15 French startups to watch in 2025

Question according to many How Many Startups Are There in France?

France boasts approximately 1 million startups, establishing itself as a fertile hub for entrepreneurs. Among them, Station F is globally recognized as the largest startup campus, providing an ideal environment for innovation, collaboration, and growth. growth.

Again the Question according to many is France Good for Startups?

France ranks as one of Europe’s leading countries for startups. It holds the top position in the EU for venture capital investment, with an investment volume of €384 million, surpassing Germany’s €355 million and the UK’s €274 million (Eurostat).

Moreover, France is known as Europe’s second-largest VC ecosystem, attracting nearly $1.2 billion in investments in 2013. This advanced ecosystem is supported by robust government policies, regional support programs, and nine “French Tech Cities” that serve as hubs for technological and entrepreneurial innovation.

Below is a list of 16 significant startups in France, showcasing the country’s innovative capabilities and diversity

1.Verkor

Verkor is a French company focused on manufacturing high-performance batteries and increasing sustainable battery production in Europe. Established in 2020, its primary focus is on developing advanced batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and storage solutions.

Verkor’s Key Initiatives:

  1. Gigafactory Project:
    Verkor is building a gigafactory capable of producing hundreds of thousands of batteries annually by 2025. Located in France, it will play a key role in advancing electric mobility across Europe.
  2. Sustainable Development:
    The company is committed to enhancing the sustainability of its production processes by utilizing eco-friendly technologies.
  3. Partnerships:
    Verkor has collaborated with major companies such as the Renault Group, strengthening its business and technological capabilities.

This company is making a significant impact on Europe’s green energy and clean technology sectors.

For more detailed information, 

visit Verkor’s official website.

2. BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar: A French Ride-Sharing Platform
BlaBlaCar is a French ride-sharing platform that makes long-distance travel easier, more affordable, and environmentally friendly. Established in 2006, it is now one of the world’s largest carpooling networks.

Features of BlaBlaCar:

  1. Ride Sharing:
    BlaBlaCar allows users to take passengers in their private vehicles and share travel costs.
  2. User Profiles and Ratings:
    Each user has a profile with ratings and reviews, ensuring safety and reliability on the platform.
  3. Cost Sharing:
    The platform transparently splits travel costs between passengers and drivers, offering drivers an additional income opportunity and passengers a cost-effective travel option.
  4. International Presence:
    BlaBlaCar operates in over 22 countries and has more than 100 million users worldwide.

Why is BlaBlaCar Popular?

  • Environmentally Friendly: By promoting car-sharing, it reduces traffic congestion and helps lower carbon emissions.
  • Affordable: Long-distance travel becomes more budget-friendly.
  • Ease of Use: The platform is simple to use, with a user-friendly mobile app.

Although BlaBlaCar was founded in France, it has become a global success story. It is known for making personal travel socially and economically sustainable.

For more detailed information, 

visit BlaBlaCar’s official website.

3. Pennylane

 Pennylane: A French Fintech Startup

Pennylane is a French fintech startup designed to simplify, automate, and optimize business accounting and financial management. It primarily caters to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their accounting firms.

Features of Pennylane:

  1. All-in-One Platform:
    Pennylane is a cloud-based platform that integrates accounting, financial analysis, and cash flow management in one place.
  2. Automated Accounting:
    • Tracks expenses and income automatically.
    • Integrates with bank accounts.
    • Offers features for creating and tracking invoices.
  3. Real-Time Data:
    Provides businesses with real-time financial data, aiding faster and more efficient decision-making.
  4. Easy Collaboration:
    Facilitates smooth collaboration between accounting firms and businesses. Accountants can directly access and use data from the platform.
  5. Integration:
    Compatible with various popular tools like banking software and CRM systems.

Why is Pennylane Popular?

  • User-Friendly: Easy to use, even without technical expertise.
  • Time-Saving: Automation reduces manual tasks.
  • Accuracy: Minimizes errors in accounting.
  • Tailored for SMEs: Specifically designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Pennylane’s Success:

Founded in 2019, Pennylane has quickly become a recognized name in Europe’s fintech ecosystem. Its goal is to make financial management easier and more sustainable for businesses.

For more detailed information, visit Pennylane’s official website.

4. Doctolib

Doctolib: A French Health-Tech Company

Doctolib is a French health-tech company designed to simplify healthcare services for patients and medical professionals. It is one of Europe’s largest medical appointment booking platforms.

