Communauté French Tech Chicago
Chicago has been recognized as a global leader in innovation and technology, joining a network of over 100 cities and countries around the world.
La French Tech, France's national tech and startup initiative, has added Chicago to their global network, recognizing the Windy City as a powerhouse for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The move has been celebrated as part of Chicago's long-standing history of being a friend and partner to France and its sister city of Paris. Michael Fassnacht, Interim President & CEO of World Business Chicago and the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer for the City of Chicago, believes that the partnership will accelerate the city's thriving innovation ecosystems, drive growth and opportunity for innovative ventures and residents.
Chicago's tech community has recently experienced an impressive momentum, with startups raising more than $2 billion in VC funding in Q1 2021 alone, and a number of recent rounds including ActiveCampaign, Cameo, Clearcover, FourKites, and M1 Finance.
The effort to join the La French Tech Community was led by the French American Chamber of Commerce Chicago (FACC-Chicago), with a diverse coalition of private, public, and nonprofit partners supporting the bid. Their organization has been the premier nexus for the local French-American business community for 40 years, supporting local economic development by promoting Chicago as a destination for French businesses and facilitating cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and partnerships.
As a member of the La French Tech Community, the French American Chamber, and its partners will work together to drive partnership opportunities between the Chicago and French tech communities, building stronger relationships and helping French entrepreneurs scale in the Midwest.
Paris and Chicago have been Sister Cities since 1996 and are celebrating their 27th anniversary this year.