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Startup Ecosystem in Bordeaux

Startup Ecosystem in Bordeaux
Startup Ecosystem in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has transformed into southwestern France's fastest-growing innovation ecosystem, leveraging its exceptional quality of life, status as a technology talent magnet, and strengths in aerospace, digital solutions, and sustainability to build increasingly diverse startup ventures. The city has produced emerging success stories like Azendoo, TreeFrog Therapeutics, and Synapse Medicine, while demonstrating particular strength in aerospace technology, wine and agritech innovation, digital health, and increasingly AI applications across traditional industries. The funding landscape features regional investment vehicles like Aquiti Gestion and NACO Capital, complemented by corporate venture activity from aerospace and wine industry leaders and increasing attention from Paris-based investors seeking opportunities beyond the capital. What gives Bordeaux its momentum is the city's exceptional talent attraction drawing skilled workers seeking alternatives to Paris, growing international connections through expanded air links and TGV connections reducing Paris travel time to two hours, quality of life supporting talent retention, and balanced economic base providing enterprise customers across multiple sectors. The innovation community thrives through programs like Unitec supporting technology transfer, Le Village by CA focusing on regional industry innovation, and Bordeaux Technowest specializing in aerospace and mobility solutions. Distinct clusters have developed in Bordeaux Aeroparc for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, Cité Numérique (digital innovation campus), and increasingly Darwin Ecosystem housing creative and sustainability-focused ventures in repurposed military barracks. However, entrepreneurs still navigate developing local venture capital requiring connections to larger financial centers, competition for technical talent from established aerospace employers, occasional insularity of traditional regional industries, and need for broader market reach beyond southwestern France.
Bordeaux has transformed into southwestern France's fastest-growing innovation ecosystem, leveraging its exceptional quality of life, status as a technology talent magnet, and strengths in aerospace, digital solutions, and sustainability to build increasingly diverse startup ventures. The city has produced emerging success stories like Azendoo, TreeFrog Therapeutics, and Synapse Medicine, while demonstrating particular strength in aerospace technology, wine and agritech innovation, digital health, and increasingly AI applications across traditional industries. The funding landscape features regional investment vehicles like Aquiti Gestion and NACO Capital, complemented by corporate venture activity from aerospace and wine industry leaders and increasing attention from Paris-based investors seeking opportunities beyond the capital. What gives Bordeaux its momentum is the city's exceptional talent attraction drawing skilled workers seeking alternatives to Paris, growing international connections through expanded air links and TGV connections reducing Paris travel time to two hours, quality of life supporting talent retention, and balanced economic base providing enterprise customers across multiple sectors. The innovation community thrives through programs like Unitec supporting technology transfer, Le Village by CA focusing on regional industry innovation, and Bordeaux Technowest specializing in aerospace and mobility solutions. Distinct clusters have developed in Bordeaux Aeroparc for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, Cité Numérique (digital innovation campus), and increasingly Darwin Ecosystem housing creative and sustainability-focused ventures in repurposed military barracks. However, entrepreneurs still navigate developing local venture capital requiring connections to larger financial centers, competition for technical talent from established aerospace employers, occasional insularity of traditional regional industries, and need for broader market reach beyond southwestern France.
Bordeaux startups in numbers
Startups in Bordeaux on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 46% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 54% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38.1% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Bordeaux are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Bordeaux are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Mental Health, Education, and Healthcare. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Food Security, Poverty Alleviation, Financial Inclusion, and Sustainable Mobility, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Bordeaux offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (46%) of startups in Bordeaux are actively recruiting talent, while (54%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Bordeaux startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38.1%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (67%) of early-stage startups in Bordeaux are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (33%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Bordeaux are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Bordeaux on Foundersbase most often focus on Food Security, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Bordeaux

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