Is France a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

France has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what France gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in France

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and France offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

France's early-stage funding scene is dynamic, supported by key players like VC firms such as Partech, Alven, and Kima Ventures, alongside government initiatives and angel networks. Bpifrance, the public investment bank, is particularly active, offering various grants like the French Tech Grant and Aide Au Développement Deeptech, and co-investing with VCs. Angel networks like Angels Santé and Femmes Business Angels also provide crucial early capital and mentorship. However, challenges persist. Recent data indicates a significant decline in overall French tech funding in Q1 2025, dropping to near 2020 levels, with early-stage funding seeing a nearly 50% decrease compared to the previous year. While seed-stage investment saw a slight increase in H1 2024, the market has become more selective with adjusted valuations. There's also a noted challenge in startups securing follow-on funding and a potential structural deficit in growth-stage funding compared to countries like Germany, sometimes leading French scale-ups to seek US investors.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

France has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

France has a dynamic startup and innovation culture, actively fostered by initiatives like La French Tech. Entrepreneurial activity is high, with over one million businesses created in 2022. Coworking spaces are prevalent, particularly in cities like Paris, providing flexible workspaces and community for startups and freelancers. France also hosts major tech events, such as Viva Technology, which connects startups, investors, and established companies. The ecosystem offers various support programs. While there are competitive programs for more mature or "hyper-growth" startups like French Tech Next40/120, there are also initiatives aimed at early-stage founders and under-represented entrepreneurs, such as French Tech Tremplin and grants like the Bourse French Tech. Incubators like Station F and others across France provide resources, mentorship, and sometimes tailored support, suggesting a mix of standardized programs and more personalized assistance, particularly for early-stage and impact-focused ventures.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in France can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like France, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in France is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

France has a strong talent pool for startups, supported by its educational institutions. Universities like Sorbonne and INSEAD are known for producing business leaders, while coding boot camps contribute tech talent. French educational institutions are considered a key talent pool for startups. The country offers industry-specific skills, particularly in areas like information and communication, and specialized scientific and technical activities, where a significant number of startups are active. There's also a growing emphasis on skills-based hiring to address talent shortages and improve outcomes, especially in technology and customer service roles. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through various government initiatives and a developing ecosystem across different cities, not just Paris. Programs like the French Tech Visa also facilitate attracting international talent. Incubators and accelerators, including the large campus Station F, provide mentorship and resources. The government actively supports entrepreneurship through funding and programs aimed at diverse backgrounds.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in France can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

France boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

France has a robust infrastructure and support system for startups, significantly aided by government initiatives. Key resources include incubators and accelerators like Station F, the world's largest startup campus in Paris, providing mentorship, networking, and funding access. Public investment bank Bpifrance is crucial, offering various funding solutions, subsidies, and equity investments, having invested over €7.2 billion into the ecosystem. Government programs like La French Tech, a collective brand and initiative, aim to make France attractive for startups by fostering collaboration and providing support through programs like French Tech Next40/120 for hyper-growth companies and grants for initial expenses. The France 2030 Plan allocates funds to support startups emerging from universities, translating research into innovation. Initiatives like the French Tech Visa also help attract international talent. This comprehensive ecosystem helps startups thrive from ideation to scaling.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in France. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can France Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that France provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching a startup in France may encounter several challenges. Competition is significant in certain sectors and major cities like Paris, which hosts a large number of startups. The high cost of living, particularly in Paris, can also be a barrier for resource-poor startups. Navigating regulatory issues is another hurdle, with complexities in areas like labor laws, tax compliance, and administrative procedures. While the French government offers support and initiatives like La French Tech, the intricate regulatory environment and associated costs can pose difficulties.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in France or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while France offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash