Overcome socio‑economic barriers and become a tech entrepreneur
01
overview
Entrepreneurial talent can and should come from anywhere in France, regardless of socio-economic background. But too often, aspiring founders are held back by structural obstacles such as funding, training or networks.
French Tech Tremplin is an initiative that aims to identify aspiring entrepreneurs from tougher backgrounds and welcome them into the French Tech ecosystem. We optimise their chances of success through funding, training and mentorship. The initiative is designed to level the playing field by mimicking certain advantages these entrepreneurs would have had easier access to, had they come from more privileged backgrounds.
It is divided into two successive programs.
PREP
An intensive course to help budding founders develop both the hard and soft skills needed to get from idea to market-tested prototype. This is a full-time talent development program designed to help first-time entrepreneurs learn by doing.
November 2019 to April 2020
For individuals.
We are on the lookout for aspiring entrepreneurs from populations chronically underrepresented in our tech ecosystem. (See eligibility criteria)
incubation
A starter package for entrepreneurs accepted into an incubator/accelerator. No one is here to tell you what to do and when, only to provide a supportive environment for your company to successfully get to market.
May 2020 to May 2021
For companies.
Designed for companies founded by a French Tech Tremplin I graduate. Also open to other companies with at least one founder from a population chronically underrepresented in our tech ecosystem. See eligibility criteria
02
BENEFITS
PREP
17K given to the individual. Up to 5K may be used to help shoulder living expenses, the rest goes into learning and building.
A godparent
You will be paired with successful entrepreneur from your local French Tech ecosystem. This person will open their networks to you and guide you through your journey.
Co-working space
You will each have a desk at one of the cozy local French Tech HQs.
Cohort-based program
From rapid prototyping workshops to mentor sessions, you’ll be learning alongside a cohort of 10 to 18 people.
Social worker
Each cohort will have one social worker help you apply for additional state stipends.
incubation
Equity-free angel funding
30K given to the company
FT Board member
We’ll recruit one successful French Tech entrepreneur to take a volunteer spot on your board for the duration of the program, equity-free.
Accelerator/incubator
Desk space and support at one of our partner incubator(s) for up to one year (worth 12K).
Cohort-based activities
You’ll get together with your cohort at least once a month for activities ranging from special guest dinners to VC meetings.
Funding expert
Our partners at BPI will give you access to a specialist who can help you navigate your first round of fundraising.
03
GET INVOLVED
It takes a village
French Tech Tremplin may just be one of the most ambitious national initiatives to help great talent overcome socio-economic barriers to tech entrepreneurship. Come aboard.
For aspiring entrepreneurs
We’re actively recruiting passionate individuals from communities chronically underrepresented in French Tech who dream of launching their startups.
For early stage startups
We’ll looking forward to welcoming 100 startups in 2020 for our Incubation Program. Applications open in February 2020.
For successful founders
For successful founders – We’re on the lookout for Obi Wan Kenobis to our Luke Skywalkers—Battle-tested founders ready to take under their wings as a French Tech Tremplin godparent
For incubators or accelerators
The startups of our 2020 incubation program will need a home from which to launch and grow. In October 2019, we’ll be looking for incubators and accelerators in areas covered by our French Tech Capitals.
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MENTORS
Godparents are the keystone of the program. Discover the seasoned entrepreneurs, willing to take a godson under their wing, with the aim of creating a strong and personal bond. → List in progress
05
timeline
06
faq
Got questions ?
Here are a few samplings of what we’re typically asked, along with our responses. FYI, the contest rules are available on www.bpifrance-creation.fr/fttremplin
No, you just have to have an idea. Your application will be favored if you show that you have already started working on your project, but you do not have to have already created your startup.
We study your application in its entirety: your experience, your motivation and your idea. Your application must show your desire to succeed and your motivation to join French Tech Tremplin.
What should we present at the end of the program?
At the end of the program a pitch and demo session will be organized. That is to say that you will present to a public / jury what you worked on for 6 months and your project. For this, you will prepare with the help of your guide as part of the program!
Institutional Partners
Scouting Partners
