La French Tech is thrilled to announce the grand celebration of its 10th anniversary during the Tech4Good Tour 2023. The event will take place on Monday, November 6th, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Novotel Ambassador Hotel Dongdaemun, a day filled with innovation, networking, and inspiring presentations.
Established in France in 2013, the French Tech Mission is a government-backed startup initiative with a global presence in over 100 cities. French Tech Seoul joined this worldwide network in 2016, actively fostering French tech companies and promoting their entry into the thriving Korean ecosystem.
Fully integrated into the business and tech ecosystem in Korea, French Tech Seoul has grown steadily over the years, boasting 476 members today, including 149 French and Korean companies. Notably, in 2023, French Tech Seoul has been actively participating in the ICC Korea committee alongside the French Institute, Business France, and the FKCCI (French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry). A significant milestone was the signing of a MoU to formalize collaboration with the FKCCI, attended by the French Minister of Digital Transition and Telecommunications, Jean-Noël Barrot.
As a testament of the growing Franco-Korean tech collaboration, South Korea was honored as the Guest of Honor at VivaTech 2023, Europe's biggest startup and tech event. During this event, the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups visited France, highlighting the importance of this partnership on a global scale.
Nicolas Mercier, co-president of French Tech Seoul, expressed, "The 10-year anniversary event reflects upon a decade of remarkable achievements and success of technology and innovation shared between two of the world's most advanced economies." French Tech has made substantial strides in the past decade, with nearly 30 unicorns and $4.5 billion in funding during the first half of 2022, demonstrating the immense potential of the tech and startup landscape in both France and Korea.
To celebrate the global 10th anniversary of French Tech, the French Tech Seoul board has initiated a remarkable 10 MoU signings with key players in the Korean tech and innovation ecosystem, including COMEUP, VivaTech, Korea Accelerator Association (KAA), Global Digital Innovation Network, The Garrison, The Executive Centre, HYU Holdings, FKCCI, and Afterwork Seoul, among others.
This anniversary celebration on November 6th will be followed by the highly anticipated Tech4Good Tour 2023, organized in partnership with FKCCI. The event promises another significant opportunity to promote Franco-Korean innovation and expertise, especially on the occasion of the Tech4Good Summit which will be held on Friday November 10th during the COMEUP 2023 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Etienne Gautheron, co-president of La French Tech Seoul, expressed his enthusiasm for the 10-year legacy of La French Tech, saying, “This special week marks a decade of global French Tech innovation and the significant impact of our Seoul community in bridging French and Korean tech ecosystems. Through insightful panel discussions and strategic MoUs, we’re not only commemorating past successes but also paving the way for future collaborations. La French Tech Seoul eagerly anticipates shaping tech ecosystems in Korea, France, and beyond.”