PRESS RELEASE
Paris, May 15, 2025
Exclusive GENEO Capital Entrepreneur survey
The "Heroes' Compass 2025": in the face of geopolitical uncertainties, French growth companies are staying the course
In an unstable environment, mid-sized and growth companies are charting a singular course. Relying first and foremost on their own strengths to move forward independently of external factors, the ETIs surveyed are not asking for subsidies or protection. La Boussole does, however, relay the companies' demand for clarity and agility. At the time of writing, our ETIs are taking a pragmatic view of the changes in Washington, without giving in to the prevailing panic.
Unlike traditional barometers, La Boussole does not take the pulse of the economy in general. Instead, it gives a voice to growth entrepreneurs, the heads of mid-sized companies (ETI) who are investing, innovating, recruiting and internationalizing - even in times of uncertainty. This survey, carried out with a group of sixty successful ETI managers (from all over France and representing different business sectors), aims to understand the key factors behind the success of these ETIs.
Act rather than suffer: a proactive vision of economic transformation
These "real-life heroes" create a microclimate of ambition and transformation:
????63% rank external growth as a strategic priority for 2025;
????50% see recruitment as a key competitive lever;
????70% are calling for a better-calibrated tax system to ensure sustainable investment;
????More than 40% focus on internationalization, digitalization and training.
Far from being wait-and-see, these companies are taking the initiative. They build their trajectory on three pillars: human capital, technology and international openness.
They see human capital as their most precious strategic resource, driving innovation, adaptation and resilience in the face of ongoing transformations.
They also share a strong conviction: critical size is vital. To withstand the complexity of the world, position themselves internationally or attract talent, they need to strengthen, structure and, in some cases, regroup. These are companies on the move, driving resilient growth and having a profound territorial impact.
A clear message to public authorities: more room for manoeuvre
Rather than a call for subsidies, La Boussole relays a demand for clarity and agility from companies.
????70% expect a tax system conducive to long-term investment.
???? out of 2 would like to see administrative simplification to improve efficiency.
They want a stable framework in which to undertake, recruit and invest.
"Our companies are not asking us to protect them, but to enable them to act. They are the embodiment of an ambitious France, rooted in the regions and looking to the future and the international market. Let's listen to them, support them and draw inspiration from them.
Fanny Letier & François Rivolier, co-founders of GENEO Capital Entrepreneur
With this Compass, the Observatoire des Héros reaffirms its mission: to shine a light on those who do, to understand their trajectories, and to pave the way for a more ambitious, supportive and sustainable entrepreneurial capitalism.
???? : https://geneocapitalentrepreneur.com/lobservatoire-des-heros/
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About the Heroes' Compass
The result of a survey carried out between January 20 and February 20, 2025, the Compass is based on the responses of GENEO's ETI investors and partners. It aims to share the best practices of companies that are succeeding in an uncertain environment, and to inspire an entrepreneurial, ambitious and sustainable capitalism.
About Heroes Observatory
Created by GENEO Capital Entrepreneur in 2025, the Observatoire des Héros highlights the contribution of Builder entrepreneurs to the economic, social and territorial transformation of France. It regularly publishes studies, barometers and portraits to shed light on the major issues facing SMEs and ETIs, and to highlight the levers for action.
Press contacts :
Bien Commun Advisory :
Hugues de Tournemine - 06 67 07 22 33 - h.detournemire@bcadvisory.fr
Frédéric Paillet - 01 43 35 49 84 - f.paillet@bcadvisory.fr
