Réunion is participating in the second edition of the Overseas French Tech Days (OMFTD) in Nouméa on October 16 and 17. This event, which brings together the tech communities from Overseas and the Pacific, is a strategic platform for Reunion startups, allowing them to present their innovations, create links, and think collectively about the challenges facing the overseas territories.
Four Reunion startups are participating this year, each representing a key sector of innovation: The Island Cosmetic, Fidelatoo and Leon Guide. These startups will have the opportunity to pitch to international investors, with the objective of raising funds to accelerate their growth and expand regionally and globally. This is a key moment for them to strengthen their position in the market and stand out in a rapidly changing economic context.
“The participation of Reunion startups in this event comes at a crucial time for French Tech, which is facing significant economic challenges. » explains Julie Vansnick, director of French Tech La Réunion. “With the increase in interest rates decided by central banks, access to financing has become more difficult. Investors are now more cautious and are demanding solid proof of the ability of startups to grow sustainably”. In this context, startups must be particularly resilient and able to prove that their business model can work in the long term, even in an uncertain environment.
Federating the overseas ecosystem to overcome the challenges of distance
Overseas territories share common challenges, such as access to financing, distance from major European and global markets, as well as high logistics costs. These obstacles directly affect the competitiveness of overseas startups. However, in an environment where French Tech is going through a period of transformation, marked by economic uncertainty and tax reforms, these interregional exchanges are essential to pool resources and knowledge, and develop common strategies to maintain overseas innovation. on the front of the stage
In addition, ongoing tax reforms in France, such as the potential revision of the Research Tax Credit (CIR), threaten to reduce incentives for innovation, which could slow the growth of young companies, particularly those located in overseas territories. . For Reunionese startups, this event therefore represents an opportunity to position themselves as regional champions and prove their resilience despite an unfavorable global economic context.
At the same time, the geographical isolation of Reunion Island makes access to resources and financing even more complex, requiring a collaborative approach between overseas stakeholders to strengthen the competitiveness of the ecosystem. The startups present at OMFTD intend to demonstrate that, even in times of crisis, innovation can be a powerful lever to overcome local challenges while meeting the overall needs of their territories.
Despite these challenges, Reunion startups continue to show their resilience. This event allows them to demonstrate their ability to innovate in a complex environment and to overcome the constraints inherent in overseas territories. French Tech is currently going through a pivotal period, and the Overseas French Tech Days in Nouméa offer Reunion Island a unique chance to prove that overseas startups can not only adapt, but also excel and prosper.
