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.
London, U.K. - France
Businesses Solutions • Sales (& Marketing) • Mobile Apps
CEO and Co-founder at BlaBlaCar
Co-Founder & CEO
Nicolas Brusson is a Co-Founder of BlaBlaCar and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. He leads the company's global operations and international growth. He drives BlaBlaCar's corporate development and has successfully led the company's various rounds of financing and acquisitions. He is a strong supporter of autonomous local teams and acqui-hire, a strategy he implemented to expand BlaBlaCar's footprint to a global scale. Prior to joining BlaBlaCar, he worked for several startups in Silicon Valley during the 2000 boom, before moving on to executive and investor roles, including that of being a Venture Capitalist in London. He holds an MBA in Finance & Entrepreneurship from INSEAD, a Masters in Optics from Ecole Superieure d'Optique and a Masters in Applied Physics from Paris XI University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Optoelectronics from the Universite Paris Sud. He is also an active angel investor. He also serves as Board Member at SIDE Capital.
, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Analytics • GovTech • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS
Cofounder PeopleDoc
Cofounder PeopleDoc
London, U.K. - France
Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • IoT (& Wearables) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Payments • Mobile Apps • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Tech entrepreneur & investor
Serial entrepreneur & tech investor
Romain Afflelou is a Co-Founder at Cosmo Connected and also serves as its President and Chairman. He spearheaded the digital strategy of Alain Afflelou Group before becoming an investor in numerous start-ups. He uses his fine-tuned analysis skills to support and invest in innovative start-ups. In addition to being a major shareholder and Chairman of Cosmo Connected, he is Board member of Multiwave. He is also an investor in Convargo, Cityscoot, Sharpr and Officeriders, Epicery.
Paris Ile - de, France - U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • Businesses Solutions • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Mobile Apps • SaaS
Principal at Leeway Ventures
, Luxembourg - 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, Mo
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Entertainment (& Sports) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Messaging • Mobile Apps • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Online Social • Consumer • Productivity
Mangrove Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in the internet, software, mobile, automotive, e-commerce, multimedia services, security, media, network, infrastructure, SaaS and wireless communication sectors. The firm was founded in 2000 and is based in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Australia - U.K. - 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, Mal
Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Gaming (& eSports) • Mobile Apps • Online Social
Co-Founder / Partner / CTO at InReach Ventures
Irvine California - Newport Beach California - Geneva Switzerland - London - New York City (NY) - Valley California - Western Europe - - Tehran Iran - Southern California California - Paris (France), U.S.A.
Hospitality (& Events) • Sales (& Marketing) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Impact • Messaging • Payments • Mobile Apps
Dr. Amir Banifatemi serves as Managing Director at K5 Ventures. Dr. Banifatemi serves as an Advisor at Compass and serves as Board Member at Aura Labs. He also serves as Board Member and Advisor at Fusion Brakes. He is a successful entrepreneur whose work experience includes more than 14 years of advising startups. His focus has always been identifying and developing future and emerging technologies that can impact society with special emphasis on predictive business intelligence, knowledge sharing & education, and real-time technologies. Amir likes to work with startups on their product strategy, pricing, business model, go-to-market, and fund raising. Amir is currently a member and President of the Tech Coast Angels Orange County and actively involved with venture funds and angel investors to help continuous and sustained funding of startups. He is also an Angel Investor.
Paris France, France
IT (& TMT) • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS
Francis Nappez serves as Board Member at SIDE Capital. Nappez is also a Co-Founder and serves as the Chief Technical Officer at BlaBlaCar. Previously Nappez served as the Mobile Development Manager at Meetic. Prior to this he served as the Technical Project Manager at Airweb. He received his DUT in services and communication networks from the Universite Joseph Fourier. He also serves as Partner at 50 Partners.
San Francisco California - Munich Germany - London - Paris France - Dubai United Arab Emirates - Cairo Egypt - Vancouver Washington - Redwood City California, U.S.A.
IT (& TMT) • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • IoT (& Wearables) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • Life Science • Restaurants
President/CEO @timeline, GP @rising Tide Fund, Board Director @quanergy, Mentor @techwadi-org. Global nomad, entrepreneur, investor, student & teacher, blessed.
Paris Ile - de, France - Portugal
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Other • IT (& TMT) • BioTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Sales (& Marketing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Food & Beverage • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • Life Science • Restaurants
Bertrand Jelensperger is a Co-Founder and serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer at Thefork. He is also an angel investor. Bertrand Jelensperger serves as Chief Executive Officer and is the Co-Founder of Lafourchette. He is the Owner at LaFourchette. He is Board Member at Eatigo.
London, U.K. - France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Future Of Work • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • Music • Mobility • Consumer • Woman Focused
Partner at Stride.VC. Ex-Spotahome COO, Uber GM + EMEA Director of Ops
Rice U. grad, Strategy Consultant at McKinsey & Company, advises on business strategy.