Lessons Learned

The transition period taught French Tech crucial lessons:

1. Technology alone isn't enough. French engineering excellence needed to be paired with business model innovation, marketing sophistication, and growth ambition.

2. Ecosystem matters. Individual brilliant entrepreneurs couldn't succeed without supporting infrastructure—funding, talent, mentorship, and community.

3. Culture can change. The shift in attitudes toward entrepreneurship and risk showed that cultural barriers weren't immutable.

4. Government has a role. Not as a director but as an enabler, removing barriers and providing catalytic support.

5. Global ambition is essential. Focusing only on French or even European markets limited growth potential.