The support program for French late-stage startups
01
Overview
A country’s technological sovereignty depends in part on its ability to develop world-class technology companies that can compete with their international competitors.
The objective of the French Tech Next40/120 is to support the development of these new technological players that respond to the major challenges facing society: offering solutions for the ecological transition, for the health of citizens, for mobility, to modernize the fabric of SMEs and ETIs, etc.
The French Tech Next40/120 offers support designed for French scale-ups capable of becoming world-class technology leaders. 120 French start-ups and scale-ups are selected each year to be part of the program. The selection, based on financial criteria of fundraising or hypergrowth of sales, is open to all models of startups (digital, deeptech, industrial) and all sectors of activity.
02
Class of 2022
03
Objectives
The government had set a target of 25 French unicorns by 2025. Challenge accepted and achieved three years ahead of schedule!
After the successful IPO of Believe and OVHCloud in 2021, we aim to have a Next40 company listed in the CAC40 by 2030.
To accelerate the transition of scale-ups to the status of world-class tech giants, in a context of heightened global competition, we consider that the State has a key role to play. To increase our chances of success, Mission French Tech has federated a network of referents within government agencies, ministries and public services: the French Tech correspondents.
The program is also designed to be a laboratory for innovation policies: new services and approaches are often tested in closed beta with French Tech Next40/120 member companies, before being rolled out to the entire ecosystem.
04
Who is it for?
The French Tech Next40/120 targets promising French startups that have already reached a certain stage of maturity confirmed by their investors and/or hypergrowth of their revenues. By joining the French Tech Next40/120, they will follow in the footsteps of French champions such as Mirakl, Blablacar or Ynsect, to name a few.
Among the 120 winners of the program are the following companies:
The Next40, 40 companies valued at least $1 billion, or having raised more than €100M in the last three years, as well as those with a business model validated by investors (fundraising) and customers (revenue growth).
40 companies selected on the basis of fundraising criteria (>20M€): the objective is to target deeptech startups and/or those with industrial projects, which must go through a significant R&D phase before commercialization. No turnover requirement is required.
40 companies selected on the basis of revenue growth: the objective is to target startups that are growing rapidly without necessarily raising large amounts of money. No condition of fund raising is required.
The selection is therefore based on objective criteria of economic performance. The appraisal is carried out jointly by Mission French Tech and Bpifrance, without the intervention of a jury.
Need more information?
Discover the selection criteria and process
05
Benefits
By joining this program, companies benefit for one year from a system specifically designed to support them in the hyper-growth phase.
They have access to:
- Enhanced visibility, through influence operations, communication and presence in official delegations abroad
- A specific range of services organized in blocks (financing, international development, recruitment, etc.) and offered by partner administrations and public services
- An identification of their needs in terms of regulations and public policies to contribute to the construction of new regulations
- The community of French Tech 120 members to promote experience sharing, mutual aid and business between startups
06
Testimonials
“A superb initiative that should become a regular fixture. It’s both rewarding and very beneficial for participating start-ups. I was very pleasantly surprised by the level of support and by the positive atmosphere buzzing around companies in the program. All in all, a very positive experience.” Afyren (Nicolas Sordet, CEO) 
“A big thank you for the amazing support you’ve given us ever since we joined the Next40. The French Tech teams are extremely reactive and committed. You can really see how hard they’re working to turn us into world leaders.” Evaneos (Benoit Guigou, CFO)
“The program has been a major driver for our development, especially when we were negotiating new partnerships with major foreign technology groups. We really felt a ‘before’ and an ‘after’.” Younited Credit (Geoffroy Guigou, CEO) 
“As a leading figure in both music streaming and the French Tech, it is an honor for us to be supported by the State. It’s a source of motivation that helps us drive performance and stay competitive in an increasingly demanding market.” Deezer (Augustin Leblanc, Strategy & Operations Manager)07
Applications
Applications for the 2022 program are closed.
Applications sor the 2023 program will open before the end of 2022.
Discover details of the selection process and other technical information in our FAQ.
08
partners
More than 60 French Tech Correspondents in ministries, public institutions and social security organizations
Euronext, partner of the French Tech Next40/FT120
Institutional partners :
