharing their own experience with others. Created in 1987 by Pierre Bellon, APM has nearly 7,500 members.

Marketing Director

2009 - 2011

Heading marketing efforts at Keynoir. Responsible for customers acquisition through online and offline advertising and email marketing, customer retention and satisfaction.

Senior Manager Corporate Development

2005 - 2008

Corporate development: Manager M&A and strategy for Y! in Europe

Analyst M&A - Technology Group

2004 - 2006

Centre of Excellence

2004 - 2004

Internship