NICOTECH

What NICOTECH does

NICOTECH is a French specialty retail chain of vaping (electronic cigarette) boutiques that has been integrated into the Cigusto organization alongside the Point Smoke chain. Together these brands operate more than 200 physical stores across France and a national e-commerce website (cigusto.com), forming one of the largest specialist vaping retail footprints in the country. The business sells a comprehensive catalog of vaping hardware — kits, mods, pods, clearomizers, rechargeable puff devices, and rebuildable atomizers — plus consumables (e-liquids in 10ml/50ml/large formats across multiple PG/VG ratios), DIY mixing components (concentrates, bases, nicotine boosters), and accessories (coils, cotton, pyrex, drip tips, batteries).

The core technology is not proprietary; the company is a third-party reseller of established hardware brands (Vaporesso, Geekvape, Lost Vape, Voopoo, Aspire, Innokin, Smoktech) and a broad set of e-liquid brands (Alfaliquid, Liquideo, Cirkus, Curieux, Eden'50, Le Glacier, P'tits Givr\u00e9s, A&L, Revolute, T-Juice, Doctor DIY). Differentiation comes from retail infrastructure and service rather than product invention: in-store staff provide hands-on technical guidance on device mechanics, coil maintenance, and e-liquid composition, supported by online educational tools (nicotine calculator, DIY mixer, coil finder) and a content library.

Revenue is generated on a unit-pricing, pay-as-you-go basis across two streams — hardware sales (entry-level kits from ~€20 to advanced high-power kits up to ~€165) and consumables (e-liquids from €1.30 for a nicotine booster to €34.90 for a 200ml bottle, replacement coils up to €17.50 per box). Distribution combines physical retail with e-commerce, click-and-collect (30-minute in-store pickup), and same-day shipping; expansion is pursued via a franchise recruitment model. The target customer is the adult smoker transitioning away from combustible tobacco, and the company explicitly markets harm reduction rather than lifestyle consumption.

Name

NICOTECH

Legal name

NICOTECH

Website

https://nicotech.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NICOTECH is a French specialist vaping retail chain operating 200+ stores and an e-commerce site under the Cigusto organization, selling third-party e-cigarette hardware, e-liquids, DIY components, and accessories to adult smokers transitioning away from tobacco.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vaping Retail

NAICS

Tobacco, Electronic Cigarette, and Other Smoking Supplies Retailers (459991)

akta.pro primary industry

Dedicated Vape & E-Cigarette Shops (Specialty Retail) (CRANAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

E-Liquid & Nicotine Salt Retail (CRANAEAH), Vape & E-Cig Accessories Retail (Mods, Pods, Coils, Batteries, Chargers) (CRANAEAG)

Keywords

• Electronic cigarettes retail
• Vaping hardware
• E-liquid sales
• Vaping accessories
• DIY vaping supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

France (national)

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vaping Hardware Sales: Sale of e-cigarettes, kits, mods, pods, batteries/accumulators, clearomizers, cartouches, coils, drip tips, pyrex glasses, and accessories. Hardware is sold as complete kits or individual components for ongoing use and replacement.
2. E-Liquid and Consumables Sales: Sale of e-liquids (in various formats: 10ml, 50ml, large formats), DIY e-liquid components (concentrated flavors, bases, nicotine boosters), coils, cotton, and wires for rebuildables. Consumables generate recurring revenue from regular replacement purchases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NICOTECH operates a chain of specialty vaping retail stores in France, integrated under the Cigusto organization. The company sells electronic cigarettes (kits, mods, pods), e-liquids, atomizers, coils, DIY mixing components, and accessories through 200+ physical stores and an e-commerce website (cigusto.com). In-store staff provide hands-on product guidance and technical explanations to support adult smokers transitioning away from tobacco.

