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Presentation of the French Tech Mission
Whats is the French Tech Mission?
The French Tech Mission was set up in 2013 to support the structuring and growth of the French start-up ecosystem, both in France and internationally. It is responsible for implementing public policies aimed at start-ups and federating this ecosystem nationally and internationally.
through our dedicated national programmes
uses solutions proposed by start-ups in the French tech ecosystem every month
such as URSSAF, Pôle Emploi, Bpifrance, Business France, AFNOR, UGAP, Direction Générale du Trésor, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, etc.
17 Capitales and 31 Communities in France, 66 Communities abroad, made up of 1,400 volunteers, 70% of whom are entrepreneurs
Our mission within the French government
In 2013, our mission was to encourage the emergence of a start-up ecosystem in France. Today, we’ve done just that! Since 2019, France has retained its number one position in Europe for attracting foreign investment, according to the EY study for 2023.
Our ambition today is to make France one of the most attractive countries in the world for start-ups, talent and investors. To achieve this goal, our priorities are to :
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Supporting the development of world-class technology companies capable of providing solutions to major societal challenges
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Improve the dissemination of French Tech solutions throughout the French economic fabric to strengthen our technological sovereignty
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Accelerate the opening up of the ecosystem to all talents and all regions in order to make French Tech a driving force for professional and economic integration for all
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Positioning French Tech as Europe’s leading ecosystem for the ecological transition
Support programmes dedicated to the growth of innovative technology start-ups
Convinced that collaboration between the public and private sectors creates value, our action is based on the design and implementation of innovative support programmes for French entrepreneurs.
These programmes are aimed at both high-performance start-ups capable of becoming world-class technological champions, and less mature but high-potential start-ups positioned in strategic areas as part of France 2030, as well as entrepreneurs under-represented in the ecosystem who want to create their own start-up.
Through these support programmes, we aim to :
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Providing solutions for start-ups on issues of visibility, regulation and access to public services;
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Facilitating interaction with the French government, thanks to the network of 60 French Tech Correspondents, present in public administrations, and their expertise covering a wide range of subjects from financing to recruitment, and opening up to international markets.
Discover our support programmes
Supporting start-ups, in the form of programmes, enables the French Tech Mission to support the development of technology start-ups that meet government priorities.
A network of French Tech Capitals and Communities committed to bringing together and promoting the French Tech ecosystem in each region, both in France and internationally.
We are working to mobilise a network of 17 Capitales and 97 Communautés French Tech (French Tech Capitals and Communities), private-sector associations awarded the label every 3 years, present in 32 regions of France and its overseas territories and in 66 cities around the world.
As the gateway to the tech ecosystem in each region, they help to implement the French Tech Mission national strategy, adapting it to the priorities and specific features of their ecosystems. They also roll out 3 French Tech programmes in their territories.
Discover the network of French Tech Capitals and Communities
The French Tech Capitals and Communities are real gateways for French start-ups to the French Tech ecosystem.
The history of the French Tech Mission
January 2013 Creation of the French Tech Mission
By Fleur Pellerin, Minister attached to the Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy.
The creation of this new body will help to build a major collective movement to promote the growth and international influence of French digital start-ups.
January 2014 Labelling of French Tech Metropolises
The first 9 French Tech Metropolises have been awarded the label. This deployment marks the beginning of the decentralisation of Mission French Tech across France.
January 2015 Budget Allocation dedicated to the development of French Tech
By Axelle Lemaire, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy and Innovation.
The aim is to develop the international appeal of French Tech by allocating a budget of €15 million (creation of international hubs, presence at events).
October 2016 Certification of the first French Tech Communities abroad
22 organisations have been awarded the French Tech Communities abroad. This is a new stage in the deployment of the French Tech Mission’s actions around the world.
January 2017 Creation of French Tech Central
By Cédric O, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy.
The aim of the programme is to make it easier for all start-ups to access the main public services in their area that are useful to their day-to-day lives and growth, with a view to identifying their specific needs and ensuring a coordinated response between public administrations.
April 2019 French Tech Capitals and Communities first label
For this first 3-year label, the French Tech network is made up of 13 Capitales and 43 French Tech Communities.
July 2019 Creation of the French Tech Tremplin programme
By Cédric O, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy.
This programme promotes equal opportunities and helps entrepreneurs from backgrounds that are under-represented in the French tech ecosystem to develop their business projects.
September 2019 Creation of French Tech Next40/120 programme
By Cédric O, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy.
The aim is to support and promote 120 young French companies considered to be promising and likely to become technological leaders.
July 2021 Creation of French Tech Rise programme
By Cédric O, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy.
An initiative, in the form of an annual event, to support the financing of start-ups on a regional scale.
March 2022 Launch of the Pacte Parité by the French Tech Mission, co-created with signatory start-ups
The French Tech Mission, in co-creation with the signatories, has detailed the Parity Pact, the aim of which is to commit start-ups to making parity a corporate norm.
February 2023 Strengthening the network of French Tech Capitals and Communities
Announcement of the network’s second promotion, with a strengthening of its structure and financing. The network now comprises 16 Capitales, 34 Communities in France and 67 Communities abroad. The aim of this promotion is to consolidate the tech ecosystem at local level.
June 2023 Creation of French Tech 2030 programme
Announcement of the 125 laureates of the first promotion of the French Tech 2030 programme, a support programme that combines the ambition of the France 2030 plan, steered by the General Secretariat for Investment, with the support of the French Tech Mission and the expertise of Bpifrance.
June 2023 Launch of the “Je choisis La French Tech” initiative
By Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister Delegate for the Digital Economy
The “Je choisis la French Tech” (I choose French Tech) initiative aims to increase the use of French start-up solutions by public administrations and the business community. In concrete terms, the aim is to double the use of French start-up solutions by public and private sector players by 2027.
The difference between “the French Tech Mission” and “the French Tech”
The French Tech Mission is a government agency that deploys the “La French Tech” brand, owned by the French government. It is responsible for supporting and mobilising the French start-up ecosystem, both in France and internationally.
“French Tech” is the term used to designate the movement of 25,000 French start-ups operating in France and abroad. It is often used to refer to start-ups and all the players in the ecosystem: investors, support structures (incubators, accelerators, dedicated associations, etc.), etc.
Discover the French Tech ecosystem
The French Tech ecosystem refers to all French start-ups and a dynamic group of players and initiatives that promote the growth of start-ups by supporting their creation, financing and marketing.