TLDR: Guillaume Avrin, who previously served as France’s National AI Coordinator, has joined Arlequin AI, a Paris-based deeptech startup specializing in strategic intelligence, as their new Chief Go-to-Market & Public Sector Officer. Avrin brings extensive expertise in public policy, digital sovereignty, and disruptive innovation, having overseen over 1.5 billion euros in public investments for France’s AI landscape and significantly improving the nation’s global AI standing.
Paris, France – July 11, 2025 – Arlequin AI, a burgeoning deeptech startup focused on strategic intelligence, has announced the strategic appointment of Guillaume Avrin as its new Chief Go-to-Market & Public Sector Officer. This move marks a significant shift for Avrin, who previously held the influential position of National AI Coordinator for France under the SNIA and France 2030 initiatives from January 2023 until June of this year.
Avrin’s transition to Arlequin AI brings a rare blend of expertise at the nexus of public policy, digital sovereignty, and disruptive innovation to the young Parisian firm. An accomplished engineer with degrees from CentraleSupélec and Arts et Métiers, and a doctorate in robotics and neurosciences, Avrin’s tenure as National AI Coordinator was marked by substantial achievements.
During his leadership, Avrin was instrumental in mobilizing over 1.5 billion euros in public investments, a critical effort aimed at accelerating the transformation of the French AI landscape. He meticulously structured the national artificial intelligence strategy across its entire value chain, encompassing infrastructure, research, talent training, innovation, evaluation, adoption, and regulation. His efforts led to a series of notable advancements, including robust support for the emergence of national champions in generative AI and a remarkable doubling of AI startups in France within just three years.
Furthermore, Avrin significantly strengthened France’s public computing capacities through the launch of the Alice Recoque supercomputer and the expansion of the Jean Zay supercomputer. He also dedicated more than 130 million euros to digital commons, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Under his guidance, France’s standing in international AI rankings saw a significant ascent, reaching 5th place in the Global AI Index and 3rd in the Stanford AI Vibrancy Ranking, solidifying its position as a European leader in AI research, training, and infrastructure.
In his new role at Arlequin AI, Guillaume Avrin will be responsible for spearheading all Go-to-Market activities. This comprehensive mandate includes business development, offer structuring, forging strategic partnerships, managing public affairs, and positioning the company with major contractors in both the public and private sectors. His objective is to enhance the company’s visibility and commercial traction, while also establishing Arlequin AI as a pivotal player within the European ecosystem of sovereign AI.
Commenting on his new venture, Avrin stated, “Joining Arlequin AI means continuing my commitment to AI in the service of the public interest, but with the speed, boldness, and agility of a deeptech startup.” This statement aligns with Arlequin AI’s clear vision, which champions a ‘strategic, sovereign, transparent AI, serving democratic decision-makers and the cohesion of our societies.’
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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Bercy) is reportedly in the process of seeking a new national coordinator for AI to fill the vacancy left by Avrin’s departure.
