Background
The “Young Entrepreneurs Initiative” (YEi) was launched in 2005 by the Embassy of France in the United States (Boston Office for Science and Technology).
In 2010, the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs selected Retis, the French federation of incubators, as the new parent for the “Young Entrepreneurs Initiative” (YEi).
Through this program, Retis aims at supporting and encouraging entrepreneurs in the US to expand activities or launch an innovative venture in France.
About Retis
Retis is the French innovation network whose mission is to strengthen the existing ties between higher education and research institutes, high-tech regional hubs, incubators and European Business and Innovation Centers.
Take a look at the Map of our members. You will see more than 100 agencies within the French territory. This a total of 800 experts who are directly supporting innovative SMEs.
The French Accelerator – YEi
We are a nonprofit platform fostering and facilitating transatlantic relationships focusing on helping US resident entrepreneurs to understand entrepreneurship in France through mentoring and networking.
Located in the US, we offer a one-stop shop for innovative entrepreneurs willing to launch a venture in Europe and more specifically in France. Thanks to our private and public partners (see our partners’page), we are able to offer a large range of support both in France and in the US with access to:
- Leading customers and business partners
- Technology clusters and shared platforms
- Public and private funding
- Incubators and local venture ecosystems
- Mentoring/coaching
- A network of successful entrepreneurs
Save time and money to accelerate your business plans in France and Europe using YEi network and expertise.
About the competition
Over the first six years, YEi has attracted 218 candidates and selected 56 laureates. Half of them have either already set-up an activity in France or are in the process of doing so. The vast majority of them keep a presence in the US, especially for marketing purposes.
Each year, between six and ten winners are supported to strengthen their startup project from the US, and to consolidate their plans for France, the stepping stone to Europe, through a large transatlantic network of incubators, mentors, strategic consultants and of course funding.
In addition to accessing the network, all laureates have the opportunity to get a free and customized business trip to France enabling them to meet partners and access French funding.
Some Figures
(updated April 2011)
A « young » and successful program
- 2005 : 1st call
- 2007 : housing on Campus MIT
- 2010: transfer of the program management to RETIS
- 2010/2011: 6th call for proposal
Projects
- Total candidates 218
- Laureates 56
- Successful 9
- In progress 14
Laureates
Marketing and Communication
- French/US Partners 100+
- US “ambassadors” 100+