[laurent123456]

Won't it be a problem when looking for funds though? People who can fund startups tend to be a bit older and might not have a good level of English (or will simply be more likely to help the startup if they can communicate in French).

[esquevin]

You raise an interesting point. I mostly answered from the point of view of an engineer, for whom it's not the biggest issue not to speak french. For a founder though it'd make things more complicated. They'd need to have someone close who speaks french, especially since there is a bunch of paperwork to do to start a company here and some physical interactions with french administration where english speaking might not be guaranteed.

[VeejayRampay]

They will also be more impressed and glad that some foreigner is trying to create value in their country. I don't think language is really a barrier in this case.

[renaudg]

Definitely not a problem with French investors. They're business people who will of course speak English.

The real challenge for a non-French speaking founder would mainly be in dealings with local authorities. You can't expect public servants to speak any English or have any English-translated documentation / forms available.