On Monday, November 6, the Mission French Tech unveiled the list of 80 startups selected for the new cohort of the French Tech 2030 program. These companies, carefully chosen for their contribution to France’s technological sovereignty, benefit from unprecedented support, combining funding, networking, and visibility. An analysis by the experts at AURIS Finance, a consulting firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
Launched as part of the France 2030 plan and led by the Mission French Tech, the French Tech 2030 program aims to identify and support French startups operating in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, robotics, electronics, semiconductors, and critical infrastructure (cloud, connectivity).
Access to the French Tech Ecosystem
Startups are selected based on several criteria: capital independence, no stock market listing, headquarters in France, and their ability to address current technological, economic, social, and environmental challenges. They then receive financial and non-financial support for one year or more, along with enhanced visibility through the program. The French Tech network, which includes around sixty entities (Urssaf, Bpifrance, CNIL, Euronext, etc.), provides tailored support based on their needs: recruitment, administrative processes, intellectual property, and international expansion. The first cohort included 125 companies, selected from 800 applicants. Notable names from French Tech were part of this group, such as Mistral AI—a startup specializing in artificial intelligence that recently entered the global top 100 unicorns with a valuation of $14 billion—and Alice & Bob, which raised €100 million in January 2025 to develop its quantum computer.
High-Growth Companies
The second cohort comprises 80 startups. These companies are already at an advanced stage of development: collectively, they have raised €1.1 billion since their inception and generated €138 million in cumulative revenue in 2024. They employ 3,200 people in France and aim to increase their workforce by 45% in 2025. Among these companies, a majority (61%) are based in the Île-de-France region. Their expertise spans artificial intelligence (Arlequin AI, Comand AI, Gladia), cybersecurity (HarfangLab, CryptoNext Security), robotics (Enchanted Tools, Elistair), and quantum computing (QbitSoft, Isentroniq, etc.). Of the 80 selected startups, 16 were also part of the first cohort.
A Decisive Support Program
As 2025 draws to a close, the environment remains challenging for companies seeking new funding. In an uncertain macroeconomic context, investors are exercising increased caution. While investment funds are returning, they are focusing on companies with proven business models in high-potential markets. The Mission French Tech program provides selected companies with facilitated access to funding, particularly public funding through Bpifrance. It also offers support for development in France and internationally, as well as significant visibility.
Our Experts by Your Side
For companies, joining the French Tech 2030 program is a genuine strategic opportunity. The experts at AURIS Finance specialize by sector. We stand by your side at every step: from preparing your application and optimizing your financing plan to structuring your fundraising. We help you maximize your visibility in a competitive ecosystem.