Key Features of Doctolib:

  1. Appointment Booking Platform:
    Patients can easily book doctor appointments online. It is particularly useful for busy professionals and those seeking to save time.
  2. Telemedicine:
    The platform offers video consultation services, making it ideal for treating remote patients.
  3. Tools for Healthcare Professionals:
    • A simple dashboard for doctors to manage their appointment schedules, patient information, and medical notes.
    • Practice management software that streamlines the daily tasks of healthcare professionals.
  4. User Experience:
    The platform is user-friendly and available in multiple languages, ensuring easy and effective service for both patients and doctors.
  5. Security:
    Patient information is fully protected and managed in compliance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Doctolib’s Success:

  • Since its founding in 2013, Doctolib has expanded across several European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy.
  • Today, millions of patients and doctors use Doctolib.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doctolib played a key role in providing telemedicine and vaccine booking services.

Doctolib has made a significant step in digitalizing the healthcare system, making connections between patients and doctors quicker and easier.

For more detailed information, visit Doctolib’s official website.

5. Deezer

Deezer: A French Online Music Streaming Platform

Deezer is a French online music streaming platform founded in 2007. It offers users access to a vast library of over 100 million songs across various genres. Deezer is one of the most popular music streaming services worldwide.

Key Features of Deezer:

  1. Vast Music Library:
    Deezer allows users to stream over 100 million songs, podcasts, and audio content.
  2. Flow:
    This is Deezer’s signature feature. Flow is a personalized radio station that curates songs based on your preferences.
  3. Playlists and Customization:
    • Users can create their own playlists.
    • The platform automatically suggests new songs for users to explore.
  4. Offline Mode:
    Premium users can download songs and listen offline.
  5. Quality Options:
    • Deezer HiFi offers users high-quality sound streaming in FLAC (Lossless) format.
    • Standard and data-saving quality options are also available.
  6. Cross-Platform Support:
    Deezer is accessible on web browsers, mobile apps (iOS and Android), smart TVs, smart speakers, and CarPlay.
  7. Lyrics and Karaoke:
    Users can view song lyrics and sing along.

Why is Deezer Popular?

  • A good mix of local French music and global hits.
  • Personalization and ease of use.
  • Best audio quality compared to competitors through the Deezer HiFi service.

Deezer’s Success:

  • Deezer currently operates in 180 countries.
  • It has over 16 million active users and nearly 73 million paid subscribers.
  • It competes globally with major rivals like Spotify and Apple Music.

Deezer is a powerful music streaming platform that combines technology and creativity to deliver a unique experience for users.

For more detailed information, visit Deezer’s official website.

6. Mistral AI

Mistral AI: A Modern Artificial Intelligence Technology

Mistral AI is cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology developed by a company named Mistral. It is primarily used for creating various types of language models and other AI-based systems. Mistral AI can be applied in fields such as natural language processing (NLP), text generation, and other artificial intelligence tasks.

Mistral AI plays a leading role in natural language processing and machine learning, making it an emerging technology in these fields.

Features of Mistral AI:

  1. High Efficiency:
    Mistral AI is capable of building highly efficient language models that process text quickly and accurately.
  2. Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP):
    It is highly effective in language analysis and processing tasks such as language translation, text summarization, and question-answering systems.
  3. Machine Learning Capabilities:
    Mistral AI can learn and improve automatically through machine learning, allowing it to be applied in various applications.
  4. Reliability:
    Its models use large amounts of data for training, making the results more reliable and accurate.
  5. Open and Functional:
    Mistral AI is generally available as an open-source model, giving users the opportunity to access and customize it easily.
  6. Versatile Use Across Fields:
    It can be applied in various industries, such as healthcare, business, education, and technology, showcasing its ability to handle different tasks.
  7. Text Generation:
    Mistral AI can perform creative writing tasks, such as writing stories, generating articles, and other writing-related tasks.

For more detailed information,

 visit Mistral AI’s official website.

7. DriveCo

DriveCo is a French company, an innovative startup primarily known for electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions and smart energy management. The company aims to promote sustainable transportation systems by creating and managing a network of charging stations for electric vehicle owners.

Their goal is to reduce carbon emissions through the use of environmentally friendly technologies and provide more efficient and affordable solutions via smart energy management.

Founded in 2010, DriveCo started in France and has since become one of the largest names in the European electric vehicle charging network.

