Comparing Global Tech Hubs

Understanding French Tech requires perspective. How does it compare to other ecosystems?

Silicon Valley: The Inevitable Benchmark

Silicon Valley remains the gold standard—$130+ billion in annual venture funding, deep talent pools, and unmatched network effects. French Tech doesn't try to replicate but rather to complement:

Advantages over Silicon Valley: - Cost of living/operations 40-50% lower - Better work-life balance attracting talent seeking quality of life - Stronger privacy regulations creating trust advantages - Deeper government support for R&D and deep tech

Disadvantages versus Silicon Valley: - 10x less venture capital available - Smaller exits reducing wealth recycling - Language barriers for global expansion - Less aggressive growth culture

London: The European Rival

Pre-Brexit, London was Europe's undisputed tech capital. The comparison now favors France:

French Advantages: - Brexit eliminated London's EU market access advantage - Cost of living increasingly favors Paris - Government support more comprehensive - Technical talent pool deeper

London's Remaining Strengths: - English language native advantage - Deeper financial markets connections - More international workforce - Stronger Series B+ funding ecosystem

Berlin: The Cultural Competitor

Berlin's low costs and creative culture make it a natural competitor:

French Strengths: - 3x more venture funding available - Stronger technical universities - Better transportation/infrastructure - More established corporate partners

Berlin's Advantages: - Even lower costs - More international startup culture - Less bureaucracy - Stronger creative industries connection

Asian Tech Hubs

Comparing with Singapore, Bangalore, or Shenzhen reveals different models:

French Differentiators: - Stronger IP protection - Better work-life balance - Focus on sustainable/ethical tech - Deeper research institutions

Asian Advantages: - Massive local markets - Manufacturing ecosystems - Higher risk tolerance - Government support scale