On March 8th, 2025, SXSW was once again the stage for a vibrant celebration of French innovation and tech excellence. The FrenchTech Challenge 2025 showcased the incredible strides being made by French companies as they continue to carve out a space for themselves on the global stage. The event not only recognized the outstanding contributions of some of the most innovative companies in France but also highlighted the leadership of key figures driving the FrenchTech movement forward.

Recognizing France’s Leading Innovators

The celebration of FrenchTech Champions was a standout moment of SXSW 2025, with French startups and tech leaders receiving well-deserved recognition. Among those honored were prominent FrenchTech companies such as Brevo, LumApps, and Electra, all of whom are making significant impacts in their respective industries. Their innovation and growth have helped position France as a major player in the global tech landscape.

In addition to these trailblazing companies, the event also spotlighted Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of Bpifrance, and Valérie Baraban, Consul General of France in Houston, for their exceptional leadership in promoting French entrepreneurship and fostering international collaboration. Their unwavering support for the FrenchTech ecosystem continues to drive the growth of innovative French startups across the globe.

Acknowledging the Champions Behind the Scenes

The FrenchTech Challenge 2025 would not have been the success it was without the leadership of Jenny Le Doridour, Co-founder at Orbiss. Her contributions, alongside the incredible teams at Bpifrance, La French Touch, and many other partners, were integral to the event’s success. As the sponsor of the evening, Orbiss, Inc. played a pivotal role in making this celebration possible, providing unwavering support for the event and the FrenchTech community at large.

We would also like to extend a special thanks to Guillaume Lardeux, Head of Transformation & Office of the CEO at Genesys and Board Member at La French Tech Austin & FACC Texas, who expertly served as the Master of Ceremony for the evening. His ability to orchestrate insightful conversations and connect influential leaders from both the U.S. and French tech sectors helped create an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual learning.

FrenchTech and Gastronomy: A Taste of France at SXSW

The celebration wasn’t just about technology—it was also a feast for the senses. The vibrant spirit of French culture was evident throughout the event, with even French gastronomy making an appearance, courtesy of Kevin D’Andrea. Guests were treated to a delicious array of French culinary delights, enhancing the evening’s atmosphere of French sophistication and innovation.

Collaboration and Global Connections

One of the key themes of the evening was the strong collaboration between French and American tech ecosystems. The FrenchTech Challenge 2025 emphasized the importance of fostering international partnerships and connecting French tech companies with U.S. investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The event created a platform for open dialogue, helping to spark new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities for growth across borders.

Through the FrenchTech initiative, companies from both countries have been able to leverage their expertise, sharing knowledge and advancing technology in ways that would be difficult to achieve alone. The collaboration between Bpifrance, La French Touch, and various partners helped to highlight not only the depth of French innovation but also the global impact of these companies.

Looking Toward the Future

The FrenchTech Challenge 2025 at SXSW was a powerful reminder of how far French tech has come and the exciting potential that lies ahead. With the support of partners like Orbiss and the ongoing efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing French entrepreneurship, the future of FrenchTech looks brighter than ever. The event not only celebrated the innovation and leadership of today but also set the stage for the next wave of tech advancements and international collaborations.

As we look forward to future editions of the FrenchTech Challenge, we remain excited about the endless possibilities for French startups to make their mark on the global tech scene. With events like this, SXSW continues to provide a crucial platform for fostering creativity, expanding networks, and driving innovation.

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