Bpifrance to Invest €25M in Tokens of French Crypto Startups

Bpifrance plans to purchase tokens directly, giving the bank a stake in shaping emerging ecosystems. This approach stands out as highly unconventional for a public investor, especially when compared to global counterparts—even in countries like the U.S., where interest in crypto is rapidly growing.

Notably, the number of French funds involved in the crypto industry is still relatively limited. That’s why this initiative carries particular weight for the country’s economic development. According to Bpifrance executives, the bank has been backing tech startups and innovative ventures for over a decade.

To date, Bpifrance has invested more than €150 million in technology and blockchain sectors, supporting over 200 projects, including early funding rounds for companies like Ledger.

The bank made its first token investment in 2022. Since then, the team has built a solid framework for managing digital assets and gained strong conviction in the potential of this sector.

Related: Ledger Co-Founder Freed After Kidnapping in France 

Accelerating the Investment Strategy

Bpifrance’s revised strategy calls for a more focused push into projects centered on:

• decentralized finance (DeFi)
• staking
• tokenization
• artificial intelligence (AI) 

Moreover, the bank views these areas as pivotal, with the potential to transform traditional financial systems and form the backbone of a resilient digital economy.

However, Bpifrance isn’t limiting itself to financial backing alone. It’s also seeking hands-on experience in tokenization and blockchain liquidity management, aiming to fully engage with digital finance tools. This approach could accelerate the adoption of innovative business models, boost competitiveness, and solidify France’s standing in the global market.

Related: World Liberty Financial Introduces USD1 Stablecoin

Clara Chappaz, Minister in charge of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, highlighted the importance of both public and private investment in building a competitive and secure digital market. According to her, collaboration between traditional financial institutions and innovative startups is essential to the stability and growth of France’s tech ecosystem.

By accelerating its token investment strategy, Bpifrance is reaffirming its commitment and expanding support for French players in the digital asset space operating within the European regulatory framework. We are confident in the rising importance of these companies in the coming years and aim to strengthen France’s competitiveness and presence in the digital asset sector,

added Arnaud Caudoux, Deputy CEO of Bpifrance.

Bpifrance’s initiative could serve as a key driver for the growth of France’s crypto ecosystem. In addition, this strategy opens new pathways for French companies to scale and compete globally, while signaling the government’s clear intention to foster and advance high-potential innovation sectors.

Related: Fidelity Integrates Ethereum Blockchain into Treasury Fund Management