How To Launch A Startup In Paris

Paris, known as the City of Light and last year’s hosts of the Olympic Games, has plenty on offer. With its historical landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and cuisine to delight any foodie, the city is one of Europe’s tourist hotspots.

But beyond its cultural attractions, Paris has become a welcoming environment for startups. Its central European location gives it an edge while a high quality of life coupled with government support is drawing in global entrepreneurs.

If you are considering starting a business in Paris, here is a complete guide on how to successfully launch your startup in the French capital.

 

Why Start A Business In Paris?

 

According to Startup Genome, there are more than 8000 startups in Paris. The city is seeing an influx of new ventures for a number of reasons.

Government support: The government is highly proactive in supporting startups in a few ways from funding to tax incentives.

Ideal location: In the heart of Europe, Paris has easy access to other startup capitals including London, Berlin and Amsterdam.

Excellent quality of life: Residents in Paris enjoy an exceptional standard of healthcare and public transport that is very efficient. Moreover, there are plenty of cultural activities and restaurants to indulge in when not working.

The tech scene is booming: Paris is home to Station F which is the world’s biggest startup campus and has positioned the city as a tech hub, appealing to global entrepreneurs and investors.

 

Industries With High-Growth Potential

 

Choosing the right industry will play a critical role in your startup’s success. These are some of the industries that Paris specifically has seen a surge in over the last decade or so.

Technology and AI: As a country, France has made major investments in artificial intelligence and tech. As a result, Paris has become a top destination for tech accelerators and AI programs.

Sustainability: Signed in 2016, the Paris Climate Agreement was adopted by 195 countries to reduce their carbon emissions. This has driven multiple startups in greentech and clean energy.

Fashion and luxury goods: Paris is a renowned fashion capital of the world, creating opportunities for startups specialising in fashion e-commerce.

Healthcare: The city offers exceptional healthcare with cutting-edge hospitals and research centres, ideal for startups in biotech.

 

Top Accelerator And Incubator Programs For Startups

 

Paris is home to more than 60 incubators and accelerators, designed to give startups the best chance at success through mentorship and funding.

Station F: This is the biggest startup campus in the world. Some of the accelerator partners include Facebook and Zendesk who work with thousands of entrepreneurs.

Wilco: This public-private initiative supports startups who are in the healthcare or digital sectors.

Le Tremplin: Supported by the City of Paris, this program specialises in helping startups innovating in sports.

TheFamily: This incubator assists startups by providing financial resources and community support.

 

 

What Funding Opportunities Does Paris Have?

 

Early-stage startups will require a decent amount of funding to get started. In Paris, there are a couple of different avenues for entrepreneurs who need to acquire capital.

Venture capital firms: Some of the top VC firms in Paris are Alven, Serena and Kima Ventures.

Angel investors: France Angels and Paris Business Angels are organisations that connect startup founders with private investors who can offer financial support.

Broader EU funding: Entrepreneurs can also approach European funding initiatives like Horizon Europe.

Bpifrance: This is a public investment bank in France that offers equity funding, loans and grants to startups at all stages.

 

Visa Requirements For Foreign Entrepreneurs

 

Residents of the European Union (EU) will be able to live and work freely in Paris. Non-EU residents can apply for a French Tech Visa for Founders which can fast-track permanent residency that is valid for four years. In order to be eligible for this, applicants need to be chosen by a Paris incubator or accelerator in addition to providing proof of income and a viable business project.

Business professionals and creators can also opt for the Talent Passport or Entrepreneur Visa which requires a minimum investment amount of €30,000.

 

How To Start A Business In Paris

 

If you have decided to move forward with starting a business in Paris, here is a step-by-step guide on how to launch your startup.

 

Choose A Business Structure

 

There are three common options in Paris, which are:

Société par Actions Simplifiée: This is ideal for startups due to its flexible nature.

Société à Responsabilité Limitée: The equivalent of a limited liability company.

Micro-Entrepreneur: Best suited to very small businesses or freelancers.

 

Register The Business

 

The next step is to check the availability of your desired business name. You can then deposit the required capital amount into a French bank account and register with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises.

 

Obtain A SIRET Number

 

This will be your unique business identification number and will be assigned to you by INSEE after the business has been successfully regisetered.

 

Open A Business Bank Account

 

You can then open up a corporate bank account to manage your startup’s finances and expenses.

 

Should You Start A Business In Paris?

 

Paris is full of exciting opportunities for new ventures and is certainly a city that thrives on creativity. With its abundance of startup support, access to resources and high quality of life, the city offers everything an entrepreneur needs to have a successful business.

If you’ve been dreaming of starting a business here, Paris is ready to welcome you with open arms – and a fresh croissant wouldn’t hurt either!