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.
Dubai - United Arab Emirates, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Developer tools
Co-founder & COO at Polygon (previously Matic Network)
Paris France, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Insurance (& InsurTech)
Founder and Partner at CapHorn (VC)
Guillaume Dupont is Partner and co-founder of CapHorn Invest
Guillaume (X, Stanford) began his career in the venture capital team of Crédit Agricole Private Equity before joining Schneider Electric Ventures as investment director in 2007.
He has gained extensive experience in the analysis, financing and monitoring of innovative young companies working with some such as Novaled, Supersonic Imagine, Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, Temis, Metabolic Explorer, Open Wide, Tiempo or Jet Metal Technologies.
Paris France, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Education • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos)
Co-Founder at Ring Capital
Nicolas started his career at Paribas M&A Department in France and in Hong Kong.
In 1999, he sailed 14,0000 miles between Hong Kong and Brittany on a 40 ft sailing yacht. Back to France in 2000, he cofounded the venture capital arm of Crédit Lyonnais and joined Alven Capital in 2005.
Nicolas is a graduate from HEC (France) and holds a CEMS master’s degree from Luigi Bocconi University in Milan (Italy).
Paris, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Advertising
VC- Partner @ Caphorn Invest
Most Interested In
seed series A Retailtech Supply chain Customer relations and support AI
Not Interested In
Consumer Mobile apps
Paris France, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • Online Social • Consumer • Restaurants
Precogn
Sebastien Lucas is a Co-Founder and serves as General Manager of Oxalide. He is also an Angel Investor. He conducts continuous improvement processes whose objective is ultimately to offer all the conditions favorable to value creation. The responsible autonomy of employees and the development of creativity contribute to the delivery of a service whose added value is measured in terms of the IT growth of Oxalide's customers. He also serves as Partner at 50 Partners.
Paris, France - U.S.A.
FinTech (& Financials services) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • AR/VR • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness)
Entrepreneur & Investor
Investor at Sparkle Ventures
Michael Amar is a Co-Founder of Ifeelgoods and serves as its Board Member and Chief Executive Officer. He co-founded Daooda and also served as its Chief Executive Officer. He co-founded Agorad. Amar is a graduate of Institut Superieur de Gestion business school.
Paris, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • BioTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Mobility
Cofondateur & ceo @ Merci Alternative
Founder & ceo @Omie
Helsinki, Finland - 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, Monac
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Sales (& Marketing) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Payments
Angel investor and entrepreneur
Investor and Senior Advisor at Spintop Ventures
Entrepreneur @komartek (sold to @wm-data, nowadays @cgi). Angel investor. Investments to 30 companies. Three angel exits. Advisor Spintop Ventures. M. Sc. LUT
Paris, France
PropTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Real Estate (& Construction)
Founding partner at Axeleo Capital
Founding partner at Axeleo Capital
Tel Aviv - London, U.K. - Israel - Germany - France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Most Interested In
Marketplaces, digital health, fintech
Not Interested In
Ecommerce, hardware, biotech
Toby Coppel is a Co-Founder and serves as Partner at Mosaic Ventures. He also serves Board Member at Habito. He has a strong track record of principal investing in growth companies and strong operational experience. His background and expertise allow him to provide unique insights regarding the convergence of energy, communications and information technologies. Prior to VGF, he held a number of senior executive roles with Yahoo!, including Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director, Yahoo! Europe & Canada. While at Yahoo!, Toby was responsible for almost $5 billion of acquisitions and investments. Toby was also the Executive sponsor for Yahoo's global sustainability program and led initiatives including the launch of Yahoo! Green and the management of Yahoo's carbon footprint across its global data centers and facilities. Prior to Yahoo!, Toby was a Founding Partner of Windsor Media a private investment company that acquires traditional media businesses and re-positions them for the digital future. Coppel also held investment and client advisory positions with Allen & Company and Goldman Sachs. He is an Industry Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, Henry Crown Fellow at The Aspen Institute and a Member of both the Israel-Britain and Palestine-Britain Business Councils. Coppel received his MA Philosophy, Politics & Economics (First Class) from Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom and an MBA (with Distinction) from Harvard Business School.
London - Berlin, Germany - U.K. - Netherlands - France
FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Future Of Work
Most Interested In
Decentralization, Blockchain, Peer to peer networks, API ecosystems, automation, devtech, legaltech, logistics
Not Interested In
AdTech, E-Commerce, FoodTech, Media, HealthTech