Europe's startup ecosystem is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, with major hubs in London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. As of 2023, Europe is home to over 150,000 startups. Governments across the continent support entrepreneurship through various initiatives that provide funding, resources, and mentorship for startups. In 2022, European startups collectively raised approximately €100 billion in venture capital.
The European startup ecosystem is expansive, with over 150,000 startups as of 2023. In 2022, these startups raised approximately €100 billion in venture capital, reflecting robust investor interest. This substantial funding pool supports startups at various stages, from early seed rounds to late-stage investments, facilitating growth and innovation across diverse sectors.
Europe's strengths include a highly educated workforce, a strong tradition of innovation, and a strategic location with access to a large and diverse market. Major cities like London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam have vibrant tech scenes, attracting significant investments and producing notable startups like Revolut, N26, and Adyen. The presence of world-class universities and research institutions fosters a collaborative environment for startups.
London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam are Europe's primary startup hubs. These cities are known for their dynamic tech ecosystems and have produced significant startups, such as Revolut in London, N26 in Berlin, and Adyen in Amsterdam. These hubs benefit from robust infrastructure, access to capital, and a high concentration of skilled talent.
Emerging hubs in Europe include cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Stockholm. These cities are gaining traction due to their favorable business climates, increasing investment activity, and vibrant entrepreneurial communities. They offer growing opportunities for startups and investors looking to explore new markets.
The European startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. Initiatives like the European Innovation Council (EIC) and Horizon Europe provide mentorship, resources, and international exposure. These support systems are crucial for nurturing early-stage startups and helping them scale effectively.
Challenges in the European startup ecosystem include regulatory complexities, economic disparities between regions, and limited access to late-stage funding in some areas. Navigating the diverse regulatory environments across different countries can be daunting for startups looking to scale internationally. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a more cohesive and supportive ecosystem.
Despite challenges, Europe is making significant strides in innovation and entrepreneurship. Continuous investment and technological advancement drive substantial growth opportunities. Europe's strategic location and extensive trade relationships provide startups with opportunities for international expansion, positioning the continent as a key player in the global innovation landscape.
Europe's startup ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. The strong emphasis on sustainability and green technology drives innovation in sectors such as renewable energy and environmental technologies. As Europe continues to invest in its startup ecosystem, it is poised for further growth and development, contributing significantly to the global innovation landscape.
Cambridge - Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Consumer
Most Interested In
API E-Commerce Enterprise Gaming Health and Wellness Healthcare/Medtech Internet and Mobile Marketplace Productivity
Not Interested In
We are not a thesis driven firm. Show us why what you're building is a compelling opportunity for us and let's talk.
San Francisco Bay Area - Boston / New - Chicago - Atlanta - Salt Lake City - Seattle / Portland - Austin - Palo Alto - California, U.S.A. - Canada
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Woman Focused
Most Interested In
Saas/B2B/Enterprise Software, Connected Devices (consumer and industrial), B2B/B2C Marketplaces,... and then what other people consider crazy in frontier tech: AI, AR/VR, SpaceTech, Robotics, Autonomous infrastructure,..
Not Interested In
Pureplay consumer apps that may never build a business, gaming, e-commerce, travel, crypto
, U.S.A. - Spain - Germany - Singapore
Gaming (& eSports) • Developer tools • Woman Focused
Founding Partner at Play Ventures
Founding Partner at Play Ventures
New York - San Francisco - Bay Area - Los Angeles / Southern California - Boston - / New - Baltimore - Washington - Miami - City, U.S.A.
Media • BioTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Developer tools • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Robotics • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Venture Capitalist | Managing Partner at SoGal Ventures *** Startup pitch decks, press inquiries, and speaking requests can be sent directly to Elizabeth@sogalventures.com *** Elizabeth is the co-founder and Managing Partner of two start-up venture capital firms, SoGal Ventures and A-Level Capital, which have collectively advised and invested in over 90 startups. Elizabeth is also Co-President of the SoGal Foundation, a non-profit on the mission to redefine the next generation of diverse founders and funders through a global chapter community education model with SoGal Chapters in over 50 cities across 6 continents. Elizabeth and her SoGal Ventures business partner Pocket Sun have been featured in numerous online, print, and video publications including: New York Times, WSJ, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, BBC World News, Financial Times. Fast Company, Inc., Entrepreneur, SWAAY, The Straits Times, Channel News Asia, The Business Times, Sina, CrunchBase News, etc. Elizabeth has received the honor of being recognized as Entrepreneur Magazine's 100 Most Powerful Women, Forbes 30U30 in Venture Capital, JP Morgan Diversity Champion Award, TechWeek 100 Innovative Investor, and NYC 33U33. Additionally, Elizabeth is involved in innovation through her roles as: -Faculty member at the School of Visual Arts MFA Products of Design graduate program -Global keynote speaker on the topics of venture capital, cross-border business, diversity and inclusion, and venture design Prior to graduate studies, as a Strategy and Operations Consultant at Deloitte Consulting, Elizabeth focused her attention on developing long-term strategy for a variety of large healthcare clients. She contributed to business development efforts leading to over $200M of new work. Elizabeth is a proud alumnus of Georgetown University, London School of Economics, Johns Hopkins University & Maryland Institute College of Art.
