Posted in January 2010

French start-ups that got VC funding in January 2010

I think the VC community in France had a promising start for 2010. The month of January included the launch of the Paris Founder’s Club and tech innovation cluster System@tic launched its investment club with 17 VC firms. In addition,  quite a few start-ups got funding, including (and obviously not limited to): eYeka (@eyekafr)  This company likes to … Continue reading »

Would a company like Twitter get funded in France?

Yes, it happens. French companies get funded, regardless of what Silicon Valley may like to think. Hot start-ups like Deezer, Eyeka, DailyMotion, Streamezzo, MXP4, etc. can all vouch for this. But would someone like Twitter ever get funded in France? French VCs tend to position themselves as different types of investors than their American or … Continue reading »

A Few Noteworthy French Music Start-ups

Midem (@midemnetblog) - the music industry’s largest international event - is taking place in Cannes, France from January 24-27.  So, why not take a look at some rather interesting French music startups… MXP4 (@theremixculture) The company has created an interactive music platform – which lets listeners personalize and mix their favorite tracks – with €6.5 million raised to date from Sofinnova and … Continue reading »

Looking for funding? Why not ask Sarkozy…

Through January 28th, start-ups and entrepreneurs can apply to receive between €45,000 and €450,000 from the government and OSEO (French parapublic SME support organization). And you don’t have to be French to score funds. The contest is open to entrepreneurs of all nationalities (although the company needs to be set-up in France). If you’re just a Francophile … Continue reading »

France goes to Silicon Valley: French Tech Tour 2010

Just a quick note for French tech companies interested in developing activites in Silicon Valley or establishing relationships with some of the big US tech stars: La Mission Economique and UbiFrance are now accepting applications for the 2010 French Tech Tour. From June 4-11, 15 leading French companies hand-picked by the following list of leading … Continue reading »

Invest in a Start-up = Reduce your Taxes

Yes, that’s right my friends; while Silicon Valley was over there spreading rumors that it’s impossible to score VC money in France, the French government got a little creative. Since 2007, French tax payers can lower their wealth tax (ISF) by investing in a company. French taxpayers can now reduce their wealth tax by up to … Continue reading »

“Hadopi” is French for “Oops”

Ok, well not exactly. “Hadopi” is actually the name of the French law for creative protection rights on the internet. The name comes from the organization that oversees internet copyright protection, the Haute autorité pour la diffusion des oeuvres et la protection des droits sur Internet (Higher Authority for the Distrubution of Works and the Protection of … Continue reading »