A New Maturity

By 2024, French Tech had achieved a new maturity. The ecosystem was self-sustaining—successful entrepreneurs became investors and mentors, creating virtuous cycles. International talent saw Paris as a legitimate alternative to London or Berlin. French startups competed globally without apology.

The numbers told the story: 30 unicorns, €13+ billion in annual funding, 1.2 million jobs in the tech sector. But beyond metrics lay a deeper transformation. France had proven that innovation could thrive within its social model, that startups could scale without sacrificing values, that European tech could compete globally while maintaining its identity.

"We're not trying to be Silicon Valley," reflected a successful founder. "We're building something different—tech that serves society, innovation that's sustainable, growth that's inclusive. That's the French way, and it's working."

The modern renaissance wasn't complete—no tech ecosystem ever is—but France had definitively joined the ranks of global tech powers. The question was no longer whether French startups could succeed, but how far they could go. As the ecosystem entered its next phase, ambitions had never been higher.# Chapter 5: Government and Policy Innovation

In most countries, the relationship between government and tech startups ranges from benign neglect to active hostility. Silicon Valley mythology celebrates entrepreneurs who succeed despite government, not because of it. France has charted a radically different course—one where the state acts as catalyst, enabler, and champion of innovation. This unique approach, refined over decades, offers lessons for any nation seeking to build a thriving tech ecosystem.