Marc Levy & Raphaël Vannier

Notre-Dame district, Nice. At the foot of their offices, Marc Levy and Raphaël Vannier await me with the relaxed air of those who calibrate their lives to the rhythm of the tides. It's immediately clear that SeventyOne Percent wasn't born from market research or yet another agency brainstorming session, but from a brotherly friendship forged at EDHEC business school and nurtured in the surf of the Landes region. The turning point dates back to 2008. Scouring surf spots, they came across a stark reality: the sunscreen market was prehistoric. "We were looking for ultra-technical products for surfing, but with an eco-conscious approach," recalls Marc. Raphaël agrees: "A screen that lasts, doesn't leave your hands greasy, and doesn't run into your eyes." Facing the giants of the industry, they forged ahead with their instincts. The code name was found. Almost mathematical, highly symbolic: 70% of the Earth is water, 70% of the human body is water, and 1% belongs to the planet. Since its inception, the brand has donated 1% of its annual revenue to NGOs through the "1% for the Planet" movement.

Breaking the neck of fear marketing

Beyond their success story, their secret weapon lies in Roca Smart UV technology: an intelligent photo-adaptive molecule that activates under the influence of light to guarantee continuous UVA protection for more than eight hours. “The industry is tiring us with its guilt-inducing concept of anti-aging,” says Raphaël. “We prefer to talk about Well-Aging. We use our expertise on UVA rays—the real culprit of aging—to offer a worry-free routine. You apply your cream in the morning, and you're protected all day without having to reapply.” This effectiveness convinced the SNCF (French National Railway Company), which approved their formulas to equip its employees working outdoors, as skin cancer is now classified as an occupational hazard.

Keeping an eye on the business…

While the brand was forged in the Atlantic waves, it's under the Mediterranean sun that it truly takes flight. In 2017, the duo relocated their company to Nice. This new base marked a turning point: sunglasses moved beyond extreme sports to embrace everyday urban and family life. A winning bet: a product is sold every 30 seconds worldwide. 

This season, the brand appeals to the whole family: the playful Sun Stick for children, the high-performance Eco Sun Shield for outdoor activities, and the Feel Good Oil for moms' glow. Sourcing and formulation remain in France, with bottles made from recycled plastic (PCR). This uncompromising premium positioning has attracted the most exclusive establishments such as Le Bon Marché, Le Negresco, and the Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, as well as Le Vieux Campeur and Monoprix. Today, SeventyOne Percent sells over 100,000 units per year and generates half of its revenue from exports, launching this spring on the beaches of Mexico and Vietnam.

…and the other, on the horizon line

Their compass? Freedom and the feel of salt on their skin. Despite their growth, there's no question of becoming detached managers, disconnected from their element. Their equilibrium rests on an unchanging ritual: a daily swim at Coco Beach, summer and winter, without wetsuits. "In winter, the water drops to 12°C, it's a total reset, an incredible feeling," confides Marc. And as soon as the swell hits the Mediterranean, they organize themselves to get in the water. "Here, surfing is demanding because it's unpredictable," explains Raphaël. "A condition can change in an hour. It requires rigorous logistics, but that's what keeps the passion alive!" This Sunshine State of Mind is their raw and demanding manifesto for life. The trajectory of two surfers who refuse to choose between growth and waves, with only one rule: keep one eye on the business and the other on the horizon.