Station F and the Infrastructure Revolution

Station F's 2017 opening catalyzed a broader infrastructure boom. The world's largest startup campus didn't just provide desks—it created density. Suddenly, 1,000 startups, dozens of VC funds, and programs from international tech giants were all under one roof. The random collisions and knowledge spillovers that make Silicon Valley special began happening in Paris.

The model spread quickly. By 2024, every major French city had significant tech hubs. Lyon's H7 focused on digital and creative industries. Toulouse leveraged its aerospace heritage for deep tech. Lille's EuraTechnologies became a center for retail tech and e-commerce. Marseille developed expertise in blue economy and maritime tech.

Corporate venture arms proliferated. Large French companies—from LVMH to BNP Paribas, from L'Oréal to Air Liquide—launched startup programs, accelerators, and investment funds. This wasn't just PR; corporations recognized that partnering with startups was essential for innovation.