Each year, VivaTechnology, in partnership with GP Bullhound, publishes its "Top 100 Next Unicorns" ranking, highlighting the most promising European startups likely to become unicorns, i.e. companies valued at over one billion dollars. In 2024, France stands out with 21 startups selected, reflecting the vitality and innovation of the French entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is a "Next Unicorn"?
A unicorn is a privately-owned startup with a valuation in excess of one billion dollars. The term, popularized in 2013 by investor Aileen Lee, symbolizes the rarity and exceptional success of these companies. The "Next Unicorns" are therefore startups identified as having the potential to achieve this status in the near future. VivaTechnology's ranking is based on criteria such as actual and potential growth, total funds raised, headcount growth, geographical distribution and positive impact on society.
VivaTechnology lists 21 promising French start-ups
Here is the list of 21 French startups selected for the "Top 100 Next Unicorns 2024" :
- Agicap: Cash management solution for companies, offering real-time visibility of cash flows.
- Akeneo: Product Experience Management (PXM) platform, helping companies to centralize and distribute their product information.
- Alma: Fractional payment specialist, enabling merchants to offer their customers payment options in instalments.
- Brevo: Customer relationship management software, formerly known as Sendinblue, offering digital marketing solutions.
- Cubyn: On-demand logistics specialist, offering shipping and order management services for e-tailers.
- Dashlane: Secure password manager, making it easy to manage logins and protect personal data.
- DataDome: Specialist in the fight against fraud and malicious bots, protecting websites and mobile applications.
- Deepki: A platform for improving the energy efficiency of real estate assets through data analysis.
- Descartes Underwriting: Assurtech specialized in climate risk, offering parametric insurance solutions.
- Homa Games: Mobile games publisher, supporting developers in the creation and distribution of their games.
- iAdvize: Sales support tool for online commerce, offering a platform for real-time conversation with customers.
- InterCloud: Cloud connectivity infrastructure, enabling companies to secure and optimize their data exchanges.
- Lifen: A solution that facilitates the exchange of medical documents between healthcare professionals, improving care coordination.
- LumApps: Intranet solution for large groups, centralizing internal communications and corporate resources.
- Malt: Platform connecting freelancers and companies, simplifying the management of freelance assignments.
- Pigment: Financial planning startupPigment is a financial planning start-up offering a modern alternative to traditional spreadsheets such as Excel.
- Shippeo: Real-time freight tracking solution, improving visibility and logistics efficiency.
- Swan: Banking-as-a-Service platform, enabling companies to integrate banking services into their offerings.
- Sweep: A tool to help companies reduce their carbon emissions, by making it easier to track and manage their ecological footprint.
- 360Learning: collaborative learning platform, promoting continuous training and knowledge sharing within organizations.
- Pasqal: Startup developing a quantum computer, aiming to revolutionize computing and complex problem-solving.
The presence of 21 French startups in VivaTechnology's "Top 100 Next Unicorns 2024" ranking testifies to the dynamism and innovation of the French entrepreneurial ecosystem. These companies, from sectors as diverse as fintech, healthcare, logistics and artificial intelligence, illustrate the diversity and potential of French Tech. Their inclusion in this prestigious ranking provides them with increased visibility and opportunities for collaboration with investors and strategic partners, strengthening their position on the international stage.
