1,074 high-impact startups in 2022

According to the mapping established by France Digitale and Bpifrance Le Hub in November 2022, France has 1,074 high-impact startups. Innovative French startups that act for the benefit of the environment and society. This result represents a 28% increase compared with December 2021 and a 48% increase on June 2021.

Spread across the country (515 in Île-de-France, 120 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 95 in Occitanie), these startups generate 30,000 full-time jobs and raise substantial funds. Some 55% amongst them specialize in markets related to the environment and sustainable production. For instance, Parisian startup Greenly allows SMEs to verify their carbon emissions by analyzing their financial transactions; and the young Nantes-based business Lhyfe, produces renewable hydrogen to decarbonize industries and mobility.

Furthermore, 63% of French startups invest between 75% and 100% of their revenues to benefit an environmental or social cause. The Executive Director of Innovation for Bpifrance considers that “The innovation strength of startups is a key resource to address the challenges posed by the UN in 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Hence, 406 startups present in the mapping ensure the creation of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), 522 aim to achieve responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and 492 make it their mission to implement climate action (SDG 13), amongst many other efforts.

This commitment has granted 26% of French startups the Bcorp label: proof of great inclusiveness, equality, quality of sustainable performance and transparency (EcoTree: growth and preservation of sustainable forests; Phenix: waste management; OuiHelp: elderly home assistance).

Between November 2021 and November 2022, 5 startups with a strong environmental component managed to raise more than €100 million, 6 startups specializing in the environment and technology also raised more than €100 million, and 10 startups heavily invested in the social sector raised between €10 million and €100 million.

For more information on France’s environmental efforts in terms of sustainable development, please visit this link.