"SISTA AI" will support 20 startups founded or co-founded by women in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. SISTA started in 2018 and aims to reduce funding inequalities between women and men entrepreneurs, along with providing fundraising expertise and access to its network of committed investors. For its part, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will offer technical expertise and cloud resources, including $100,000 in AWS credits per startup and personalised guidance from its AI experts. The programme is also supported by BNP Paribas' Connect'Hers initiative, which works to support women founders.
AI in France: Widely used but inequalities persist
This initiative comes amid a major acceleration in AI adoption across Europe and France, where a new business adopts AI every three minutes. French startups are particularly dynamic, with 68% using AI—significantly higher than the European average of 58%. The benefits are significant: 90% of companies that have adopted AI report an average 30% increase in revenue.
However, lack of diversity and skills remains a major barrier to innovation. In France, only 20% of startups created in 2022 included a woman among their founders, below the European average. Funding inequalities are even more pronounced: less than 2% of raised funds go to all-women teams, with average amounts four times lower than those secured by all-male teams.
"Inequalities worsen over time. The funding raised by women tends to hit a glass ceiling after a startup's first 6 years, while the amounts raised by men skyrocket," notes Alexia Reiss, Executive Director of SISTA.
This initiative builds on AWS's ongoing commitment to training in France. The company, which has already trained more than 200,000 people in cloud skills since 2017, plans to train 600,000 by 2030 in digital skills, particularly in cloud computing, AI, and security. This effort is especially relevant as 49% of new jobs in France are expected to require AI skills in the next three years.
“Diversity is essential for innovation. By supporting women entrepreneurs in AI, we are not only addressing gender parity, but we are also enriching the entire European and French tech ecosystem. Our commitment to SISTA is part of our mission to democratize access to cutting-edge technologies for all talents.” Julien Groues, AWS VP – France and Europe South.
Technical support, funding, and networking: Programme details
Starting in September 2025, participants will benefit from an intensive six-month programme. The curriculum combines training in fundraising fundamentals, technical modules in AI delivered by AWS experts, and regular meetings with investment funds. Monthly "Inclusive Hour" sessions will allow entrepreneurs to present their projects to investors, while a dinner and two networking events will strengthen connections within the cohort. The programme has secured commitments from more than twenty major investment funds, including Alter Equity, Alven, Arkea, AXA Venture Partners, Balderton Capital, Bpifrance, Creadev, Crédit Mutuel Innovation, Dastore, ELAIA, Founders Future, FDJ Ventures, Groupe ADP, ISAI, Newfund, Raise, Serena, Singular, SISTAFund, ViaID, and XAnge. To participate, entrepreneurs must own at least 30% of their startup's capital and develop solutions based on AI or using it as a key element of their value proposition. Selected projects should plan to raise funds within the coming year and demonstrate significant traction in their market. Selection will be made by a jury comprising entrepreneurs, representatives from partner investment funds, and AWS experts. Applications will be open from April 14 to June 17, 2025 [here](insert link).
Interested startups can obtain more information here.
