The 12 People Who Make and Break Tech in France

Last year, I took on an exercise that was as simple as it was subjective: drawing up a list of the people who matter in French tech. There was no scientific method behind it, just my perspective as someone passionate about this ecosystem. I gathered women and men who dominate the media landscape and social networks, whether or not we agree with their opinions. What interests me is their ability to influence conversations.

Last year’s list, “Here Are The Top 16 People Who are Making or Breaking Tech in France,” was very well received. However, I had to make a few adjustments this year: some have been far less active over the past twelve months, while others have taken on a much more visible role.

Let me know what you think, and if anyone is missing (I’m sure there are).

Enjoy the read.

Charlie Perreau – Head of High-Tech/Media/Startup at Les Échos

Charlie Perreau is now one of the most influential tech journalists in France. Her sharp eye on the tech sector highlights both the real issues and the blind spots of the industry. She is also highly sought after to moderate panels and analyze trends at major economic and technological events.

Carlos Diaz – Serial entrepreneur, founder of the podcast Silicon Carne and the community L’Hacienda

Carlos Diaz brings a unique Franco-Californian perspective on tech. His analysis, always frank and uncompromising, sheds light on the sector’s ongoing transformations. His newsletter and podcast have become essential for anyone wanting to understand what is happening in Silicon Valley.

Matthieu Stefani – Founder of CosaVostra, podcaster (Génération Do It Yourself, La Martingale)

Through his in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and executives, Matthieu has become one of the most influential voices in the ecosystem. He was also the first French podcaster to interview a President of the Republic, which significantly increased his visibility beyond the startup world.

Laure Closier – Journalist and presenter at BFM Business

With her direct and accessible style, Laure explains tech and the economy in a clear, structured way. She appears both on TV sets and at major events, where she consistently brings sharp, well-framed insights.

François Sorel – Host at BFM Business (Tech & Co)

A reference in the French tech landscape, François Sorel has been breaking down innovations and their uses for years. His enthusiasm and constant curiosity have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the sector.

Anthony Morel – Tech columnist at BFM TV

Anthony has established himself as the voice that makes tech simple, concrete, and understandable for the general public. His ability to popularize innovations has given him a strong media presence.

Dr. Luc Julia – Co-creator of Siri, artificial intelligence expert

Luc Julia has been particularly visible this year, notably through public debates around his views on AI. His nuanced vision, often counter to the dominant discourse, regularly fuels discussions and controversy.

Yann LeCun – AI researcher, former Chief AI Scientist at Meta

A pioneer of deep learning and a global figure in artificial intelligence, Yann LeCun continues to wield major influence. The announcement of his departure from Meta for a new project further increased media attention surrounding him.

Benjamin Vincent – Tech journalist and presenter

Benjamin has become a key voice in tech popularization across audiovisual media. He covers digital uses, innovations and societal implications with precision. His ability to make complex subjects accessible makes him one of the most sought-after commentators today.

Yasmine Douadi – Tech journalist and media entrepreneur

Yasmine has gained visibility in recent months thanks to her structured analysis, sharp understanding of cybersecurity and ability to contextualize the sector’s ongoing transformations.

Arthur Mensch – Co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI

Arthur has become one of the leading faces of AI in France. His positions on artificial intelligence, technological sovereignty and organizational transformation have shaped the year. Mistral AI’s successive announcements have also strengthened his media and political weight.

Cédric O – Co-founder of Kyutai, former Secretary of State for Digital Affairs

Highly present in public debate, Cédric O played a central role in France’s discussions around AI and innovation policy. One of his investments went viral in the press (the man who invested 176 euros and made 27 million from Mistral AI), which boosted his visibility. He remains an influential voice on the country’s technological strategy.