French AI Startups Thrived Until the Election Changed Everything

### The Future of​ AI⁢ in France: Navigating Political and‌ Economic Challenges

#### Macron’s Vision for AI

French President‌ Emmanuel Macron has long envisioned a thriving, homegrown ‌artificial intelligence (AI) industry. However, the current political climate is causing some concern among tech ‌professionals.

The AI disruption is coming.

#### Concerns Among Tech⁢ Professionals

Some coders from Senegal and​ Morocco are already contemplating leaving France.​ They worry that a far-right government might make it⁤ harder to renew their visas, prompting them to plan their next moves.

#### Industry’s Political⁣ Leanings

While many industries are‌ quietly supporting the far-right as a preferable ⁤alternative to the left-wing​ alliance, Jean-Baptiste Babinet, a tech ​industry insider, downplays ⁤the threat from the⁣ New Popular Front. He believes the ‍hard-left is a minority ⁢within the alliance and that most members are Social Democrats who understand ⁤the new economy.

It’s clear they come ⁢with very old-fashioned economical rules, and therefore they ⁤don’t understand at all the new economy.

#### Historical Resilience

Babinet reassures that the tech industry has weathered ⁣political chaos before. ⁣He cites Brexit as an​ example, noting that the ⁤UK remains a preferred ⁤location ⁣for launching generative AI startups, according to an⁢ [Accel report](https://www.accel.com/noteworthy/founder-factory).

At the ‍end of ​the day, Brexit was not ​so much of‍ a nightmare for the tech scene in the UK.

#### Optimism ‍Amid Uncertainty

Stanislas Polu, an OpenAI alumnus who founded the French AI startup Dust, believes the industry ‍has enough ‌momentum to‍ withstand any‌ challenges. He acknowledges that personal​ finances might‌ take a ​hit but remains hopeful that moderate leaders will prevail.

Some of the outcomes might be ⁣a bit gloomy. It’s always a little bit more complicated to navigate a higher volatility environment. I guess we’re hoping that the more moderate people will govern that country. I think that’s all we can hope for.