Despite the collapse of the early-stage investment market there are more French venture capitalists than there were at the beginning of the year, according to research published by Chausson Finance, a private placement and M&A boutique.

Chausson Finance conducts a half-yearly survey of French private equity firms that invest in seed, development and expansion opportunities. It says the number of such investors increased from 44 to 47 in the first half of this year.