Connecting French & Nordic Ecosystems: Highlights from Slush 2025

The French Tech ecosystem keeps growing

France’s tech ecosystem has become one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation hubs, supported by strong government initiatives and a thriving startup culture. In 2025, the French Tech community counts around 18,000 active startups, generating 450,000 direct jobs, with employment growing by 4.6% in the first half of the year. More than 56% of these startups are located outside Île-de-France, confirming the rise of regional innovation clusters.

From January to September 2025, French startups raised €5.8 billion, with landmark deals such as Mistral AI’s record-breaking €1.7 billion round. Investments are experiencing strong growth, with particular interest in future-oriented sectors such as AI, deep tech, healthcare and green tech.

France: A Rising A.I. and Quantum Leader

France’s AI ecosystem is rapidly emerging as a European leader, powered by strong public investment, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant startup scene. The country hosts more than 781 AI startups, employing around 36,000 people, and has raised nearly €13 billion in funding since inception. According to EY’s 2025 Attractiveness Barometer, France was Europe’s most attractive country for A.I. investment projects with 41 projects ahead of the UK (27) and Spain (15).

Read more : A.I.: A driving force for innovation in France

In quantum, France is investing €1.8 billion through its national strategy, aiming to create 30,000 jobs by 2030 and train 5,000 new talent by 2025. Startups are leading breakthrough research and forging major international partnerships, positioning France as a European powerhouse in next-generation computing.

Slush 2025 : Building bridges between France & Nordics’ ecosystems

In partnership with Aldev – Angers Loire Développement, CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Etienne Roanne, & risingSUD, Business France supported 18 French startups to Slush 2025, facilitating B2B meetings with Nordic investors and partners. Business France provided tailored guidance to help these companies navigate the Nordic tech landscape and maximize their impact during Slush.

With companies from deeptech and advanced materials to fintech solutions, cloud-based SaaS platforms, clean technologies, next-generation manufacturing, and health innovations spanning MedTech and pharma, the French delegation represented the diversity and strength of French innovation across multiple sectors.

Ahead of the event, the delegation participated in a day 0 program to understand the Nordic ecosystem. This gave them the opportunity to visit Kone’s headquarters to learn more about innovation and ecosystem partnerships. Hosted by Helsinki City, the delegation also had the opportunity to listen the following 3 keynotes and to network alongside with the German and Catalan delegation.

• Tiina Mikkonen (Helsinki Partners) on attracting global investment
• Shahram Heidari & Ali Saadi (KONE) on startup collaboration and the Renaissance Program
• Anni Anttonen (Maria 01) presenting the Nordics’ leading startup campus

During Slush 2025, the delegation seized the opportunity to strengthen their presence in the Nordic tech ecosystem by connecting with startups, scale-ups, and potential partners. One of the highlights was the French evening hosted by H.E. Raja Rabia, Ambassador of France to Finland, at the French Embassy in Helsinki.

Another key moment was a breakfast welcomed by France Ambassador to Finland which brought together eight founders and CEOs from leading Nordic startups in the fields of deep tech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity, space, robotics, and tourism with representative of Choose Paris Region. It was a unique platform for high-level dialogue and exploring French Finnish collaboration on technologies shaping the future.

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