Lyon: A great place for startup's growth

Lyon is one of the most dynamic startup hubs in France. The city’s startup ecosystem is thriving thanks to the support of the metropolis.

Lyon is home to incubators such as:

• H7, the largest in the city,
• Ronalpia, specialised in the social and solidarity economy,
• Les Premières, which promotes women’s entrepreneurship by supporting female-led projects,
• Pulsalys, for deeptech startups.

Local business and engineering schools also have their own incubators, such as EMLyon, which is interesting if you are a student who wants to start a business during your studies. The number and variety of structures welcoming new startups create a favourable environment for your success.

The prosperity of Lyon’s start-up ecosystem is demonstrated by the success of several projects such as WP Rocket (a WordPress website plugin), Deeplink Medical (a software editor for the healthcare sector), Lumapps (a customised intranet solution for companies) or Hari&Co (creating plant-based alternative food).

Lyon’s location is strategic for startups looking to scale both locally and internationally. In the heart of Europe, the city offers excellent connectivity to major European cities, providing startups with easy access to key markets. This major advantage facilitates trade and partnerships and positions Lyon as a gateway to the wider European Union, which is essential for companies looking to expand their operations in multiple countries.

Lyon’s transport infrastructure is highly developed, ensuring seamless connectivity for both people and goods. The city is served by Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport, which offers flights to destinations around the world, making it convenient for international entrepreneurs.

The city is also well-connected by an extensive rail network, with the TGV high speed train linking Lyon to Paris in just 2 hours, allowing you to benefit from the city’s resources and opportunities without the high costs associated with setting up in the French capital.

The road network is also highly efficient, with motorways connecting Lyon to other key regions in France and Europe, facilitating the movement of goods, a major advantage for companies involved in manufacturing or distribution to manage their logistics.

Locating your business in Lyon gives you access to a highly skilled workforce. The city is home to some of France’s most prestigious universities and private institutions, including engineering schools such as École Centrale de Lyon or INSA Lyon. Every year, their graduates with expertise in technology and business are looking for jobs. This is the perfect opportunity to recruit talented young professionals with creative minds.

Lyon’s workforce is not only skilled, but also diverse. Many international students come to study in Lyon and the city attracts many foreign workers who want to work in Europe. You will meet many professionals fluent in countless languages, including English. This multicultural environment is an advantage for international startups, allowing them to build a diverse team that can operate effectively in numerous markets.

Lyon offers a supportive and business-friendly environment making it an attractive destination for startups. The city offers solutions and services for companies looking to set up, grow or expand their activities. Coupled with its infrastructure and numerous incubators, it makes it a perfect choice to start your project.

Find out more at https://business.onlylyon.com/en/

In addition, Lyon boasts a strong network of business support organisations such as chambers of commerce, industry associations and networking groups that organise regular events where you can meet potential investors and partners. They provide invaluable support and services such as mentoring and training programmes.

Lyon is also a great environment for startups thanks to its affordability compared to other major urban centres. Office space in Lyon is less expensive than in Paris, London or Berlin, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs looking to minimise costs. You will benefit from competitive rental rates, allowing you to allocate more resources towards growth and innovation.

In addition to affordable office space, the cost of utilities, business services and transportation in Lyon is also lower than in many other European cities. This cost effectiveness also extends to professional services such as legal counselling, accounting and marketing, offering high-quality support for a more competitive price.

The cost of living in Lyon is also lower than in other major cities around the world, making it an attractive destination for potential employees, a strategic aspect to make your job offers even more attractive.

Lyon is an international city, thanks to its transportation network, its global attractivity and its quality of life which attract workers from all over the world every year. As a result, Lyon is home to a diverse and dynamic international business community, from large multinationals to innovative startups. It creates a rich environment for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing, giving your future business the opportunity to connect with partners, customers and investors from around the world.

Lyon’s international status allows it to host global professional events such as the Pollutec exhibition or Sirha, which attract participants from all over the world. They provide invaluable opportunities for startups to showcase their products and services to an international audience.

With its thriving startup ecosystem, its strategic location at the heart of the world, its skilled workforce and affordable costs, Lyon is one of the best places for your startup. Are you interested? The city of Lyon is there to support your entrepreneurial project! If you’d like more information on how to launch your project, contact us and we’ll help you prepare and show you what support you can benefit from.