Station F, a rail depot transformed into a startup incubator in Paris's 13th district, is being shaped by Silicon Valley influences while maintaining its distinct identity, according to director Roxanne Varza. Political events, such as Trump's election and Brexit, have caused an influx of international tech founders to Station F, making it a beacon for talent from around the world. Despite significant funding disparities compared to the US, Paris is rapidly emerging as a tech leader in Europe, with remarkable growth in startup valuations over recent years.
"We've been inspired by a lot of players, and we look up to Y Combinator. But we're not trying to be Silicon Valley," she said.
"At times of political volatility, the campus has been a magnet for founders seeking a global outlook and a supply of talent," Varza said.
"The US tech ecosystem secured $209 billion in VC funding in 2024, about 17 times more than France. But Paris is catching up to its global counterparts."
"From 2017 to 2024, the combined enterprise value of startups based in Paris increased 5.3 times, more than any other European tech hub."
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