Faea

THE 17th French American

Entrepreneurship

AWARD

FAEA 2025, 16th edition, ended. Olyzon, Enlaye and Optimalex are the winners !

Countdown to FAEA 2026 Awards Ceremony

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What Previous Winners Say about FAEA

“Winning the FAEA provided invaluable exposure and introduced me to the French economic community in New York at a crucial time, as I had just arrived from France. The connections I made—both professional and personal—helped me integrate quickly and opened doors that accelerated Weward’s growth in the U.S.”
Yves Benchimol
Yves BenchimolWeward
Dr. Bruno Jactel (Founder & CEO, Hypercell Technologies): “The Hypercell team is particularly grateful to have received the first prize of the 2023 FAEA. This is a great honor that will give us even more motivation to pursue our project with energy and determination”.
Bruno
BrunoFounder, Hypercell
Claire Chabaud-Tropéan (Founder & CEO, Braave): “I feel deeply honored. Meeting these inspiring individuals who continuously challenge and support me in my business has been a remarkable experience. Their strong US network offers immense potential and I am excited to leverage their expertise and forge valuable connections.”
Claire
ClaireFounder, Braave
Jonathan Thorn (Co-founder & CEO, WALTER) and Guillaume Charvon, (Co-founder & Chairman, WALTER): “We were thrilled to participate in the FAEA. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our electronics recycling social business, meet the judges and the other participants. We look forward to coming back next year as spectators!”
Jonathan & Guillaume
Jonathan & GuillaumeCo-Founders, Walter

WHY APPLY

Whether you are a U.S.-based startup or a France-based startup developing your business presence in the U.S. and founded/or led by French entrepreneurs, the FAEA empowers the winners with a unique opportunity to reach their next level of development with:

  • exposure and networking opportunities in the French business community and in the U.S. startup ecosystem
  • cash prizes and in-kind benefits
  • product/service validation and potential funding options with investors
  • mentorship to sharpen your elevator pitch.
Apply now

ELEGIBILITY

Startup must have been in business in the US and its territories (FEIN required) for at most 5 years.

Has raised no more than $10m and is owned or led by a French Founder/ CEO or C-Level executive.

US startup can be a subsidiary of a French company created within the past 7 years.

Only for-profit business may apply.

SELECTION PROCESS

APPLICATION

FINAL ROUND

AWARDS CEREMONY

Startups need to assess their eligibility, comply with the FAEA rules and submit their application and Executive Summary by May 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm (Eastern Standard Time)

The Committee will assess eligible startup participants based on the innovative, viability, profitability and scalability aspects of their business model and select the Winners.

The Committee will select 3 winning startups.
The 3 Winners will pitch and participate (in-person) in a Q&A in front of the Jury in the offices of former FAEA winner Extend in New York City on Sunday May 31st, 2026.
 
The winning startups will be announced during the Award Ceremony which will be held at The Consulate General of France in New York on June 2nd, 2026.

KEY DATES 2026

Tuesday /   MARCH 17th

FAEA Application Opening

Friday /   MAY 1st

Deadline to submit entries to the FAEA selection

Monday / MAY 11th

Announcement of the 3 startup finalists

Sunday /   MAY 31st

Finalists pitch and Q&A in front of the Jury at Extend Headquaters in New York City

Monday /   JUNE 1st

Networking events in New York City for the 3 startup finalists, plus dinner at Club600

Tuesday /   JUNE 2nd

Award Ceremony with the 3 winning startups at the French Consulate in New York City

PRIZES

  • 1st WINNER

    $30,000+ Value Prize

  • 2nd WINNER

    $20,000+ Value Prize

  • 3rd WINNER

    $15,000+ Value Prize

SPONSORS 2026

FAEA is made possible thanks to our Sponsors and Partners, merci !

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PARTNERS

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