The Future of La French Tech Mission: A New Director and Changing Priorities
As France welcomes a new prime minister and faces political division, the country’s startup ecosystem is also experiencing uncertainty. The departure of Clara Chappaz, the director of the French Tech Mission, adds to this uncertainty. Chappaz, who has led the initiative for the past three years, describes her experience as “exceptional” and believes that France is fortunate to have the French Tech Mission. However, the mission itself has evolved, and the new director will face a different landscape than Chappaz did in 2021.
La French Tech Mission is not just a term for France’s 25,000 startups; it is an initiative supported by the French government. The mission’s role is to support the growth and development of the French startup ecosystem both domestically and internationally. It requires someone who can effectively communicate with public officials, politicians, large companies, and journalists. While the deadline for applications has passed, Chappaz has received numerous inquiries from prospective candidates who see the position as a “dream job.”
The past three years have been a period of change for both Chappaz and the French Tech Mission. The tech industry itself has undergone significant shifts, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical unrest. In light of these changes, the French Tech Mission has aligned itself with the France 2030 agenda, focusing less on unicorns and more on deep tech spinouts and economic impact. France’s goal of having 25 unicorns by 2025 has already been achieved, and President Emmanuel Macron has now set a new target of 100 unicorns by 2030.
The evolution of the French startup ecosystem has been witnessed by the France Digitale association, which represents startups and investors in the country. CEO Maya Noël acknowledges the growth of startups in various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare, which are strategic priorities for France’s competitiveness. Noël suggests that Chappaz’s replacement could come from one of these sectors, but emphasizes that this is not a criticism of Chappaz or her predecessors. The two organizations have been in constant dialogue, and their goals are aligned.
Under Chappaz’s leadership, the French Tech Mission has implemented initiatives that address the needs of the sector. For example, the “Je Choisis La French Tech” initiative aims to double the number of public contracts and purchases from startups. While France Digitale appreciates these efforts, they believe that progress could be faster, especially in terms of exits. Noël suggests that a new director with firsthand knowledge of scaleups and international expansion could bring value to the role.
The French Tech Mission has strong arguments that can appeal to different political factions. Startups contribute directly and indirectly to job creation and the reindustrialization of France. The mission has also promoted gender equality in the tech industry through initiatives like the Parity Pact. The new director will need to leverage these strengths effectively.
As Chappaz moves on to new endeavors, her successor will face a different landscape and evolving priorities. The French startup ecosystem has grown and changed, and the new director must navigate these changes while ensuring continued government support for La French Tech. The future of the mission remains uncertain, but with the right leadership, it can continue to thrive and contribute to France’s tech innovation.