Stockholm - Malmo, U.S.A.
CleanTech • Developer tools • Woman Focused
General Partner at Pale Blue Dot
Hampus Jakobsson serves as a Venture Partner at BlueYard Capital. Jakobsson was a Co-Founder and served as Board member & Vice President at The Astonishing Tribe. He serves as Advisor at Wave Ventures. He also serves as Board Member at Aula. Jakobsson is a Co-Founding Partner and serves as Partner at Nordic Makers. He is also the Founder of Malmo Startups. Earlier he served as the Chief Executive Officer and was a Co-Founder of Brisk.io. He is also a Board Member at Planeto. Prior to founding Dexplora, Hampus co-founded and led business development for TAT The Astonishing Tribe, which was acquired by Blackberry in 2010 for $150m. Hampus has a M.Sc. in Computer Science from Lund University.
Berlin, Germany
Energy • Developer tools • Robotics • Mobility • Consumer
Internet and Mobility Entrepreneur
Lukasz Gadowski is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Director at Team Europe Management. Gadowski is a Co-Founder and served as Advisor at Point Nine Capital. He serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Target Global. Lukasz is an internet entrepreneur and investor. His track record includes Co-founder at Delivery Hero
London - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - Germany - U.K. - Israel - France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Sales (& Marketing) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools
Most Interested In
Promising B2B technology companies. Key focus: SaaS / enterprise software, fintech, AI.
Not Interested In
Life sciences, capital intensive projects, B2C.
David Mes is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Partner at Off The Grid Ventures. He also serves as a Venture Partner at US Invest LLC. He was a Co-Founder of Arc Venture Partners and served as a Managing Partner.
Washington - Toronto (Ontario) - San Francisco Bay Area - Boston - New York, U.S.A. - Canada - U.K.
Media • Businesses Solutions • Entertainment (& Sports) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Gaming (& eSports) • Analytics • Developer tools • Messaging • Nanotechnology • Online Social
Most Interested In
voice, augmented reality, computer vision, communications, messaging, (anti) computational propaganda, esports as media, participatory audiences
Not Interested In
ecommerce, DTC vertically integrated brands
Dubai - United Arab Emirates, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Developer tools
Co-founder & COO at Polygon (previously Matic Network)
New York, U.S.A. - U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Entertainment (& Sports) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Analytics • Developer tools • Local commerce • Online Social
Founder & Chief Executive Officer at HIFI
London - San Francisco Bay Area - New York - City - Sao Paulo - California, U.S.A. - U.K. - Brazil - France - Mexico
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Payments • Real Estate (& Construction) • Woman Focused
Most Interested In
Passionate about next generation marketplaces & technically minded founders that have strong intuition about markets & customers. AI and crazy ideas.
Not Interested In
Well if it doesn't have or aspire to have a network effect, then probably not a fit... Very very selective when looking at opportunities that are not based in the Bay Area - we can be more helpful when teams are near us.
Pete Flint serves as Managing Partner at NFX. The co-founder of Trulia, Pete is a serial entrepreneur who built one of today's most successful marketplaces. As CEO, Pete led the company from inception to one of the largest and fastest growing real estate websites in the U.S. with more than 50 million monthly unique users and a merger with Zillow in 2015 that valued Trulia at $3.5 billion. Prior to starting Trulia, Pete was part of the founding team of lastminute.com, a leading European online travel site that was acquired in 2005 by Travelocity / Sabre Holdings for over $1 billion. These experiences gave Pete a rarely acquired understanding of what it takes to scale a company from a great idea to a $1 billion+ exit, all from a founder's perspective.