[bsaul]

The whole valley has been filled with top french engineers for 40 years. This brain drain is actually one of the reason france is in such a miserable state relative to IT economy. The only ones left are the ones prefering a cosy seat at a large established company. All the entrepreneurs have been leaving, and it’s a misery (another example under the spotlight now, although in a different field, is the head of moderna).

[gen220]

I have a friend from France who has a successful career in software (making good money in the United States).

His parents are kind of disappointed in my friend, though, because they don't believe his career is a "real job" (like a lawyer, doctor, financier etc.).

I think this is a contributing factor to why people leave. "Software Engineer", for all our quibbles over what it means, is comparatively well-respected and well-compensated job in the US. People want to live and work where their skills are valued.

[wazoox]

Also the co-founder of Docker (lots of French people at Docker too, from what I know).

[spacedcowboy]

Same reason as for the UK. The money is better here.

[908B64B197]

It's something I never understood.

Worked along folks from EPFL, the X and Poly. What they told me about their startup ecosystem back home was unbelievable. And compensation was a joke too.

Are French folks... aware their smartest are in California?