F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Bordeaux, France #215

City Scores

City Total Score

1.822

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.15

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.27

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

1.41

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

71

Startup Ecosystem in Bordeaux 🌟

TL;DR

Bordeaux is currently ranked as the 215th city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. Renowned for its vibrant culture and burgeoning tech scene, Bordeaux presents an attractive hub for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Streamlined registration processes are available, making it easier for startups to establish themselves.
  • Startup Incentives: The local government offers several incentives tailored to tech startups, including reduced registration fees.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive employment laws that protect employee rights, though navigating these can be complex for newcomers.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Although there are visa requirements, the process is becoming more streamlined, aiming to attract skilled international workers.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: The standard corporate tax rate is around 26.5%, with potential reductions for innovative startups.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT rates, particularly boosting the services sector.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: High-quality living with a dense network of amenities and a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Paris.
  • Culture and Leisure: An impressive array of cultural activities, beautiful vineyards, and proximity to the Atlantic coast add to its charm.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally straightforward, though startups may encounter delays when seeking specific permits or registrations.
  • Government Support: Various programs exist to foster innovation and offer support to nascent companies.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Efforts are underway to simplify the visa process for international entrepreneurs.
  • Residency Options: Several long-term residency options are available for qualifying startup founders.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • Regularly organized meetups, pitch events, and innovation workshops that foster community engagement.
  • Notable annual events attract investors, industry experts, and startups from across the globe.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Government-backed funds are dedicated to boosting tech startups, especially in cutting-edge industries.
  • A variety of grants and incubators are readily accessible for emerging businesses.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: An increasingly vibrant VC community is looking to invest in local talent and startups.
  • Major Firms: Home to a range of national and international VCs focusing on various vertically integrated sectors.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Multiple incubator programs cater to different industries like technology, food, and agritech.
  • These programs often provide mentorship, workspace, and access to funding networks.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Key sectors include Biotechnology, Digital Tech, E-commerce, and Green Energy.
  • Government Initiatives: Strong emphasis on supporting sustainable business and tech-driven innovation.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: French is the primary business language, yet English is commonly spoken, especially among startups.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and innovative, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and creativity.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • An evolving tech ecosystem with significant resources and community support.
  • Lower cost of living compared to larger cities, paired with high-quality living standards.
  • A welcoming environment for foreign entrepreneurs and a growing expat community.

Cons:

  • Smaller VC presence compared to larger urban centers may pose challenges in funding.
  • Certain bureaucratic processes can still lead to delays and complexities.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Acknowledgment of the need for diversity has sparked various programs supporting women-led startups.
  • Networking events and funding opportunities cater specifically to female entrepreneurs, aiming to bridge the inclusion gap.

Bordeaux stands as a promising city for entrepreneurs looking to blend innovation with a rich cultural backdrop. 🌟

MeanCEO Index for Bordeaux 🌟

Bordeaux is carving its niche in the global startup landscape, offering a unique blend of culture, innovation, and support for entrepreneurs. But how does it measure up for female entrepreneurs? Let’s dive into the MeanCEO Index score based on ten crucial factors!

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 7/10
    • With a temperate climate, Bordeaux enjoys a good number of sunny days and mild winters. Although rainfall can be moderate, the overall pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor events and networking.

2. Location 🌊

  • Score: 8/10
    • Situated close to the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux boasts stunning beaches easily accessible within a short distance. Warm enough for swimming during the summer, it provides a beautiful escape for entrepreneurs.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 7/10
    • France generally promotes gender equality, and Bordeaux is no exception. There are emerging programs supporting women-led startups, though traditional gender roles may still pose some challenges in certain circles.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • While the local community is generally welcoming, the pace of integration can vary. Some foreigners, particularly women, may find it challenging to build networks initially, though this is improving.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 6/10
    • French is the primary language in business, but English is increasingly spoken among startups. This can create a language barrier for some international entrepreneurs, particularly those less familiar with French.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 9/10
    • Bordeaux is famous for its mouthwatering cuisine, especially its splendid wines with minimal use of onions. The local food scene emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients, making it a haven for food lovers.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 5/10
    • The dating scene is relatively vibrant, but like many urban areas, work commitments can make it hard to juggle personal and professional lives. However, local cultural norms lean towards family-oriented values.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 7/10
    • Healthcare access is generally good, with appointments available, though wait times can vary. Costs are moderately priced compared to other European countries, making healthcare accessible.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 8/10
    • Bordeaux has a decent public transportation system, complemented by bicycle-friendly routes. The proximity to high-speed trains and an international airport enhances travel options.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 8/10
    • The local culture is becoming increasingly supportive of startups, welcoming innovation and celebrating resilience in entrepreneurship. Failure is viewed more as a learning experience, fostering a positive entrepreneurial environment.

MeanCEO Index Score: 71/100 🎊

Bordeaux presents an enticing opportunity for female entrepreneurs, blending innovation with a rich cultural backdrop. While there are areas for improvement—particularly around language accessibility and networking for newcomers—the supportive community, delicious cuisine, and stunning location make it a promising place to start and grow a business.

Here’s to embracing the entrepreneurial journey in Bordeaux! 🚀