According to the latest EY French Venture Capital Survey, French Tech companies raised a record €11.6 billion (+115% compared with 2020) from 784 operations (+26%) in venture capital and in growth capital in 2021.
This vitality is based in particular on the development of growth capital: in 2021, 22 fundraising rounds surpassing €100 million were completed totaling €5 billion, up 194% compared with 2020. Growth capital is aimed at businesses that have been profitable for a few years and applies to fundraising rounds of more than €100 million. The top five fundraising rounds were carried out by Sorare (€586 million), Mirakl (€473 million), Contentsquare (€408 million), Manomano (€323 million) and Ledger (€312 million).
Investors are primarily targeting the internet services sector, which accounts for more than €4 billion in fundraising. FinTech, with more than €2.5 billion raised, is showing exceptional growth: +310% compared with 2020.
This acceleration in investments is due to factors specific to the European market such as low interest rates and the return of investor confidence. Furthermore, the international context, with Sino-American rivalries that make investors cautious and the tightening of regulations relating to China’s tech sector, have also played a key role in these record investments.
This year, France is currently ranked third in Europe, after the United Kingdom with €32.4 billion, (+155% compared with 2020) and Germany with €16.2 billion (+209%).