"This planned IPO offers investors a unique opportunity to participate directly in the growth of a French technology champion that is already successfully deploying its AI solutions with major groups in France and abroad," said co-CEOs Igor Carron and Laurent Daudet in a statement.

France's AI Ambitions

France is positioning itself as a key hub for artificial intelligence in Europe, aiming to close the innovation gap with the U.S. and Britain. Earlier this year, Alphabet's Google launched an AI-focused center in the country, highlighting France's commitment to the sector.

President Emmanuel Macron has also set ambitious goals for France's tech ecosystem, stating his intention to increase the number of tech unicorns in the country to at least 100 by 2030. This is a steep climb from the current count of 27.

Meanwhile, Euronext CEO Stephane Boujnah noted that a growing number of European tech companies are primed to go public, suggesting that LightOn's move may inspire others to follow suit.

Generative AI Growth Worldwide

Generative AI continues to expand globally, with an estimated 67,200 startups operating as of September 2024. A quarter of these companies are based in the United States. If current trends hold, the number of generative AI startups worldwide could reach 100,000 soon, underscoring the rapid growth and interest in the sector.

LightOn's public debut not only sets a precedent for European AI startups but also signals growing confidence in the region's ability to compete in the global AI race.