Lyon, France – Belgian software company Odoo, a rapidly growing enterprise specializing in business management software, has announced the establishment of its French subsidiary in Lyon. The new office is slated to open in May 2026, with an ambitious goal of creating 800 jobs over the next five years, including 100 by the end of 2026.
Lyon Chosen Over Paris for Strategic Expansion
Odoo, valued at 8.6 billion euros as of February 2026, saw its valuation surge by 72% in just 15 months. Despite considering several French cities, Lyon was ultimately selected for its robust economic landscape and strategic geographical position. Joséphine Vander Linden, who will lead Odoo’s French subsidiary, highlighted Lyon’s dynamic and youthful environment as a perfect match for the company’s DNA. Ten Belgian employees will relocate to Lyon to facilitate the launch and immerse themselves in the local experience.
Significant Job Creation and Economic Boost for Lyon
This expansion marks a significant boost for Lyon’s industrial and technological ecosystem. Bertrand Foucher, General Director of OnlyLyon & co, emphasized that Odoo’s arrival strengthens the local industrial fabric and enhances the region’s attractiveness for further investment. Sébastien Delestra, Director of Economic Action and Transition for Métropole de Lyon, also noted the importance of this move for European sovereignty in the business software market, which is predominantly dominated by North American companies.
Odoo, established 25 years ago, develops an open-source suite of integrated management software that allows businesses to manage all their operations-from sales and accounting to HR-through a single, modular platform. The company currently employs 7,500 people worldwide, with France representing its second-largest market. The software is particularly instrumental in the digitalization efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small businesses (VSBs).
Diverse Recruitment Plans and Local Collaboration
The company plans to recruit a diverse range of profiles for its Lyon site, including sales representatives, project managers, developers, research and development specialists, and marketing professionals. Joséphine Vander Linden stressed that Odoo is not exclusively seeking academic profiles but aims to offer opportunities to all types of candidates. In line with this, Odoo has already engaged with several tech schools in Lyon, such as Ecole 42, to foster local talent. The new Odoo offices will be located either in the Part-Dieu district or Vaise.
Lyon’s Thriving Digital Ecosystem
Lyon currently stands as France’s second-largest digital ecosystem in terms of employment, start-ups, training programs, and laboratories. It represents the leading sector of excellence for the Lyon metropolitan area in terms of growth percentage, making it an ideal location for Odoo’s continued expansion.
The Métropole de Lyon and OnlyLyon have provided comprehensive support to Odoo, including strategic assistance and networking opportunities within the local ecosystem, ensuring a smooth and successful integration for the Belgian tech giant.