Features of DriveCo:

  1. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations:
    DriveCo sets up smart and fast charging stations, making it easy and time-efficient for electric vehicle owners.
  2. Environmentally Friendly Technology:
    The company ensures the use of renewable energy, such as solar power and other sustainable energy sources.
  3. Smart Energy Management:
    DriveCo simplifies energy management through its charging stations, where customers can manage charging via a mobile app or online platform.
  4. Affordable and Sustainable Solutions:
    In addition to reducing carbon emissions, DriveCo emphasizes cost savings on vehicle charging.
  5. Global Network:
    Although it started in France, DriveCo has expanded its charging network across various countries in Europe.
  6. Services for Both Business and Personal Use:
    DriveCo provides charging station installation services for both businesses and individual consumers.

DriveCo plays a leading role in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation systems.

For more detailed information, visit DriveCo official website

8. Hugging Face

Hugging Face is an open-source platform widely recognized in the artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) community. It acts as a large hub where users can access pre-trained models, datasets, and various machine learning tools. Hugging Face is primarily used for Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, and audio processing tasks.

On this platform, you can perform tasks such as text generation, summarization, image classification, and speech recognition. Hugging Face provides more than 400,000 models and over 100,000 datasets, making it a vast resource for working with AI and machine learning.

Key Features of Hugging Face:

  1. Collaborative Hub: A platform for model sharing, discovery, and discussion.
  2. Open-Source Tools: Such as Transformers for state-of-the-art NLP models and Diffusers for image and audio generation.
  3. Wide Coverage of Tasks: Supports a range of tasks like text classification, image generation, and reinforcement learning.

For more detailed information,

 visit Hugging Face’s official website.

9.Technique Solaire

Technique Solaire is a French company specializing in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power. Established in 2008, it is known for large-scale rooftop solar installations in France. The company works on innovative projects such as solar-powered parking sheds, greenhouses, PV aviaries, and floating solar parks, alongside standard solar panel installations for new buildings.

Technique Solaire aims to achieve 1 gigawatt (GWp) of operational solar capacity by 2024. They engage with local communities and investors through participatory financing campaigns, enabling French citizens to contribute to environmental projects. This approach helps them accelerate business growth and increase community participation in renewable energy development.

 

Features of Technique Solaire:

  1. Reliable Solar Technology: A leading provider of rooftop solar installations in France, with expertise in innovative solar projects.
  2. Commitment to Energy Transition: The company plays a vital role in France’s renewable energy transition and aims to reach 1 GWp of energy capacity by 2024.
  3. Community Involvement: Encourages local community and investor participation through crowdfunding for renewable energy projects.
  4. Diverse Projects: Not limited to solar, the company also works on local methane production and energy self-sufficiency projects.

These features have established Technique Solaire as a powerful environmental and technological player in France.

For more detailed information, visit Technique Solaire’s official website.

10. Silvr.co

Silvr.co is a financial services company established in 2020 in France, offering fast and secure loans to businesses across Europe. Its founders, Nina Karimi and Grégory Tapero, aim to provide accessible financial solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often struggle to obtain loans through traditional banking systems. Silvr specializes in providing funding solutions for digital businesses, e-commerce, and SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, but has expanded to offer loans to various types of small businesses.

Silvr uses advanced data-driven scoring technology to provide fast and easy loan applications, making the process quick and efficient. This technology allows businesses to access loans without the need for guarantees or collateral.

Key Features of Silvr:

  1. Invoice Financing
  2. Inventory Financing
  3. Growth Financing
  4. Working Capital Loans
  5. Fast and Easy Application Process
  6. Loan Amounts range from €5,000 to €1,000,000 with repayment periods from 1 to 6 months.
  7. Quick Funding: Businesses can apply online and receive funds within 2 working days.

For more detailed information, 

visit Silvr’s official website.

11.Ÿnsect

Ÿnsect is a French company established in 2011 in Paris, specializing in insect breeding and processing for animal feed and plant fertilizer production. The company particularly uses mealworms and buffalo worms, which are produced in state-of-the-art vertical farms. Through this process, Ÿnsect produces protein and oil that are used in the production of animal food, such as for fish and pets.

Ÿnsect contributes to the food chain by providing protein and fertilizer through environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods. Their processes require significantly less land and aim to reduce the carbon footprint, offering a more sustainable solution from an environmental perspective.

Key Features of Ÿnsect:

  1. Sustainable Protein Production: Produces protein and oil from insects for animal feed and agriculture, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to supply high-quality protein.
  2. Land Efficiency: Uses 98% less land compared to traditional agriculture to produce protein, thus creating less environmental strain.
  3. Innovative Technology: Utilizes modern, automated technologies for insect breeding and processing, with more than 350 patents.
  4. Global Supply: Exports products worldwide, with production centers in France, the Netherlands, and the United States.
  5. Environmental Responsibility: Aims to provide more sustainable and healthier solutions for the food chain, meeting the protein demands of the growing global population.

