France

Paris

#12

Global Startup Ecosystem
Members: Viva Technology

Top 10

Global Ecosystem in Funding

#2

Europe Ecosystem in Performance

#3

Europe Ecosystem in Talent & Experience
Paris thrives as a global innovation hub, where a supportive ecosystem fuels the ambitions of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Olivia Hervy
Olivia Hervy
Chief Ecosystem Officer, Viva Technology

Highlights

Paris stands out as a global ecosystem leader thanks to its world-class talent pool and robust government support that consistently attracts major funding and fosters international startup growth. 

The city offers unparalleled resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, with close proximity to government and stakeholders cultivating a new generation of internationally-ambitious founders that accelerate innovation. It is home to more than 25,000 startups across AI, Climatetech, Fintech, Deep Tech, Healthcare, and Biotech, collectively creating more than one million jobs and a growing pipeline of unicorns. The French Tech Next40/120 program is a flagship government initiative that supports France’s highest-potential scaleups.

Paris's startup ecosystem stands out for its deep integration of academic excellence, public-private collaboration, and sector diversity. Anchored by elite institutions like École Polytechnique and Université Paris-Saclay, startups benefit from cutting-edge research. Since its implementation in 2008, the Research Tax Credit has driven a 15-18% increase in R&D expenditure and positively influenced patent filing activities.

VivaTech, Europe's premier tech and innovation conference held annually in Paris, brings together global startups, investors, and industry leaders, fostering cross-border collaboration, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and accelerating growth across international startup ecosystems.

The Paris 2024 Olympics acted as a powerful accelerator for the city's startup ecosystem, providing platforms for innovation, facilitating economic opportunities, and enhancing Paris's reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial activity. The Organising Committee actively integrated startups into the event's planning and execution, selecting 17 to contribute innovative solutions across various sectors. Global exposure from the Olympics attracted significant foreign investment interest, showcasing Paris's technological and industrial capabilities.

Ecosystem by the Numbers

ECOSYSTEM VALUE

A measure of economic impact, calculated as the value of exits and startup valuations from H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 - 2024)
$149 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $20.4 bn

NUMBER OF UNICORNS 

The number of startups that meet our definition and have been valued at more than $1 billion and have not exited.
(ACTIVE UNICORNS)
38
GLOBAL AVG. 4

SOFT. ENGINEER SALARY

Average software engineer salary informed by data from Glassdoor, Salary.com, and PayScale, as well as local sources when available.
(2024)
$61 K
GLOBAL AVG. $52 K

TIME TO EXIT

The average age at the time of exit in the ecosystem in 2020–2024.
(2020 - 2024)
11 years
GLOBAL AVG. 11.2 years

TOTAL EARLY–STAGE FUNDING

The total seed and Series A funding in tech startups in H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 - 2024)
$4.7 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $514.8 m

MEDIAN SEED ROUND

The median of seed rounds in tech startups in the ecosystem in H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 - 2024)
$1.7 M
GLOBAL AVG. $889 k

EARLY-STAGE FUNDING
GROWTH

Early-stage funding growth is based on number of seed and Series A rounds raised between 2021-20222 vs. 2023-2024 and calculated on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
(2021 - 22 VS. 2023 - 24)
5
Scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)

EXIT AMOUNT

The total value of exits from the ecosystem.
(2020 - 2024)
$13 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $8 bn

ECOSYSTEM VALUE GROWTH

Ecosystem Value growth (CAGR) is calculated based on companies founded in the ecosystem in H2 2020–H2 2022 vs. H2 2022–H2 2024.
(H2 2020 - H2 2022 VS H2 2022 - H2 2024)
0%
GLOBAL AVG. -14%

MEDIAN SERIES A ROUND 

The median of Series A rounds in tech startups in the ecosystem in H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 – 2024)
$8 M
GLOBAL AVG. $6.8 m

TOTAL VC FUNDING

The total VC funding (seed, Series A, Series B+) in tech startups in H2 2022–2024.
(2020 - 2024)
$40 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $5.2 bn

EXIT COUNT (#)

The number of exits from the ecosystem.
(2020 - 2024)
802
91
2020
140
2021
173
2022
216
2023
182
2024
GLOBAL AVG. 86

Sub-Sector Strengths

Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

Paris hosted the AI Action Summit in February 2025, drawing global leaders including President Emmanuel Macron. France is poised to receive major AI investment, with $112.6 billion in private funding and up to $56.7 billion from the UAE for an AI data center. In March, Mistral AI announced plans for the largest supercomputer in Europe, boosting France’s technological sovereignty. VivaTech and World Economic Forum revealed plans to open a European Centre of AI Excellence in Paris, leveraging France’s strong research ecosystem, robust technology investment landscape, and dynamic startup scene to drive innovation and adoption.

Climatetech
Climatetech

Paris is home to 500+ Climatetech startups, spanning various domains such as clean energy, sustainable mobility, and circular economy solutions. There are a number of active funds based in Paris, including sustainability and environmental impact leader Eurazeo, and clean energy and sustainability firm Aster Capital. Other players include Demeter Partners and the French public investment bank BPI, which supports green technology initiatives. In October 2024, La Climate House opened in the heart of Paris. Co-founded by 80 entrepreneurs, it is designed to reinvent the economy in service of ecological and social transition.

Fintech
Fintech

Paris boasts ongoing prominence as a hub for Fintech innovation despite broader market challenges. In 2024, the average Parisian Fintech deal value increased by 67% to $15.8 million. France FinTech, a prominent industry association, plays a vital role in advocating for Fintech companies by fostering innovation and facilitating collaboration between startups, financial institutions, and regulators. Fintech Swan secured $46 million in January 2025 to scale embedded finance in Europe, with 85 new hires planned.

Reasons to Move Your Startup to Paris

Wide Government Support

The French government demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the tech sector, with policies, incentives, and investments aimed at fostering innovation and attracting international talent. The French Tech Visa simplifies the process for non-EU startup founders, employees, and investors to obtain a residence permit in France. French Tech Tremplin supports entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. French Tech Seed Fund is a $439 million fund co-investing in Deep Tech Startups.

Market and Transportation Access

Paris offers startups ideal market access with its central location in the European Union, strong trade infrastructure, and seamless connectivity to major global markets, making it a strategic launchpad for international expansion. Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport is the third busiest airport in Europe. France has one of the most developed railway systems in the world, with high-speed rail, extensive metro lines, and growing green mobility options.

Educational and Research Institutions

​Paris is renowned for its prestigious educational and research institutions, fostering innovation and international collaboration. The city is home to 21 top-tier business schools and a top engineering university. In August 2024, Université Paris-Saclay was ranked 12th globally in the Shanghai Ranking, marking it as the highest-ranked European institution. The PR[AI]RIE Institute, specializing in AI, received an $82.3 million endowment in 2024, enhancing its focus on interdisciplinary research and education.

Selected Startup Organizations

Key Ecosystem Players

Work with us

If you are interested in working with us to drive global attention to your ecosystem, please get in touch with Marina Krizman, Director of Business Development.

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