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.
London, U.K.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Gaming (& eSports) • Insurance (& InsurTech)
Partner at Balderton Capital, the leading early stage VC focussed on Europe
Most Interested In
Insurtech, fintech, crypto
Not Interested In
hardware, ecommerce, silicon
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.
Munich, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Mobility • Consumer
B2B SaaS expert ▪ Mentor & Coach ▪ Active Angel Investor ▪ Owner of The SaaSgarage
Investor at Point Nine Capital
Angel investor and mentor for those having exciting business ideas, ready kicking off their company. Core competency and areas of interest: SaaS (eg. @freeagent @geckoboard @positionly @riskmethods @minubo @contentful @softgarden )
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.
Paris, France
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • IoT (& Wearables) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure)
Managing Partner, Iris Capital
Julien-David Nitlech serves as a Partner at Iris Capital. He joined Iris Capital in 2013, is mainly focused on early-stage investments in France/Europe, with an expertise in cloud computing, big data, software and mobile. He currently sits on the Boards of Directors of Agorize, Mailjet, Shift Technology and V3D (France). Prior to joining Iris Capital, Nitlech launched and grew the European activities of Apperian, a US start-up that develops and markets a cloud-based mobile application management platform. He started his career in business development for Orange US activities, then led the signature of strategic partnerships between Orange and key vendors on convergence of communications. Nitlech headed Orange's portfolio of fixed and mobile devices on B2C and B2B markets worldwide, and contributed to establishing the Orange/DT joint venture, BuyIn. He is a graduate from Ecole Polytechnique and Telecom ParisTech (Paris, France).
San Francisco Bay Area - Los Angeles - New York - London - Tel Aviv, U.K. - Israel - U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Food & Beverage • Messaging • Productivity
Husband. Dad. Co-Founder @localglobevc @latitudevc @phxcrt @weareplatoon @zincvc @teamkano @seedcamp @lovefilm
Husband. Dad. Co-Founder @localglobevc @latitudevc @phxcrt @weareplatoon @zincvc @teamkano @seedcamp @lovefilm
San Francisco California - Seattle - Boulder - Austin - Los Angeles - New York - San Francisco Bay Area - Stockholm - SF Bay Area, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Gaming (& eSports) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Consumer
Internet dude | VC @ Creandum | Fan of dreams | 🤙
Most Interested In
Viral SaaS products with immediate impact. Gaming with proven unit economics. Foodtech 1-3 steps before last mile consumer deliveries (processing, manufacturing, procurement).
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
Lithuania, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Analytics • Impact • Logistics (& Distribution) • Woman Focused
Most Interested In energy tech and e-mobility in general. -batteries, storage and DR -recycling of Li-on batteries -new b-models -AI and Automation -digital utilities Not Interested In anything outside energy tech and e-mobility + beyond Series B or small TAM.
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Venture Capitalist in search of the 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜... nbt.substack.com
Most Interested In
Consumer businesses that have early signal that they can be category-defining companies. We typically lead the Series A.
Not Interested In
I personally am not interested in pre-launch companies.
Portland - Washington - Los Angeles - San Francisco Bay Area - Pittsburgh - Boston - New York - Seattle - Palo Alto, Switzerland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Entertainment (& Sports) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Payments • DeepTech • Woman Focused
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Co-Founder and Managing Director