Startup World Cup Aix: A Wrap on a Successful First National Edition
On July 2, 2025, the Startup World Cup made a stop in Aix-en-Provence for the second and final regional final of its inaugural French edition. Held alongside the Rencontres Économiques, this Aix stage brought together startups, investors, experts, and innovation enthusiasts with a shared goal: to showcase French entrepreneurial excellence on a global stage.
Co-organized by Startup&Angels, represented in France by INAUTALENT, and the accounting firm Expansi, this final marked another milestone in the international competition.
Watch the replay of the Startup World Cup Aix at the bottom of the page.
A World-Renowned Competition
Launched by U.S. investment fund Pegasus Tech Ventures, the Startup World Cup is one of the world’s most iconic pitch competitions. Each year, it brings together the most promising startups from over 100 countries, with a $1 million investment awarded to the grand winner of the global final held in Silicon Valley.
With this first French edition divided into two key moments — Paris in June and Aix-en-Provence in July — France has joined the global circuit for the first time. A unique opportunity for French startups to gain visibility, raise funds, and access international markets.
A Regional Final Anchored in the French Ecosystem
The Aix final took place in an inspiring atmosphere, boosted by the Rencontres Économiques and an engaged audience. Ten startups, selected from over 150 national applications, pitched their solutions before a jury of recognized experts from the startup and investment ecosystem:
Aurélia Farine – CEO, Expansi
Eve Doat-Arakelian – CMO, GoJob
Philippe Calvet – Development Director, Auvalie Innovation
Philippe Rase – Co-President, France Angels
Olivier Baroux – President, Paris Business Angels
Julien Khaski – Editor-in-Chief, Maddyness
Jonathan Noble – CEO, Swello
The Winners
After an evening full of inspiring pitches and insightful exchanges:
🏆 Grand Prize – Initiativ: The startup takes first place and will represent France at the Global Final on October 17, 2025 in Silicon Valley, alongside Nūmi, winner of the Paris final.
🥈 2nd – Heliosand
🥉 3rd – HuntX Pharma
👩💻 Women in Tech Award – Allergen Alert
🎤 Audience Award – Data for Ethic
Huge congratulations to all the finalist startups for their ambition, commitment, and the quality of their solutions!
A National Momentum is Underway
With over 300 applications received, two successful regional finals in Paris and Aix-en-Provence, and an enthusiastic audience made up of investors, founders, incubators, and public stakeholders, this first French edition of the Startup World Cup marks a turning point.
Startup&Angels has already announced a new national edition in 2026, with the ambition to expand the movement to more French regions and continue to shine a spotlight on French startups internationally.
About Startup&Angels
Founded in 2016 in Sydney by two French entrepreneurs, Startup&Angels is an international platform connecting innovative startups with investors, mentors, and entrepreneurial ecosystem experts. Active in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and now Europe, it hosts immersive events and offers a dynamic community and exclusive resources to its members.
In France, Startup&Angels is represented by INAUTALENT, a company specialized in international consulting and recruitment for startups and innovative SMEs. It supports their growth through expertise in sourcing, HR development, and international expansion.
