AI-powered recruitment firm Gojob has announced its voluntary withdrawal from the prestigious French Tech Next40 index. This decision follows the company's achievement of profitability and a significant €120 million strategic investment from Japanese giant Persol. The move signals a transition from a high-growth scale-up to a mature, industrial-phase company with a new global partner.
A Strategic Shift for a Mature Scale-Up
The departure from the Next40 was a deliberate choice by founder Pascal Lorne, a key figure in the creation of the French Tech ecosystem. This symbolic gesture underscores the company's evolution beyond the need for the institutional visibility the label provides. It marks a new chapter for the firm as it solidifies its market position.
Gojob's newfound maturity is supported by strong financial performance, having reached profitability at the end of 2024. The company reported revenues of €220 million and projects this figure will nearly double, reflecting its successful business model. This financial stability is a core reason for its strategic shift away from growth-focused labels.
New Capital Structure with Persol's Investment
A pivotal development in Gojob's recent history is the €120 million investment from Persol, a leading Japanese holding company. This transaction established Persol as the majority shareholder with over 50% of the company's shares. The deal also facilitated an exit for Gojob's historical investors, including Breega and Alter Equity.
Despite the significant change in ownership, the company's governance structure remains unchanged, with Pascal Lorne as CEO and second-largest shareholder. This arrangement highlights that the investment is focused on long-term industrial consolidation rather than a typical venture capital injection. It ensures operational continuity while leveraging Persol's global expertise for future expansion.
The Impact and Legacy of the Next40 Label
During its tenure in the FT120 and Next40, Gojob reaped substantial benefits, particularly in gaining visibility with investors. Founder Pascal Lorne noted that each program announcement prompted dozens of unsolicited calls from French and international investment funds. This label served as a powerful signal that facilitated crucial conversations and opened doors for capital.
The Next40 designation also proved to be a significant asset in attracting top-tier talent for the company. The program's prestige helped secure senior profiles who might have been hesitant to join a rapidly growing scale-up. This enhanced employer brand was instrumental in supporting Gojob's expansion onto three continents.
Paving the Way for the Next Generation
Gojob's decision to leave the index is framed as an act of giving back to the French technology ecosystem. Following a precedent set by companies like Mirakl, the move is intended to make space for a new generation of promising startups. This allows emerging companies to leverage the program's benefits during their critical acceleration phase.
Looking ahead, founder Pascal Lorne is now considering a new role as a supporter of the ecosystem he helped build. He has expressed an interest in investing in young HR technology startups to nurture the next wave of innovation. This transition from beneficiary to benefactor completes a cycle of growth within the French Tech community.
Gojob's withdrawal from the Next40 is not an exit but a graduation into a new corporate league. Backed by a major strategic investor and having achieved profitability, the company is now focused on industrial consolidation and global scale. This move solidifies its status as a French Tech success story while fostering the next generation of innovators.