French startups achieved 8.5 billion euros in export turnover in 2025, according to a report by the Bank of France. This growth of 13.8% outpaced the increase in domestic activity, showing a strong shift toward international markets. The central bank's analysis found that 66.1% of the startups studied were exporters, up from 63.1% in the previous year. The tourism and leisure sector led in international focus, followed closely by startups in digital marketing, finance, and software. The study included 2,640 companies, those that are considered the most advanced in the startup ecosystem—either generating more than 750,000 euros in turnover or having raised over 3 million euros in funding. Nearly half of these companies were founded within the last decade.
The total turnover generated by all startups in France last year reached 29.7 billion euros, an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was mainly driven by the software, e-commerce, and finance sectors. In contrast, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a whole experienced only a 1.5% rise in activity. Despite this overall growth, the startup environment remains heavily male-dominated. According to the report, only 9% of startups are led by women, while 91% are led by men. This gender disparity remains a significant challenge for the sector.
Most startups are not yet profitable, with an average loss of 12.3% of their turnover in 2025. However, this loss has been decreasing over the years, indicating some level of financial improvement. The Bank of France also noted that some startups face financial difficulties, with 51 companies undergoing restructuring or judicial liquidation last year. These figures highlight the dynamic but challenging nature of the startup ecosystem in France, where rapid growth is often accompanied by high risks and uncertainties.
The data underscores the importance of startups in the French economy, particularly in their international expansion and sector-specific growth. While the startup community is making strides in export performance and innovation, it continues to grapple with issues such as gender imbalance and financial sustainability. The Bank of France's report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of French startups and their role in the broader economic context.
French Startups See Growth in Export Turnover and Expansion
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