Welcome to the world of French Tech, where innovation and excellence are the watchwords! In this article, we tell you all about the Next40 and the French Tech 120, two prestigious labels that highlight the most promising French startups. You'll discover what these labels mean, their selection criteria, and the key differences between them. So, are you ready to dive into the world of French tech champions?
What is the Next40 label?
The Next40 label is a French government initiative created to support and promote the most promising startups in French Tech. The aim is to create national champions capable of competing on a global scale. Each year, 40 innovative companies are selected to join this prestigious group.
Selection criteria for the Next40ย
To be eligible for the Next40, a startup must meet several stringent criteria:
- Valuation Valuation: Be valued at over 1 billion euros (unicorn) or have raised significant funds in the last three years.
- Growth Show strong growth, whether in terms of sales or fundraising.
- Innovation Innovation: Offer products or services that are innovative and disruptive in their sector.
What is French Tech 120?
The French Tech 120* is a broader program that encompasses the Next40. Launched for the first time in 2020, it aims to support France's 120 most promising startups by offering tailored support.ย
French Tech 120 pursues several key objectives to support France's most promising startups. Firstly, it focuses on acceleration, providing resources and enhanced support to help companies grow faster and scale up. Secondly, the program aims to increase the visibility of selected startups, giving them greater exposure both nationally and internationally, in order to maximize their market opportunities and attract the attention of investors. Finally, French Tech 120 offers strategic support by facilitating access to public services and private partners, enabling startups to benefit from networks and resources essential to their success. These combined objectives create an environment conducive to innovation and growth, propelling French companies to new heights.
French Tech 120 selection criteria
The criteria for entry into the French Tech 120 are similar to those of the Next40, but slightly more flexible:
- Lrogress and innovation Companies must show rapid growth and offer innovative solutions.
- Development potential: Startups must have strong international development potential.
What are the differences between Next40 and French Tech 120?
The Next40 is a highly selective program highlighting the 40 most promising startups in France. These companies are often already recognized as leaders in their respective sectors, displaying particularly high levels of performance and innovation. By focusing on this select group, the Next40 offers increased visibility and intensive support to help these startups consolidate their leadership positions and expand internationally.ย
The main aim of Next40 is to transform these startups into true national and international champions. The program offers targeted support to maximize the growth and competitiveness of these leading companies, helping them to overcome the challenges of international expansion and strengthen their position in the global marketplace.
In contrast, the French Tech 120 not only encompasses the Next40, but goes beyond it to include a further 80 high-potential startups. This extension enables us to support a wider group of innovative companies, giving future nuggets a chance to benefit from the same level of recognition and support.
French Tech 120 aims to provide a broader and more diversified range of support. It focuses not only on accelerating the growth of selected startups, but also on preparing these companies to become future French unicorns. This more inclusive and extensive approach strengthens the French entrepreneurial ecosystem as a whole, by supporting a wider variety of high-potential companies.
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Caroline B - Freelance journalist
