As Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of Bpifrance, explains “Bpifrance deployed its entire toolbox” to support entrepreneurs and achieve those outstanding results in the pursuit of the reindustrialization and decarbonization of the French economy. Bpifrance has supported the industry with €9 billion dedicated to manufacturers to accompany their transformation. Additionally, nearly €7 billion funds deployed to support the Ecological and energy transition accompanied by 5,000 one-hour discussions organized with senior executives on their companies’ climate maturity. The bank also committed €22 billion to export-oriented companies, particularly in the climate and industry sectors, reflecting a sharp increase in Industry Prospecting Insurance.

2024 set a new record for loans granted (excluding the COVID period) with nearly €20 billion invested in businesses. These funds supported various sectors, including industry, decarbonisation, tourism, and the development projects of French SMEs and mid-caps.

Direct investments in SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large groups totaled €1.8 billion across 169 companies, while portfolio disposals amounted to €1.2 billion, maintaining strong momentum from the previous year.

Bpifrance’s Fund of Funds business line experienced a record year, with €1.7 billion subscribed across 77 funds. This included 57 investments in new funds and 20 reinvestments, highlighting the bank’s role in supporting the growth of private French investment funds.

Bpifrance continues to play its support role for entrepreneurs, providing assistance to 162,500 entrepreneurs, helping to create over 86,000 startups. The « Entrepreneuriat Quartiers 2030 » program, financed by the French government and Caisse des Dépôts, supported 2,050 local entrepreneurs in underprivileged neighborhoods. Consulting services saw significant growth, with Bpifrance completing over 8,660 assignments, marking a 43% increase from 2023. This expansion positioned Bpifrance as the leading consulting firm for SMEs, with over 1,000 new businesses accelerated.

Innovation financing remained a key focus, with over €5 billion deployed to support French innovation. This funding benefited over 5,500 companies, continuing the momentum from the France 2030 program. Structural innovation aid, including R&D Innovation Loans and Deeptech programs, played a significant role in this effort.

Bpifrance’s diverse business lines, including financing, guarantees, innovation financing, direct investments, and consulting, continue to drive significant economic impact across France. The bank’s efforts in 2024 underscore its commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem