Discover how 50 Partners’ unique “by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs” model is accelerating innovation in tech, health, and impact sectors across France.
The Power of Entrepreneur-Led Acceleration: Inside 50 Partners
In the fast-paced world of startups, having the right support can make the difference between a promising idea and a market-changing success. In France, 50 Partners stands out as a unique accelerator, bringing together 50 of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs to guide, invest in, and mentor the next generation of innovators.
What Makes 50 Partners Unique?
Unlike traditional accelerators, 50 Partners is built on a “by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs” philosophy. The program is led by founders of some of France’s most recognized tech and impact companies, including Blablacar, Dataiku, Aircall, Leboncoin, and KissKissBankBank. These partners don’t just offer advice, they invest their time, capital, and networks to help startups overcome real-world challenges.
Lifelong Support, Not Just a Sprint
One of the most distinctive features of 50 Partners is its commitment to long-term, even lifelong, support. Startups selected for the program receive ongoing mentorship, access to a powerful network, and tailored resources at every stage of their journey—from early fundraising to international expansion.
Each year, only 6 to 8 startups are chosen from over 1,000 applicants, ensuring a highly selective process and personalized attention. This rigorous selection means that each startup benefits from deep engagement with the partners and the broader ecosystem.
A Track Record of Success
Since its founding in 2012, 50 Partners has helped launch and scale dozens of startups across diverse sectors. In its first four years, 26 startups joined the program, creating over 200 jobs—growing from just 50 employees in 2013 to more than 200 by 2016. Today, the alumni list includes high-growth companies in fields like artificial intelligence (Qopius), digital security (Datadome), HR tech (Brigad), and e-commerce (LeCloset).
Sector-Specific Programs: Tech, Health, and Impact
50 Partners runs specialized programs in three high-potential areas:
- Tech: Supporting digital innovation with alumni like Dataiku and Aircall, and providing expertise in scaling, fundraising, and internationalization.
- Health: Accelerating medtech and biotech startups, with partners who have built leading health companies such as Lifen and DirectMedica. Recent investments include Pixacare and Jeen, which are transforming patient care and women’s health.
- Impact: Focusing on startups that address environmental and social challenges, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Notable partners include founders of Phenix and Change Now, who help startups like Explora Project and Wakeo scale their positive impact.
The 50 Friends Network: A Unique Ecosystem
Beyond the core group of 50 partners, startups gain access to the “50 Friends” network over 250 top executives, investors, and experts from leading companies like Qonto, Payfit, and ManoMano. This network provides invaluable connections for business development, hiring, and strategic advice.
Weekly workshops and one-on-one sessions ensure that founders can tap into this expertise whenever they face new challenges, from go-to-market strategies to technical scaling.
Investment and Global Reach
50 Partners also invests directly in startups, taking a minority stake (typically around 6%) and often co-investing alongside major institutional investors. The accelerator’s international “Startup Exchanges” program connects French startups with 20 incubators worldwide, offering a global perspective and new market opportunities.
Conclusion: A Model for the Future
As the French startup ecosystem continues to grow, 50 Partners’ model of deep, entrepreneur-led support is setting a new standard. By combining investment, mentorship, and a powerful network, 50 Partners is helping to build the next generation of global tech, health, and impact leaders—one startup at a time.
If you’re a founder with a bold vision, 50 Partners offers more than acceleration—it offers a lifelong partnership for success.
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