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.
Tel Aviv - London, U.K. - Israel - Germany - France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Most Interested In
Marketplaces, digital health, fintech
Not Interested In
Ecommerce, hardware, biotech
Toby Coppel is a Co-Founder and serves as Partner at Mosaic Ventures. He also serves Board Member at Habito. He has a strong track record of principal investing in growth companies and strong operational experience. His background and expertise allow him to provide unique insights regarding the convergence of energy, communications and information technologies. Prior to VGF, he held a number of senior executive roles with Yahoo!, including Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director, Yahoo! Europe & Canada. While at Yahoo!, Toby was responsible for almost $5 billion of acquisitions and investments. Toby was also the Executive sponsor for Yahoo's global sustainability program and led initiatives including the launch of Yahoo! Green and the management of Yahoo's carbon footprint across its global data centers and facilities. Prior to Yahoo!, Toby was a Founding Partner of Windsor Media a private investment company that acquires traditional media businesses and re-positions them for the digital future. Coppel also held investment and client advisory positions with Allen & Company and Goldman Sachs. He is an Industry Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, Henry Crown Fellow at The Aspen Institute and a Member of both the Israel-Britain and Palestine-Britain Business Councils. Coppel received his MA Philosophy, Politics & Economics (First Class) from Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom and an MBA (with Distinction) from Harvard Business School.
Palo Alto - San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - U.K. - South Korea - Japan
PropTech • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Developer tools • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
CEO and Founding Partner at 500 Startups
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.
Berlin, Germany - U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • AgroTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Energy • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Impact • Logistics (& Distribution) • Mobility
Ferry Heilemann is a Co-Founder and serves as Co-Managing Director at DailyDeal. Heilemann was also a Co-Founder and served as Partner at Heilemann Ventures. Heilemann is also a Co-Founder at FreightHub and serves as its Chief Executive Officer. He also serves as Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital. Ferry founded Heilemann Ventures together with his brother Fabian after the trade sale of his company DailyDeal to Google in 2011. Since then he has been an early stage VC-investor, actively supporting companies in the digital sector with his operational skills and experience. Meanwhile, Ferry and his brother Fabian set the fundamentals for their holding Sky & Sand. Currently it combines DailyDeal, which the brothers bought back from Google in early 2013, and the mobile-POS system provider pepperbill.
London, U.K. - U.S.A. - Israel
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Food & Beverage • Local commerce • Logistics (& Distribution) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobility • Online Social • Consumer
Investor at Great Stuff Ventures
Ulster County Executive
Most Interested In
Excited about software that sits between brands and consumers and innovative consumer goods brands with a clever RTM.
Not Interested In
Not interested in consumer brands with gross margin below 40% or that sell via big box retail as primary RTM
S/VP @dataminr. Co-Founder @Second Front Systems. Co-Founder @Praescient Analytics. West Point grad, former Army intel officer. MA Security Studies, Georgetown.
Los Angeles - New York - London - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Developer tools • Real Estate (& Construction) • Consumer
Most Interested In
Later stage investments
Paris, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • BioTech • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Food & Beverage • Logistics (& Distribution) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Entrepreneur & Investor
Tech entrepreneur | Early Stage Investor | Venture Partner
Nicolas Douay is a Co-Founder and serves as a Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at KelDoc. After five in a large international consulting firm in management information systems, Nicolas decided to start Keldoc.
Paris, France
IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Robotics
Investment Director at Samsung Catalyst Fund
Investment Director at Samsung Catalyst Fund
London - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - France - U.K.
Hardware (& Manufacturing) • IoT (& Wearables) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Nanotechnology • Consumer
Barbara Belvisi is cofounder at Hardware Club.