Ÿnsect is paving the way for an advanced, eco-friendly, and sustainable food production system that could be crucial for meeting future demands.

For more detailed information, visit Ÿnsect’s official website.

12. Jimmy Energy

Jimmy Energy, a French startup founded in 2020, specializes in developing and operating Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) designed for decarbonized heat production in industrial processes. These reactors, known as High-Temperature Reactors (HTRs), use graphite as a moderator and helium as a coolant. Jimmy Energy’s reactors can generate temperatures exceeding 600°C, meeting industrial heat demands efficiently and safely.

The reactors incorporate advanced safety systems, including automatic shutdown mechanisms to prevent overheating, ensuring no risk of nuclear material release into the environment.

Key Features of Jimmy Energy:

  1. High-Temperature Reactors: Capable of generating over 600°C, ideal for industrial heat applications.
  2. Safe and Efficient Technology: Advanced safety systems ensure operational security and environmental protection.
  3. Affordable and Decarbonized Heat: Provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to gas for industrial heat production.
  4. Innovative Design: Utilizes cutting-edge nuclear technology to address industrial needs quickly and effectively.
  5. Future-Ready Deployment: Plans to launch its first industrial demonstrator by 2026, with initial clients already engaged.

Jimmy Energy is poised to revolutionize industrial heat production through sustainable, innovative nuclear solutions.

Visit Jimmy Energy official website for more information.

13.Trezy

Trezy, established in 2021 in Paris, is a cloud-based financial management platform tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company provides a cash flow forecasting tool to enhance financial visibility and management for businesses.

With $4.26 million raised in two funding rounds—$3.24 million secured in June 2023—Trezy aims to strengthen the financial stability of SMEs through AI-powered forecasting tools.

Key Features of Trezy:

  1. Cloud-Based Financial Management: Offers a secure platform for SMEs to monitor and improve financial stability.
  2. AI-Powered Forecasting: Leverages artificial intelligence to predict future cash flow, aiding informed financial decision-making.
  3. SME-Focused Solutions: Designed specifically for small and medium businesses needing simplified financial tracking tools.
  4. Automated Tools: Generates real-time cash flow forecasts, helping businesses manage expenses and income effectively.
  5. User-Friendly Interface: Provides intuitive and accessible insights for immediate financial clarity.

Trezy equips SMEs with the tools for proactive financial planning and smart decision-making.

For more details, visit Trezy’s official website.

14. Malt

Founded in 2013 in France, Malt is a freelance marketplace that connects businesses with skilled freelance professionals. The platform offers a secure and efficient solution for managing freelance projects, serving a diverse range of industries and expertise. Malt operates across France and other European countries, partnering with premium clients to support digital transformation and operational excellence.

Key Features of Malt:

  1. Extensive Freelance Network: Access to over 700,000 freelancers across various industries and expertise areas.
  2. Corporate Partnerships: Collaborates with organizations to provide specialized freelance talent for complex projects and digital transformation.
  3. Streamlined Workflow: Simplifies job matching, project management, and payment processes for freelancers and businesses.
  4. Strong Financial Backing: Secured €80 million in funding to advance technology and expand internationally.

Malt creates a dynamic platform for businesses to find and collaborate with expert freelancers effortlessly.

For more details, visit Malt’s official website.

15.Pigment

Established in 2019 in Paris, Pigment is a cloud-based business planning platform designed to help companies optimize financial planning, workforce management, sales forecasting, and supply chain processes. Pigment provides a user-friendly and data-driven environment, enabling smarter and more strategic decision-making.

Key Features of Pigment:

  1. Multidimensional Planning: Enables businesses to analyze “what-if” scenarios and create effective, flexible plans.
  2. AI-Driven Insights: Uses artificial intelligence to forecast financial scenarios and improve planning accuracy.
  3. User-Friendly Interface: Designed for non-technical users, making complex data and insights easily accessible.
  4. Integration Capabilities: Integrates seamlessly with tools like Salesforce, Google Sheets, and ERP systems for enhanced workflow management.
  5. Scalability and Collaboration: Serves large global companies such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Merck, supporting large-scale operations.

Pigment empowers businesses to make well-informed decisions and improve efficiency through its advanced planning tools.

Visit Pigment’s official website for more information.