© Ivan Marc/Shutterstock
As France prepares to host the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit in Paris, investors Galion.exe and Revaia have teamed up with consulting firm Chausson Partners to conduct a major study on AI in Europe. And for now, France is rather well placed.
AI is progressing in Europe
Because we mostly hear about the colossal fundraisings of American startups like OpenAI and xAI, and the Chinese exploits with DeepSeek, but Europe is definitely there. Its young shoots are slightly less flamboyant, certainly, but they are perfectly positioned to grow in this very promising market.
In 2024, AI companies represented 20% of venture capital funding in Europe, or around $8 billion. 70% of the capital raised by AI startups in 2024 was raised in a funding round ranging from seed to series B. From 2020 to 2024, the United Kingdom, France and Germany concentrated 70% of the sums invested. Wayve, Mistral AI and Aleph Alpha stand out as the startups that raised the most funds during this period.
France's “driving role”
A significant part of the study focuses on French AI startups. And apart from British start-ups that are also performing well, they dominate the sector on the Old Continent.
« France has a unique opportunity not only to play a leading role, but also to bring its considerable strengths to the global effort. With its world-class talent, cutting-edge research, vibrant innovation ecosystem, stable, decarbonized energy supply, and highly competitive infrastructure — including supercomputers, data centers, advanced communications networks, and land available for development — the country is home to startups that tackle society's most pressing challenges », comment its authors.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Thus, the artificial intelligence ecosystem in France is booming, driven by a dynamic network of 750 startups that have already generated 35,000 jobs in various sectors. This development is based on strong academic and scientific expertise, with 2,000 researchers and 600 doctoral students specializing in AI. Similarly, the reputation of French engineers in the sector extends beyond borders, with a significant presence in major American technology companies.
French AI startups evolving in infrastructure and agents d’AI. © Galion.exe, Revaia, Chausson Partners
Promising sectors
While France has publishers of high-performance large language models, such as Mistral or Poolside, specific sectors seem conducive to the emergence of AI startups: health and climate.
With more than 60 startups specializing in health and AI, France is establishing itself as fertile ground for these innovations. In 2024, these companies raised more than 150 million euros, positioning them as key players in the transformation of the health system.
They are just as many, in France, working on solutions to reduce environmental impacts. Although this sector has received half the funding of healthcare, its dynamism and the growing pressure for ecological solutions make it a promising area for entrepreneurs and investors.
- In 2024, AI companies accounted for 20% of venture capital funding in Europe, or around $8 billion.
- From 2020 to 2024, the United Kingdom, France and Germany accounted for 70% of the sums invested.
- The health and climate sectors appear to be major opportunities for French AI startups.
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