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.
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
Amsterdam, Netherlands - U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Real Estate (& Construction)
Managing Director | InMotion Ventures
Early stage investor - proptech / clean tech / industry 4.0 / Enterprise SaaS
San Francisco Bay Area - New York, U.S.A. - France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Online Social • Consumer
Most Interested In
I led investments in companies such as Cargo, Selfmade, Oto.ai and Fordays. Fascinated about the intersection of Technology and Commerce, I spend my time looking at technology infrastructure of the retail and commerce spaces as well as new models and marketplaces all enabling better consuming.
Not Interested In
I don’t invest in healthcare and biotechnology.
Salt Lake City - Austin - Chicago - Boston / New - Seattle / Portland - New York - Los Angeles / Southern California - San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Developer tools • Logistics (& Distribution) • Payments • Mobility
Investment Director at Cathay Innovation
Most Interested In
Future of work, enterprise software, logistics, marketplaces, and fintech
Not Interested In
Media/content, gaming, medical devices
San Francisco California - Greenwich Connecticut - Houston Texas - Europe - Washington D.C - Connecticut - Middle East - Texas, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • Businesses Solutions • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • HealthTech (& Fitness)
John Hawkins is a Managing Partner and co-founder of Generation Partners, a private equity firm that provides growth capital to technology-enabled services companies through buyout and minority equity investments. Through Generation and predecessor firms, John has 25 years of experience in private equity investing. Prior to founding Generation in 1995, John was a General Partner of Burr, Egan, Deleage & Co., a venture capital firm which he joined in 1987. At Burr, Egan, Deleage, John invested mainly in telecommunications, data communications, software, and business services companies. Prior to this, John worked in the Corporate Finance Department of Alex Brown & Sons, Inc. in San Francisco, where he advised information technology companies in the areas of financial strategy, public offerings and mergers & acquisitions. Earlier, John was a publishing research analyst covering information technology companies for Woodman, Kirkpatrick & Gilbreath an investment bank which was subsequently purchased by Hambrecht & Quist. In addition to Captivate Network, John has served on the Board of Directors of over 20 companies including: HotJobs (NASDAQ: HOTJ) – a pioneer in online recruiting; P-Com (NASDAQ: PCOM) – a communications infrastructure equipment supplier; Demand Media (NYSE: DMD) – a leading online media company; thePlatform – a developer of digital content software solutions; Agility Recovery Solutions – a leading disaster recovery provider; High End Systems – a premier manufacturer of intelligent lighting; ShopWiki – an advanced comparison shopping search engine; Donuts – a domain registry where he is a board observer; and iCrossing – a large independent, global interactive advertising agency. John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English with honors from Harvard College in 1982, where he was a John Harvard Scholar. John received his MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business in 1986. John is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization.
Stockholm, Sweden
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IoT (& Wearables) • Online Social
General Partner at Creandum
Staffan Helgesson serves as General Partner at Creandum. Helgesson serves as the board member at Edgeware, KnCMiner, itslearning, Epidemic Sound, Vigour.io. Previously he served as Managing Partner at Startupfactory. He also has extensive international management experience from McKinsey & Company, Procter & Gamble and IKEA, in Europe, USA and Asia. Staffan was previously founder and Managing Partner of Startupfactory and started Creandum in 2003. He serves as Advisor Board Member at SUP46.
Stockholm - London, England - U.K., Sweden
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Other • IT (& TMT) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Investment Management • Mobile
Investment Manager at Northzone
Investment Manager at Northzone
Frankfurt am Main - Munich, Germany, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Education • FinTech (& Financials services) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • DeepTech • Investment Management
Managing Director and Founding Partner at Digital+ Partners
Managing Director and Founding Partner at Digital+ Partners
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • A.I. (& Big Data) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars)
Investor in tech growth companies; senior tech M&A advisor & trusted board member of several companies
Investor in tech growth companies; senior tech M&A advisor & trusted board member of several companies