The Paris to SF founder move is increasingly common. French Tech has a real presence in SF.
Visa reality (2026)
- O-1 is the standard founder route
- E-2 (investor visa) works well for French nationals since France has a treaty
- French Tech Visa does not help you get to the US, it only helps Americans go to France
Where French founders are
- Notable French founders in SF: the Doctolib and Alan alumni network is strong
What surprises French founders
- Coffee is worse
- Bread is a real loss
- The pace of moving fast is different in kind, not degree
- Small talk actually matters and is not fake. Adjust.
Practical first steps
1. Mercury for banking before you have an SSN (business only)
2. See the US setup starter pack
3. Introduce yourself on /community
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