From Paris to LA: A Tale of Two Cities for Entrepreneurs

Esra Talu
Jul 22
3 min read

A collage of Paris scenes including the Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Place des Vosges, Parisian cafés, and Esra Talu enjoying the city. Titled: From Paris to LA – A Tale of Two Cities for Entrepreneurs. — "Paris, with its elegance and depth, offers a slower rhythm—but one that inspires clarity, connection, and creativity. As I return to Los Angeles, I carry with me the contrasts and the lessons—because for global entrepreneurs, the magic often lies between two worlds."

After a few beautiful, soul-refreshing days in Paris, I’m now back in Los Angeles—two cities that couldn’t be more different yet equally captivating. As I transition from the cobbled streets of Le Marais to the palm-lined avenues of West Hollywood, I find myself reflecting not only on the contrasting lifestyles but also on the opportunities these cities offer to tech entrepreneurs.

Here’s my personal take—both as someone who navigates life between continents and as a founder who supports startups in global expansion—on living and building in Paris vs. Los Angeles.

Lifestyle: Culture vs. Flow

Paris is a city that makes you pause. There’s poetry in its slowness. From early-morning croissants at a corner café to late-night walks by the Seine, life is lived with intention. Style matters, conversations linger, and even the workday is framed with rhythm—long lunches, intellectual debates, and seasonal holidays. Time feels generous.

Los Angeles, by contrast, is a city of momentum. Wellness mornings blend into startup sprints, and the air buzzes with energy and ambition. In LA, you're expected to be in motion—physically, mentally, professionally. It’s a city of ideas, but also of action. The hustle is real, but so is the creative freedom.

For entrepreneurs: If you thrive in structured spontaneity and value cultural depth, Paris nurtures the soul. If you're drawn to agility, scale, and constant reinvention, LA might be your natural habitat.

Startup Scene: Depth vs. Velocity

Paris has matured into a serious tech hub, especially in sectors like fintech, deep tech, AI, and sustainable innovation. With initiatives like La French Tech, state-backed funding, and EU grants, the ecosystem is strong—but it’s still bureaucratic. Relationships matter, and credibility often builds slowly. Founders here often aim for intellectual rigor and long-term impact.

Los Angeles is a land of pivots, pitches, and personal branding. The startup community here is broad and diverse—from Web3 to healthtech to entertainment-tech crossovers. The city encourages fast iteration, big bets, and bold storytelling. Capital is abundant, but competition is fierce. Speed often trumps perfection.

For founders expanding: Paris rewards resilience and long-term thinking, especially in regulated or research-heavy sectors. LA rewards scale-ready products, storytelling, and cross-industry disruption. Know your sector and stage before choosing your base.

Business Culture: Formal vs. Fluid

In Paris, business meetings come with structure—agendas, etiquette, and often a clear hierarchy. Titles carry weight, and relationships are built over time. There’s a strong intellectual undertone in most discussions, and consensus matters.

In LA, business is casual, fluid, and fast-paced. Your pitch matters more than your title. People may meet at a hike or a juice bar, and the first ‘no’ isn’t the end of the conversation. The culture is informal, but highly results-driven.

Advice for international entrepreneurs: Adaptability is key. In Paris, master the art of patience and build credibility. In LA, be ready to move quickly, iterate fast, and network constantly.

Final Thoughts: What’s Best for You?

For global founders and tech entrepreneurs, both Paris and LA offer powerful springboards—but for different reasons.

Choose Paris if you value structure, intellectual depth, and long-term partnership with government or EU institutions. Ideal for fintech, healthtech, climate tech, and research-driven innovation.
Choose LA if you’re looking for fast growth, diverse capital, cross-sector opportunities, and the freedom to build with speed and creativity.

As someone who lives and works between these worlds, I believe the magic lies in knowing which city aligns with your stage, your sector, and your story.