Product overview

NICOTECH is a chain of electronic cigarette and vaping retail stores that merged with Cigusto. The stores offer a comprehensive range of vaping products including electronic cigarettes (kits, mods, pods), e-liquids in various formats and flavors, atomizers and clearomizers, replacement coils and resistances, DIY mixing supplies (concentrates, bases, boosters), and accessories. NICOTECH stores provide in-store expertise and guidance alongside an e-commerce platform, serving both beginners and experienced vapers with products ranging from entry-level kits to advanced rebuildable atomizers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices E-cigarettes and vaping devices including kits, mods, pods, and rechargeable puff products. Devices range from beginner-friendly to expert-level with varying power (30W-200W), battery capacities, and form factors, sold through physical stores and e-commerce.
• E-Liquids E-liquids for vaping available in various formats (10ml, 50ml, large formats), flavors (Classic, Menthol, Fruit, Beverage, Gourmet), and PG/VG ratios (High PG, Balanced 50/50, High VG). Some contain nicotine concentrations compliant with European regulations.
• DIY Products Do-it-yourself vaping products including concentrates/aromas (10ml-30ml), bases, boosters, and accessories for mixing custom e-liquids. Includes brands like A&L, Revolute, E Tasty, SuperVape, and Doctor DIY.
• Accessories Vaping accessories including chargers, storage solutions, tools, coils and resistive wires, fibers and cotton wicks, Pyrex glasses, drip tips, and spare parts.
• Atomizers and Clearomizers Replacement clearomizers, pod cartridges, and rebuildable atomizers. Products include sub-ohm tanks, MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices, and rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs).
• Resistances and Coils Replacement coils and resistive wires for various atomizer models. Products include pre-made coils and wire for custom coil building, priced up to €17.50 per box.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• VaporessocoreTechnology or IntegrationVaporesso is a major e-cigarette hardware brand whose products (kits, mods, pods) are sold through the Cigusto/Nicotech retail network. Featured products include the Armour Ultra Mod (5500mAh, €30), Xros 5 Mini kit (€19.90), and Luxe XR Max 2 pod kit (€48.90).
• GeekvapecoreTechnology or IntegrationGeekvape is a leading vaping device manufacturer whose products are sold through the Cigusto/Nicotech network. The Aegis Legend 5 kit (200W, co-branded Cigusto x Geekvape, €79.90) is a featured collaboration product.
• Lost VapecoreTechnology or IntegrationLost Vape is a premium box mod and pod system manufacturer featured in the Cigusto/Nicotech catalog. Products include the Centaurus BT200 Mod (200W, dual battery, from €66.50) and Centaurus M200 kit (200W, from €79.90).
• VoopoocoreTechnology or IntegrationVoopoo is a major vaping hardware brand sold through Cigusto/Nicotech stores and online. Featured products include the Drag X3 kit (80W, €44.90), representing one of the brand's popular pod-mod lines.
• AspirecoreTechnology or IntegrationAspire is an established e-cigarette hardware manufacturer whose products are distributed through Cigusto/Nicotech. Featured product: Zelos X80 kit (80W single battery, from €64.90).
• Alfaliquid (Gaisaps Group)coreTechnology or IntegrationAlfaliquid is a major French e-liquid brand sold through Cigusto/Nicotech. Featured product: Cola Soft 50ml e-liquide (€13.90). The brand is part of the Gaisaps Group and is among the most recognized e-liquid brands in France.
• InnokincoreTechnology or IntegrationInnokin is a widely distributed vaping hardware brand featured in the Cigusto/Nicotech product catalog, offering a range of pod systems and starter kits for beginners and intermediate users.
• SmoktechcoreTechnology or IntegrationSmoktech is a large e-cigarette hardware manufacturer whose products are carried in Cigusto/Nicotech retail locations and online, covering a range of pod and box mod formats.
• Point SmokecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPoint Smoke is another specialist vaping retail brand that has been integrated into the Cigusto organization. Point Smoke stores now operate under the same organization as Nicotech and Cigusto, sharing a unified product presentation and retail approach for e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kumulus Vape: French specialty vape retailer with both physical stores and an e-commerce site, carrying hardware, e-liquids, and DIY supplies. Directly comparable as a multi-channel French vape specialist competing for the same transitioning-smoker customer base.
• Le Petit Vapoteur: One of France's largest online vape retailers offering e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and DIY products with nationwide delivery. Directly comparable to NICOTECH/Cigusto on product range and target customer (adult French vapers and transitioning smokers), though Le Petit Vapoteur is primarily e-commerce rather than physical-store led.
• Green Smoke Shop: French vape retailer (online and stores) carrying e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories. Direct peer on assortment, target customer (French adult vapers), and retail-plus-digital distribution.
• J Well: French vape retail chain operating specialist boutiques and an e-commerce site with a wide hardware and e-liquid assortment. Direct peer to NICOTECH in physical retail footprint, omnichannel strategy, and adult-vaper customer focus.
• Le Vapoteur Discount: Discount-oriented French online vape retailer offering hardware, e-liquids, and accessories. Comparable to NICOTECH on product category and customer segment, but competes primarily on price via an online-only model.
• Clopinette: Established French chain of vape boutiques with online sales, offering kits, mods, e-liquids, and accessories. Comparable to NICOTECH in store-led retail model, product breadth, and focus on the French adult-vaper segment.
• Vape Shop France: French vape e-commerce retailer offering a broad catalog of hardware, e-liquids, and DIY products. Comparable to NICOTECH on product range and end-customer, though purely online and competing on selection and price.

Broad incumbents

• Philip Morris International (IQOS / heated tobacco): PMI's IQOS heated-tobacco platform and related reduced-risk products are sold across France. Broad incumbent competitor in the alternative-nicotine space, leveraging deep retailer relationships and brand investment to compete with specialty vape retailers like NICOTECH.
• Japan Tobacco International (Logic / Ploom): JTI markets vaping (Logic) and heated-tobacco (Ploom) products in France alongside its core combustible portfolio. Broad incumbent competing for French adult smokers transitioning away from cigarettes, with strong trade marketing reach that competes for the same shelf and consumer as specialty vape retail.
• BAT (Vuse): British American Tobacco's vaping brand (Vuse) is a major mass-market alternative-nicotine product sold in France through retail and convenience channels. Broad incumbent peer competing for the same French adult-nicotine-user wallet with significantly larger marketing and distribution budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nicotech-distribution

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NICOTECH