Lyon, France – In the vibrant economic landscape of Lyon, a company named Businove is emerging as a critical player in fostering innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With its founder, Cyril Lorne, at the helm, Businove is not just a consultancy; it’s a strategic partner for companies navigating the complex world of innovation tax credits and subsidies. The firm’s recent recognition in the Top 500 2025 growth companies by Les Échos underscores its significant impact and ambitious future.
A Unique Work Culture Forged in the American Melting Pot
Stepping into Businove’s offices, one is immediately struck by an atmosphere that defies traditional French corporate norms. A bright, expansive open-plan space overlooking the Saône River, complete with a professional foosball table, giant screens, and gaming consoles, evokes the casual yet productive environment of a Silicon Valley tech giant. Cyril Lorne, 46, explains that this distinctive setup is a direct result of his experience in the United States, where he expatriated before the COVID-19 pandemic to establish a subsidiary.
“There, I worked in the same kind of open-plan space, in an atmosphere that was both relaxed and serious, with the possibility of taking moments of relaxation, and at the same time being able to isolate myself in boxes to work and make calls to clients. The kitchen is almost larger than the workspace. It seems to me that this corresponds to the expectations of today’s generation, which needs to find elements of home in the office,” Lorne elaborates. This philosophy, which prioritizes employee well-being and flexibility, is a cornerstone of Businove’s success.
Engineers and Financial Experts: A Synergistic Approach to Innovation
Businove’s team of around twenty comprises an equal split of engineers and accounting/finance experts. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial to their highly specialized niche. “Yes, we have engineers in all the fields of the companies we support. In biotechnology, mechanics, electronics… It is important to understand the needs of clients. And to truly understand their needs, their projects, you need experience or a very good intellectual knowledge of the subjects,” Lorne explains.
The company’s core activity revolves around guiding businesses through the intricacies of innovation funding. They assist clients in securing tax credits and innovation subsidies, such as the Research Tax Credit (Crédit Impôt Recherche) and the Innovation Tax Credit (Crédit Impôt Innovation). This requires not only precise technical expertise to identify eligible projects but also robust financial and fiscal acumen to accurately calculate and value these amounts.
Targeting SMEs: The Engine of Economic Growth
Businove’s client portfolio is diverse, with 50% of its activity in the digital sector, encompassing AI, applications, and the new economy. They also serve biotech, healthcare, heavy industry, and manufacturing. Notable clients include Opinel, known for its innovative knife designs, and Mistral, a leader in AI development.
Lorne expresses a particular affinity for SMEs, viewing them as the backbone of the economy. “I have always wanted to take care of growing SMEs. Because it is the SME that forms the economic fabric, and it is the SME that most needs our expertise. Because for an SME, every euro counts. I also appreciate discussing with a leader, sharing their vision, and seeing together how to help them structure their activity to go further in R&D, in innovation, and thus recover more credits. We are both advisors and partners,” he states, highlighting the collaborative nature of their work.
Ambitious Growth and a Vision for the Future
Over two decades, Businove has expanded its footprint across France, with half its activity concentrated in Paris and a quarter in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, including the Rhône Valley. The company has also established an agency in Nantes. The period since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with Lorne’s return from the US, has seen a significant acceleration in Businove’s growth, culminating in a turnover of 2.5 million euros.
Lorne’s ambition doesn’t stop there; he aims to double the company’s size within the next five years. He views this expansion as a strategic necessity in a highly competitive and consolidating market. “There is a critical size in this very competitive market. We belong to the top 10 recognized companies, but I think that today, in a landscape of recompositions, our size is a bit small if we want to remain independent. We have managed to do it for the last five years, so there is no reason not to succeed,” he asserts with confidence.
The Credo of Well-being at Work
The path to achieving this growth is rooted in a profound philosophy: well-being at work. Lorne believes that while a company may not solve all the world’s problems, it has a social mission to care for its employees and partners. “You can do things well. You can have management that is both empowering and very free. Just try to make sure that the time spent with the people entrusted to us is… a good time,” he concludes, encapsulating the human-centric approach that defines Businove.
Businove’s journey reflects a broader trend of companies recognizing the intrinsic link between employee satisfaction, innovative culture, and sustainable growth. As Lyon continues to solidify its position as a hub for innovation, Businove stands out as a testament to the power of a clear vision, a dedicated team, and a commitment to both economic and social responsibility.
Source: https://www.lyonpeople.com/actualites-lyon/actualites-economiques/lyon-businove-la-cle-dor-des-aides-a-linnovation-2026-04-29.html
