Is Paris 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.

Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris

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

Paris has a dynamic early-stage funding environment, supported by a mix of players. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include Alven, Kima Ventures, Partech, and Daphni. Angel networks like Paris Business Angels and Investessor also play a crucial role in backing local founders. Government support is significant, with initiatives like Bpifrance offering various grants and loans, and the City of Paris having the Paris Innovation Fund (FPI). However, challenges exist. While Paris dominates French VC funding, accounting for 80% of the total, there are concerns about a seed-stage funding gap and a recent downturn in overall investment. French startups raised $1.4 billion in Q1 2025, a significant drop bringing levels close to those in 2020, with seed funding seeing a notable decrease compared to the previous year. Competition for funding can be intense in this central hub.

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  

Paris 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.

Paris has a thriving startup and innovation ecosystem, recognized as a leading hub in Europe. It boasts a high concentration of entrepreneurial activity with over 8,000 startups in the city. The city is home to numerous coworking spaces catering to various needs, from large facilities like Station F, the world's largest startup campus, to smaller, more intimate locations. Paris also hosts dynamic tech events, including major international gatherings like VivaTech, along with numerous smaller pitch events and networking opportunities. The ecosystem offers support for startups at different stages. While there are programs and funding for growth and scaling, there is also significant support for early-stage founders. Initiatives like Station F provide resources and programs for early ventures, and various accelerators and incubators cater to startups from ideation onwards. Some programs emphasize personalized support and mentorship, connecting founders with experienced professionals and investors. The government initiative La French Tech also aims to support the growth of the ecosystem at various stages.

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

Paris has a strong talent pool for startups, supported by numerous top-tier educational institutions, including business and engineering schools. These institutions produce graduates with strong business and entrepreneurial skills. The city is a hub for tech talent, ranking second in Europe for the number of engineers, with a high density in AI, data science, systems, security, finance, and application development. Local talent, including a significant number of experienced professionals, contributes to entrepreneurial growth through a collaborative ecosystem, mentorship, and a willingness to join new ventures. Government initiatives and a thriving network of accelerators and incubators further support startups by connecting them with skilled individuals.

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 Paris 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

Paris 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.

Paris offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces like Station F, the world's largest startup campus. These provide mentorship, networking, resources, and funding opportunities. Government initiatives, notably La French Tech, play a significant role. Programs like French Tech Next40/120 and French Tech 2030 support mature and technologically advanced startups. Public investment bank Bpifrance offers various funding options, including grants, loans, and equity funding. Initiatives like the French Tech Visa also help attract international talent. This comprehensive support system fosters innovation and helps businesses thrive.

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

There’s no doubt that Paris 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 Paris face significant challenges. Competition is high in the city's dense startup ecosystem, which hosts over 8,000 startups and attracts substantial investment. The cost of living in Paris is the highest in France, impacting both personal expenses and business costs like office space and recruitment. Regulatory issues and administrative processes in France can be complex, including navigating labor laws, tax compliance, and obtaining necessary licenses. While government support exists, these barriers require careful planning and resources.

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

So, while Paris 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