France has a vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly centered in Paris, which is becoming a major European tech hub. As of 2023, France is home to around 20,000 startups. The French government supports innovation through initiatives like La French Tech, which provides funding and resources for startups. In 2022, French startups raised approximately €10 billion in venture capital. These factors collectively highlight France's dynamic and rapidly evolving startup landscape.
As of 2023, France's startup ecosystem includes around 20,000 startups. In 2022, these startups attracted approximately €10 billion in venture capital funding. This substantial investment underscores the ecosystem's growth potential and robust nature. The market's size and financial backing reflect its capacity to foster innovation and sustain a competitive edge within Europe and beyond.
France's startup ecosystem is characterized by several key strengths, including strong government support, a high-quality education system, and a strategic location in Europe. The country excels in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and deep tech. These strengths are bolstered by France's robust industrial base and government support, positioning it as a leader in the European startup scene.
Paris is the primary hub of France’s startup ecosystem, known for its vibrant tech scene and concentration of startups. The city attracts entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Major corporations and research institutions in Paris foster a collaborative environment for innovation. The dynamic ecosystem in Paris is instrumental in driving France's economic growth and technological advancements.
In addition to Paris, emerging hubs like Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse are gaining prominence in France’s startup ecosystem. Lyon is known for its strengths in biotech and digital industries, Marseille for its focus on maritime and logistics tech, and Toulouse for aerospace and advanced manufacturing. These emerging hubs are expanding the reach and diversity of France’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
France’s startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that provide essential support and resources for entrepreneurs. Initiatives like Station F and Paris&Co have been pivotal in fostering a supportive environment for startups, providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding. This supportive infrastructure is crucial for nurturing early-stage companies and fostering a collaborative entrepreneurial environment.
Despite its strengths, the French startup ecosystem faces challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and high labor costs. Navigating regulatory frameworks can be time-consuming and complex for startups. Additionally, labor costs in France are relatively high, which can impact the profitability and scalability of new ventures. Addressing these challenges requires strategic efforts and supportive policies to sustain growth and competitiveness.
France has significant opportunities for growth in sectors like fintech, healthtech, and deep tech. The country's strong focus on sustainability and green technology drives innovation in renewable energy and environmental technologies. France's strategic location and trade agreements provide startups with opportunities for international expansion. With continued investment and innovation, France's startup ecosystem is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the global innovation landscape.
France's startup ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. The country's commitment to innovation, coupled with strong government and institutional support, enables startups to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The diverse talent pool and high-quality research institutions attract entrepreneurs and investors alike, ensuring sustained growth and success in the face of global economic shifts and market dynamics.
Paris, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • BioTech • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Food & Beverage • Logistics (& Distribution) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Entrepreneur & Investor
Tech entrepreneur | Early Stage Investor | Venture Partner
Nicolas Douay is a Co-Founder and serves as a Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at KelDoc. After five in a large international consulting firm in management information systems, Nicolas decided to start Keldoc.
Paris France, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Material Science
VC Investment Director at Idinvest Partners
Venture Capitalist @ Idinvest Partners
TMT investments in Europe
Paris, France
FinTech (& Financials services) • CleanTech • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Impact • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Investor | C-Suite Executive | Non Executive Director I Advisory Board Member
Partner at Blue Horizon
Paris, France
FinTech (& Financials services) • CleanTech • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Investment and Mentoring 50 Partners, co-founder Le Wagon Canada : We are Hiring !
Investment and Mentoring at 50 Partners
Estonia, Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Monaco - U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • CleanTech • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Impact • Logistics (& Distribution) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Music • Consumer • Woman Focused
Founder & CEO Salto Network * Angel investor * Co-founder Pipedrive CRM
Co-founder & CEO Salto X
Paris France, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Insurance (& InsurTech)
SAP.iO Fund, Investments, Partner, EMEA
SAP.iO Fund, Investments, Partner, EMEA
Tel Aviv Israel, France
Education • Businesses Solutions • Energy • CleanTech • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Entrepreneur, Investor and Board Member
3 years experience in Invetment bank, then founded S2B.
I am now working as an in dependant VC consultant, specialized in Startup Scouting in Israel for European Corporates
Paris France, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • BioTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Web Security (& Privacy)
Venture ^ People ^ Capital /\ To contact me >> jean@2lr.com
Venture ^ People ^ Capital /\ To contact me >> jean@2lr.com
Los Angeles - California, U.S.A. - Germany - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icela
PropTech • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • DeepTech • Mobility • Woman Focused
Most Interested In
We're interested in teams re-imagining cities in 3 areas - GHG reduction, climate adaptation and solving problems associated with high density (like traffic or public safety). Cities are complex, so founders continue inspire and amaze us by identifying new systemic issues and solutions. If you're re-imagining city life, we'd love to hear from you.
Not Interested In
We don't invest in edtech or healthtech. Certainly not a vote on whether we want to see these categories succeed, we just think they need additional focus/skills which we don't have. That said public health is a growing area of interesting.
Shaun Abrahamson is a Founder and serves as Managing Partner at Urban Us. Shaun is a Member of the Investment Committee, and he leads investment selection and communications with portfolio companies, members of the Network, and limited partners in Fund II. Before founding Fund I, Shaun was an active angel investor, investing in more than 20 firms between 2007 and 2013 in his personal capacity. Early-stage investing and advising is informed by his experiences building MediaSentry (acquired by SafeNet in 2005), Starmedia Network (acquired by France Telecom) and Oculus Technologies (MIT CADLab spin-out). In 1999, he was an early employee at govWorks, one of the earliest startups focused on serving local government. govWorks was ahead of the market and failed during the dot-com bust, becoming the subject of the documentary Startup.com in 2001. Shaun has written for organizations such as The Economist Intelligence Unit, The Huffington Post, and CNNMoney. Crowdstorm, published by Wiley, was his first book and is a guide to working with large online crowds to find and evaluate ideas. The book is based on Shaun's experience working with Starbucks, Omnicom Group, $300 House, and Life Edited. Shaun has an MSc from MIT; an MBA from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership; and a BSc from the University of Cape Town. He is also an Angel Investor.