Is Marseille 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.

Marseille 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 Marseille 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 Marseille

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

Marseille's early-stage funding scene is developing, supported by various local and national initiatives. Notable players include the corporate venture capital fund Obratori, focused on wellbeing, beautytech, retailtech, and Tech4Good startups. Accelerators like ZEBOX, which has a strong connection to CMA CGM, and Incubateur Belle de Mai also play a role in supporting early ventures. Teampact Ventures is another VC firm based in Marseille, investing in impact startups founded by athletes. Angel investors are also present, with some listed on networks like the Angel Investment Network. Government support is available through national programs like the French Tech Grant and French Tech Emergence Grant, offering equity-free funding. Despite these resources, challenges exist within the broader French ecosystem, including a significant decline in overall startup funding since its peak in 2022, with Q1 2025 showing the lowest levels since Q3 2019. This challenging environment, coupled with macroeconomic uncertainty, means startups are increasingly prioritizing profitability.

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  

Marseille 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.

Marseille has a growing startup ecosystem, ranking 4th in France and 152nd globally in 2025. The city is a "French Tech" accredited hub with a fast-growing network and significant digital sector activity. Coworking spaces are prevalent, offering flexible options for entrepreneurs. Numerous tech events, meetups, and workshops foster networking and knowledge sharing. Entrepreneurial activity is strong, with a focus on sectors like Energy & Environment, Healthtech, and Marketing & Sales. Support for early-stage founders exists through incubators and accelerators like Marseille Innovation and ZEBOX, offering mentoring, resources, and networking opportunities. Programs like PÉPITE Provence specifically target and provide personalized support to student entrepreneurs. While there are standardized programs, there are also initiatives tailored to specific groups like migrant entrepreneurs. The ecosystem appears to support both early-stage and more mature startups through a mix of programs and resources.

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

Marseille has a growing talent pool supported by several educational institutions, including Aix-Marseille University and KEDGE Business School, offering diverse programs. The city's talent base includes skills in digital industries like big data, telecoms, transmedia, and digital marketing, with a high concentration of related jobs in the region. There is also expertise in areas like the blue economy, cultural and creative industries, and urban planning. This local talent supports entrepreneurial growth by providing skilled professionals, particularly in tech, logistics, and creative sectors, fostering innovation and contributing to a dynamic startup ecosystem. Initiatives and accelerators further connect academic talent with the business world.

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 Marseille 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

Marseille 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.

Marseille offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like Marseille Innovation, ZEBOX, and Accélérateur M, providing tailored support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Co-working spaces are also widely available. Government initiatives, such as the French Tech label and programs like French Tech Tremplin, aim to facilitate startup growth and attract talent. Funding is accessible through various avenues, including the Aix-Marseille-Provence Amorçage fund and Bpifrance, alongside connections to local business angel networks. The Technopôle Marseille Provence also offers infrastructure and expert advice. These resources collectively contribute to a supportive environment for businesses to thrive in Marseille.

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

There’s no doubt that Marseille 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 startups in Marseille may encounter several challenges. While Marseille offers a growing startup ecosystem and a lower cost of living compared to Paris, competition exists within key sectors like logistics, maritime, and increasingly, tech. Navigating French bureaucracy and regulatory processes can also be complex for new businesses. Although the cost of living is generally more affordable than in larger French cities, securing funding and attracting specialized talent, particularly in emerging tech fields, can still 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 Marseille or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Marseille 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