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The French Tech ecosystem is one of the most vibrant and robust in Europe. It’s a dynamic environment where innovation thrives, not just because of groundbreaking ideas, but because of the collaborative spirit that defines it. Here, unicorns don’t just compete. They partner, invest in each other, and grow together.
One of the greatest strengths of this ecosystem is how deeply it supports its own. The result is a powerful network of interconnected companies that challenge and elevate each other at every stage.
When innovation meets trust
I was recently reminded of the power of collaboration through our evolving relationship with PayFit, one of Spendesk’s longest-standing partners. We’ve worked together for years: integrating products, sharing insights, and growing alongside one another. But a recent development brought a new dimension to our partnership.
In April 2024, Spendesk acquired Okko, a modern procurement startup with bold ambition and serious momentum. Like us, Okko was born out of Hexa, and quickly caught our attention with its forward-thinking approach to procurement.
What we didn’t expect was that PayFit was already one of Okko’s earliest customers. So, when Okko officially became part of Spendesk, and its product reintroduced as Spendesk Procurement, PayFit naturally became our first customer in this new chapter.
It wasn’t just a business overlap. It was a clear signal that shared vision, mutual trust, and early-stage collaboration can lay the groundwork for something much bigger.
A partnership rooted in progress
The relationship between PayFit and Spendesk is more than a case study in product integration. It’s a reflection of how innovation accelerates when companies move forward together. PayFit has consistently shown a willingness to bet on new ideas, adopt emerging technologies early, and champion products they believe in.
Their early support of Spendesk Procurement didn’t just help validate the product. It gave us the confidence to scale it, improve it, and bring it to market faster. It also allowed us to gather real-time feedback from a trusted partner, helping us build something stronger from day one.
Recently, I had the chance to speak with Firmin Zocchetto, PayFit’s CEO, about the power of partnerships in our ecosystem. His perspective stuck with me: “When companies like ours support each other, we create a network that is resilient and forward-thinking. It's not just about competing; it's about building something bigger together. PayFit’s commitment to innovation is strengthened by our partnerships, such as with Spendesk and their new launch of Procure-to-Pay. Working closely with Spendesk allows us to push boundaries and explore new possibilities that we might not have ventured into alone.”
Looking ahead
This kind of collaboration is what defines French Tech at its best. It’s not just about raising rounds and scaling fast. It’s about showing up for each other. Early, often, and consistently.
At Spendesk, we’re proud to be part of an ecosystem that champions shared growth. We believe the future will be shaped not by solo wins but by teams, partners, and communities moving forward together. And if we keep leaning into that spirit of collaboration, we won’t just build great companies; we’ll build a better industry.
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