France’s state-backed investment bank Bpifrance, has announced a new €25 million ($27 million) initiative to invest directly in early-stage crypto tokens and decentralized technologies, with the goal of strengthening the country’s position in the global blockchain race. The fund will focus on supporting local startups developing Web3 infrastructure and products, while also empowering domestic venture capital players active in the space.
The announcement was made during a blockchain-focused event in Paris, where Bpifrance outlined the investment as part of a broader digital asset strategy aimed at retaining Web3 talent and innovation within French borders. The fund will target pre-exchange tokens issued by French projects rather than established crypto assets, making it one of the few government-backed vehicles designed to provide direct token capital at the earliest stages of blockchain development.
“We are convinced of the growing importance that these players will take on in the years to come,” said Arnaud Caudoux, Deputy CEO of Bpifrance.
“We want to increase French competitiveness and presence in the field of digital assets.”
The move reinforces France’s ambition to become a European leader in blockchain innovation, offering institutional backing for Web3 founders navigating the early fundraising landscape.
Targeting Emerging French Blockchain Ventures
Bpifrance’s newly launched crypto investment fund marks a significant shift in how public institutions engage with digital assets. Rather than relying solely on traditional funding models like grants, loans, or equity placements, the bank is now committing capital directly into early-stage, blockchain-native tokens—a first-of-its-kind move for a European state investment bank.
The initiative will target newly issued, low-cap tokens originating from French blockchain startups, particularly those that have yet to be listed on exchanges. Priority sectors include DeFi protocols, staking infrastructure, tokenization frameworks, L1 to L3 blockchain layers, AI-integrated applications, and digital identity solutions—all areas that France views as strategically important for its long-term tech sovereignty.
France to Counter U.S. Crypto Momentum with Domestic Talent Strategy
This public blockchain investment push comes at a time when the global crypto landscape is rapidly shifting—particularly in the United States, where President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted an openly pro-crypto stance. Since his re-election, Trump has promised to make the U.S. the “undisputed Bitcoin superpower,” backing domestic mining initiatives and relaxing regulatory pressure on crypto firms through a rollback of SEC enforcement actions.
These policies have already begun to attract blockchain capital and talent to the U.S., amplifying concerns across Europe that a lack of decisive engagement could leave the region at a competitive disadvantage.
In this context, Bpifrance’s new token fund serves not only as a tool for financial support but also as a geopolitical response—an effort to retain and cultivate Web3 innovation within French borders. The initiative aligns with France’s national ambition to become a hub of blockchain excellence, reinforcing state-level support at a time when European crypto regulation, while comprehensive, has been slower to fuel investment momentum.
Bpifrance has a history of supporting blockchain initiatives, having invested more than €150 million in related projects over the past decade. Previous investments include backing crypto hardware wallet company Ledger in 2014.
At the European level, the European Union introduced comprehensive crypto regulations in 2023, requiring crypto companies to obtain authorization before operating within the bloc. Bpifrance’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to fostering a robust and compliant crypto ecosystem within this regulatory framework.
Quick Facts:
- Bpifrance is launching a €25 million fund to invest directly in cryptocurrencies, focusing on tokens from emerging French blockchain projects.
- The initiative targets sectors including DeFi, tokenization, staking, and artificial intelligence, aiming to support projects before their exchange listings.
- This fund builds upon Bpifrance’s decade-long investment in blockchain, which has totaled over €150 million, and underscores France’s commitment to becoming a leader in blockchain technology.
