Cleantech, one of the spearheads of the French start-up ecosystem

© Shutterstock

In a rather gloomy year for French Tech, cleantech and greentech continue to boost the ecosystem. These start-ups are among the most funded by investors, through notable operations in recent months.

1.4 billion raised for cleantech

During the first half of 2024, 79 fundraisings were carried out in the ecological and energy transition (cleantech) sector in France, according to the France Invest barometer. The total amount of operations amounts to 1.4 billion euros.

Two sectors particularly stood out. Mobility with 422 million euros raised through twelve rounds of funding, as well as renewable energies which account for nine operations for 348 million euros raised. This is a real renaissance for this sector which struggled to make its way during the 2010s. Technologies have improved drastically, showing convincing results.

As France Invest notes, two fundraisings made their mark during the first half of the year. Electra, a fast charging network for electric vehicles, raised 304 million euros. The hydrogen mobility specialist, HysetCo, has raised 200 million euros.

« For several years, the ecological transition has taken a decisive turn. We are gradually entering a new phase: that of concrete action with measurable objectives and better defined indicators. We are no longer in the world of speeches of intent but in a much more factual and piloted approach », note Anthony Dubut and Sylvain Makaya, directors of France Invest.

© France Invest

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

A drop compared to 2023, but which is not dramatize

It is important to note that, while cleantech carries out larger operations than other sectors apart from artificial intelligence (AI), the sum of the amounts raised is less substantial than in 2023. ” We have experienced very positive dynamics over the last two years and the withdrawal observed during the first half of the year should not mask the fact that the number operations and the amounts raised are historically high ”, notes Sophie Paturle, co-president of the Industry & Ecological Transition commission of France Invest.

Similarly, the period was marked by a high number of first rounds and venture capital operations. Early-stage fundraising is generally less generous than when the company is more mature. This also explains the lower rate of funds raised.

The French trend is also noticeable on a European scale. Cleantech investment on the Old Continent has thus seen a clear increase over the last five years. In contrast to the United States.

« This financing dynamic in Europe demonstrates that the cleantech sector has reached a certain maturity compared to recent years. It is nevertheless urgent to accelerate the scaling up of cleantech to maintain our technological leadership and generate profitability through industrialization », estimates Célia Agostini, France director of Cleantech for France.

• French start-ups operating in the cleantech sector raised 1.4 billion euros during the first half of the year
• This is better than almost all other sectors, except artificial intelligence
• Despite everything, the total amounts raised were less significant over the same period in 2023

📍 To not miss any news from Lemon Squeezer, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.

[ ]