Is Lyon 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.

Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Lyon 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.

Lyon has a developing early-stage funding scene, ranking as France's 2nd best startup ecosystem. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include Axeleo Capital, which recently raised a significant fund targeting green tech, and Hi Inov, focusing on B2B digital startups. Evolem Start is another local player investing at Seed and Series A. Angel investors are present, and platforms exist to help founders connect with them. Government support is available, with regional and metropolitan authorities offering financial aid and Business France detailing public funding options. France's €30 billion France 2030 plan also includes significant funding for startups nationally. While the ecosystem is growing, challenges exist, such as a potential funding gap for capital-intensive "first-of-a-kind" climate tech startups between early rounds and larger growth funding. Despite a challenging global funding environment, startup funding in Lyon remained stable from 2023 to 2024.

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  

Lyon 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.

Lyon has a thriving startup and innovation ecosystem, ranking as France's 2nd best. It boasts a strong entrepreneurial spirit with a high number of company creations annually. The city is well-equipped with numerous coworking spaces and incubators like H7, 1Kubator, and Pulsalys, fostering a collaborative environment. Lyon also hosts various tech events and conferences throughout the year. Support for early-stage founders is available through various programs and incubators, with some offering tailored solutions and personalized guidance, alongside more standardized programs and a focus on connecting startups with experts and mentors. The ecosystem supports startups across diverse sectors, including Healthtech, Energy & Environment, Software & Data, and Deeptech.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Lyon 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 Lyon, 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 Lyon 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.

Lyon has a strong talent pool for startups, supported by numerous educational institutions like the University of Lyon, which includes several universities and engineering schools such as INSA Lyon and Centrale Lyon. These institutions offer programs across science, technology, engineering, humanities, and business, contributing to a skilled workforce. The city excels in industries like digital technology, life sciences, health, chemicals, and environment, providing specialized skills. Lyon is recognized as a significant tech hub with a growing number of tech professionals specializing in various programming languages. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a vibrant startup ecosystem, including incubators and accelerators like H7 and Pulsalys, which facilitate technology transfer and provide support for new ventures. The presence of research laboratories and a focus on innovation within universities further fuels the talent pipeline for startups.

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 Lyon 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

Lyon 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.

Lyon offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators like H7, Ronalpia, and Les Premières, along with accelerators such as 1Kubator and BIG BOOSTER. These provide mentorship, funding access, and networking opportunities. The city boasts over 20 incubators and 10 accelerators. Support systems include co-working spaces, research centers, and innovation platforms. The Métropole de Lyon's LYVE initiative offers tailored support, resources, and a community for entrepreneurs. Government initiatives like the French Tech label highlight Lyon as a dynamic hub. The French Tech Visa also facilitates international talent integration. These resources, coupled with a skilled workforce and strategic location, help businesses thrive and expand.

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 Lyon. 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 Lyon Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Lyon 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 Lyon may face several challenges. While Lyon has a thriving startup ecosystem and is considered more affordable than Paris, competition exists within its key sectors like biotech, digital, and cleantech. The cost of living is moderate compared to other major European cities, and office space is less expensive than in Paris or London, but costs still need careful management. Regulatory issues and administrative complexity in France can be time-consuming and challenging for new businesses, including navigating legal requirements, documentation, labor laws, and the tax system. Despite these hurdles, Lyon offers support programs and a strong network for entrepreneurs.

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 Lyon or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Lyon 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