France’s startup ecosystem, known as La French Tech, has been experiencing uncertainty due to the country’s political limbo. However, the appointment of former EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister has brought some stability. The French Tech Mission, a public administration initiative, is also undergoing changes as its director Clara Chappaz departs after a three-year contract. Chappaz’s replacement will need to navigate the complex landscape of supporting the growth of French startups, amidst shifting priorities and macroeconomic changes.
The French Tech Mission, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, has evolved its focus from unicorn hunting to deep tech spinouts and economic impact. The initiative has been aligned with the France 2030 agenda, which aims to align with the country’s strategic goals. The current landscape has seen the rise of companies like Mistral AI and Pasqal, and the fall of others like Luko. The France Digitale association, which represents startups and investors from the French digital ecosystem, has witnessed this evolution among its members.
The association’s CEO Maya Noël suggests that the new director of the French Tech Mission could come from one of the strategic sectors that the country is prioritizing, such as manufacturing, healthcare, or defense. However, Noël emphasizes the importance of having a director who has a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and can work effectively with public officials, politicians, big companies, and journalists.
Chappaz’s departure comes at a time when La French Tech is facing new challenges. The startup ecosystem has gone through the ebbs and flows of the pandemic and the fundraising hype, and has now shifted its focus to creating industrial champions and economic impact. The French Tech Mission has been working on initiatives like “Je Choisis La French Tech,” which aims to increase public contracts and purchases from startups. The association has been lobbying for these changes, and wishes for faster progress, particularly on the topic of exits.
The new director of the French Tech Mission will need to play the cards well, highlighting the importance of startups in creating jobs and reindustrializing France. Chappaz’s successor will also need to navigate the country’s complex political landscape, where parliament remains divided. Despite these challenges, the French startup ecosystem has shown resilience, and the appointment of a new director with the right skills and expertise could be just what La French Tech needs to continue its growth trajectory.
