For their 7e edition, the Future Unicorns Trophies crown 8 innovative French initiatives that the organizers estimate can reach a valuation of one billion euros within 5 years. New proof of the liveliness of the French start-up ecosystem.

Each year, the Trophées des Futures Licornes celebrate the innovation and excellence of young French technology companies. Organized since 2018 by Reputation Age in partnership with La villa numeris, these distinctions highlight the most promising shoots, those which have the potential to become unicorns, that is to say to reach a theoretical valuation of one billion dollars.

This notion, popularized by American investor Aileen Lee in 2013, reflects the rarity, the capacity for innovation and the ambition of these start-ups. In the global entrepreneurial landscape, they are often seen as ready to disrupt their sector. In the current context of difficulties in finding funding for start-up creators in France, this initiative highlights the capacity for innovation that persists in France and that deserves to be encouraged.

A list of eight potential unicorns

On Wednesday, September 11, the 7th edition of the Trophées des Futures Licornes unveiled its winners. This prestigious prize rewards companies in different categories which, according to a jury of experts, have the potential to cross the billion euro valuation mark in the next five years.

These companies cover key sectors such as SaaS technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, green mobility and biotechnology, thus showing the diversity and scale of French innovation.

Here are the eight winners of this edition:

  • Grand Prize: ChapsVisionThis platform specializes in data analysis dedicated to performance and customer engagement.
  • Favorite: NeolithicShe has developed a technique for processing ultimate waste to turn it into reusable rubble by accelerating its fossilization.
  • GreenTech and Mobility : Elicit Plant. It offers agricultural production solutions that take into account water shortages due to climate change.
  • ESG : Kayrros. A self-declared “world leader in environmental intelligence,” it offers maps and data analyzed to optimize the energy transition.
  • E-Commerce and E-services: Home. Technological laboratory that provides technical and user efficiency tools to video game creators.
  • SaaS, AI and Big Data: Poolside. American shoot relocated to Paris in 2024, it works to create an AI capable of generating code to develop any application.To find out more: Poolside, the new unicorn in AI?
  • Industry : SiPearl. Wants to develop low-power, high-security microprocessors for Europe dedicated to supercomputing and AI.
  • Biotech and MedTech: TreeFrog. Cell therapy laboratory dedicated to regenerative medicine.

Demanding selection criteria

Based on 1,500 companies, 50 were identified in 2024 by the organizers of the Trophies as having strong growth potential, and among these, eight were distinguished by a jury composed of influential personalities from the world of innovation, finance and tech.

To be eligible for the 7e Trophies, companies had to meet strict criteria:

  • Headquarters in France
  • Less than 15 years of existence
  • Have raised at least 5 million euros
  • Not to be listed on the stock exchange
  • Valuation less than 1 billion euros

France still far from the 100 unicorns hoped for

France, with its expanding digital ecosystem, now has around thirty unicorns, Among which we find already known names like Blablacar, BackMarket, Doctolib, Deezer, Ledger, Veepee, Voodoo, Mirakl, Vestiaire Collective, Alan, or even Shift Technology. These companies have become emblematic figures of French Tech, demonstrating the capacity for innovation in France.

However, the economic, financial, political and international context is slowing down the development of this economy, which is often digital, always innovative and eager for support funds.. Thus, with around thirty unicorns in 2024, France is still far from the ambition displayed by Bruno Le Maire of reaching the threshold of 100 unicorns in 2030.

France 6e home of start-ups

Among our neighbours, Great Britain has around sixty unicorns, Germany 39, far from the United States (739), China (278) or India (87). However, with a 6e France has no reason to be ashamed of its place in the world. But it must get back on track.  

Initiatives such as Reputation Age and La villa numeris help to stimulate the creation of start-ups in France and encourage their development, to the point of creating unicorns. They also prove that France remains a vigorous breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. A breeding ground that is just waiting to be stimulated.