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 french speaking 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. 

PRÉPA

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.

We are on the lookout for aspiring entrepreneurs from populations chronically underrepresented in our tech ecosystem.

Applications are OPEN   until September 3
For more info click here
To candidate click here  (applications are only open to French speakers)

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. 

Startups apply : 2022

02

BENEFITS

PRÉPA

Bootcamp 

2 weeks intensive program everywhere in France to challenge your project and test your entrepreneurial ability. 

Access to training tools

You will be able to access tools to help you build your project. 

Preparation for the Incubation application

You will be trained to fill the application form for the Incubation. 

Cohort-based program

From rapid prototyping workshops to mentor sessions, you’ll be learning alongside a cohort of 5 to 25 people.

incubation

Equity-free angel funding

42K€ given to the company (Up to 12K€ for the incubator/accelerator)

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 September 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. Until Friday, 21 of August 2020, we are looking for incubators and accelerators in areas covered by our French Tech Capitals.

04

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

Anthony Bourbon
Feed - Grand Paris
His profile
Laurent Bouzon
Lyko App - One Lyon St-Etienne
His profile
César Camy
All My SMS - Côte d'Azur Région Sud
His profile
Jean Chaoui
Imascap - Brest+
His profile
Maryne Cotti-Eslous
Lucine - Bordeaux
Her profile
Nordine El Ouachmi
Bureaux&Co - Méditerranée
His profile
Jade Francine
We Maintain - Grand Paris
Her profile
Céline Lazorthes
Leetchi - Grand Paris
Her profile
Gilles Lechantre
Cooptalis - Lille
His profile
Marc Leverger
Brico Privé- Toulouse
His profile
Jade Le Maître
HEASE Robotics - One Lyon St-Etienne
Her profile
Pascal Lorne
Gojob - Aix-Marseille Région Sud
His profile
Cyril March
Inkivari - East
His profile
Marie Poulle
Lovebox - In The Alps
Her profile
Anaïs Prétot
Live Mentor - Grand Paris
Her profile
Pierre Rinaldi
SESAMm - East
His profile
Previous
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05

timeline

French Tech Incubation - next steps :

Applications are closed for the 2021 promotion. We hope to see you again for the next session !

Don’t forget that you can sign up and be notified when applications open. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our last news.  

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

In order to apply to Prépa, do I need to have already created my startup?

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.

What are your selection criteria?

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.

I represent an association, an incubator… How can I be a partner of French Tech Tremplin ?

We carefully select our partners. To become a partner of French Tech Tremplin, Prépa or Incubation, you need to submit an application following our Call for proposals.

Institutional Partners

Scouting Partners