FrenchTech and Silicon Valley: Newfund and The FrenchTech Journal launch The Digital Diplomats series

The debate about innovation in France versus Silicon Valley is often reduced to clichés. Silicon Valley thrives on free-market dynamism, while France is portrayed as a state-driven ecosystem. But the reality is far more complex—and that’s exactly what The Digital Diplomats aims to unpack. 

This series provides critical insights on how to navigate both ecosystems, as part of Newfund’s Road to the USA strategy, which supports French entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses across the Atlantic. Led by Marjolaine Catil, Investment Director at Newfund, and Chris O’Brien, a Silicon Valley journalist now installed in France, founder of the French Tech journal, this series cuts through ideological biases to help entrepreneurs navigate opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Each month, The Digital Diplomats delivers a sharp analysis of major tech trends shaping both ecosystems. In their first discussion, Marjolaine and Chris tackle a pressing question: Is France still an innovation nation in 2025? 

As global dynamics shift, The Digital Diplomats will continue to break down these questions, offering entrepreneurs the insights they need to scale successfully in today’s evolving landscape.

Read the full discussion here: The Digital Diplomats