The French startup ecosystem continues to create jobs, with 4% growth in the first half of 2024. While hiring remains strong (+17%), a rise in layoffs in June calls for
GOWeeZ presents in this article the results of the Numeum barometer: Continuous Growth Despite Challenges in the Years Ahead.
The French startup sector, often referred to as “French Tech”, has shown remarkable resilience in job creation throughout 2024.
According to the monthly barometer conducted by Numeum in collaboration with Motherbase, startups generated nearly 13,500 net jobs in the first half of 2024, representing a 4% growth. (Source)
Although this 4% growth is lower than the 7.2% recorded in the first half of 2023, it is important to note that every month of 2024 saw a net job creation. The monthly average stands at approximately 2,250 net new jobs, with a notable acceleration in April 2024, followed by a slight slowdown in May and June. (source).
Since the beginning of the year, hiring has increased by nearly 17%, while layoffs have decreased by around 15%. However, a 10% rise in layoffs was observed in June compared to the previous month, calling for caution.
Since January 2024, more than 80% of French startups have either created jobs (20%) or maintained their workforce (65%). At the same time, 15% have reduced staff. The detailed distribution is as follows:
Île-de-France Remains the Leading Job Creation Hub, but Regional Growth Accelerates
Île-de-France continues to be the main driver of job creation in startups, with nearly 7,300 jobs created in the first half of 2024, accounting for 54% of the national total. However, this concentration has been declining compared to previous years (58% in 2023 and 66% in 2022).
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes ranks second, with over 1,500 jobs created (11% of the national total), marking a three-point increase from previous years.
Two sectors stand out:
The 120 startups identified by the government as the most promising created over 3,400 jobs in the first half of 2024, achieving a 6.2% growth rate, 2.2 points higher than the national average. Among them:
Several of these promising startups are supported by GOWeeZ, including Y-Neuro.
If You Had to Remember 3 Key Takeaways from the French Startup Employment Barometer:
Continuous Growth, but Slowing Down
→ French startups created 13,500 net jobs in the first half of 2024, reflecting 4% growth, down from +7.2% in 2023. Despite this slowdown, every month recorded a net job creation.
Hiring on the Rise, Layoffs Declining
→ Since January 2024, hiring has surged by +17%, while layoffs have dropped by -15%. However, a 10% increase in layoffs in June raises concerns about a possible shift in trends.
80% of Startups Are Maintaining or Expanding Their Workforce
→ 65% of startups have kept their workforce stable, while 20% have hired, and only 15% have reduced staff. This reflects the sector’s resilience despite an uncertain economic environment.
These insights highlight that while the French startup ecosystem remains dynamic, it faces contrasting employment signals, especially in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable global landscape. 🚀
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Advisor et Consultant auprès des dirigeants d'entreprise - Président de GOWeeZ. et fondateur de MY PITCH IS GOOD !
An Analysis of Employment Trends in Startups in 2024. Based on data from 13,232 startups that participated in this survey, employment in the sector grew by 5.8% between January and December 2024. This reflects the resilience of the French startup ecosystem. However, it remains crucial to anticipate and prepare for future challenges.
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