Here are some of the top startup hubs across Europe:
London, UK: A global startup leader with a strong financial ecosystem, diverse talent pool, and access to investors. Known for its fintech, AI, and cybersecurity sectors.
Berlin, Germany: A dynamic and affordable startup scene focused on tech and creative industries. Berlin has a strong network of investors, accelerators, and co-working spaces.
Paris, France: A rapidly growing hub with strong government support and venture capital. Paris excels in tech, fashion, and deep tech startups.
Stockholm, Sweden: Renowned for innovation and a strong tech culture, Stockholm is a key hub for fintech, gaming, and music tech startups, supported by a robust ecosystem.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: A diverse international hub focused on tech, sustainability, and creative industries, with great networking opportunities and access to a global market.
Barcelona, Spain: An affordable ecosystem with a focus on tech, design, and digital industries, offering a supportive community and a growing number of accelerators.
Lisbon, Portugal: An emerging hub for tech and digital innovation, offering affordable living, talent access, and strong government backing.
Helsinki, Finland: A tech-focused city known for innovation, particularly in gaming, mobile tech, and health tech, with great access to talent and investors.
The Startup Wise Guys SaaS is a highly focused accelerator program dedicated to supporting early-stage SaaS (Software as a Service) startups. Based in Bilbao, Spain, this program is designed to help startups develop, scale, and succeed in the competitive SaaS industry. With a strong emphasis on B2B solutions, the accelerator provides startups with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to refine their products, accelerate growth, and achieve market success.
The Startup Wise Guys SaaS accelerator is an intensive 5-month program that offers a combination of seed funding, expert mentorship, and a structured curriculum tailored to the unique challenges faced by SaaS companies. Startups selected for the program receive up to €65,000 in investment in exchange for equity. The program covers essential topics such as customer acquisition, sales strategies, product development, and fundraising, ensuring that startups are well-equipped to scale rapidly and sustainably.
A key feature of the SaaS accelerator is its focus on creating a collaborative environment where startups can learn from each other as well as from industry experts. The program leverages Startup Wise Guys' extensive network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, providing startups with valuable connections and opportunities for strategic partnerships. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their progress to a carefully selected audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential customers, offering them a platform to secure further funding and accelerate their growth.
Startup Wise Guys Sustainability is a specialized accelerator program designed to support early-stage startups working on solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability. Based in Milan, Italy, this program focuses on startups that are innovating in areas such as clean energy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental technology. The accelerator aims to help these startups scale their impact by providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and industry connections.
The Sustainability accelerator is a 5-month intensive program that offers startups a combination of seed funding, hands-on mentorship, and a structured curriculum tailored to the challenges faced by sustainability-focused companies. Startups selected for the program receive up to €100,000 in investment in exchange for equity. The program is designed to help startups navigate the complexities of the sustainability sector, including regulatory challenges, market adoption, and scaling their solutions.
A distinctive feature of the Sustainability accelerator is its focus on practical applications and scalability. Startups are encouraged to develop solutions that address significant environmental challenges and can be scaled globally. The program leverages Startup Wise Guys' extensive network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, providing startups with valuable connections and opportunities for strategic partnerships. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their innovations to a curated audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential customers, offering them a platform to secure further funding and accelerate their growth.
Startup Wise Guys Proptech is an industry-focused accelerator tailored for startups innovating in the property technology (Proptech) sector. Based in Europe, this program is designed to support early-stage companies developing solutions that revolutionize the real estate industry, from smart buildings and construction tech to property management and real estate marketplaces. The program provides a robust platform for startups to accelerate their growth, refine their products, and gain access to a global network of mentors, investors, and industry experts.
The Startup Wise Guys Proptech accelerator is a 5-month intensive program that offers startups seed funding, hands-on mentorship, and a structured curriculum focused on scaling and market entry. Startups selected for the program receive investment, typically up to €100,000, in exchange for equity, along with access to Startup Wise Guys' extensive network of corporate partners and investors in the Proptech space. The program is designed to help startups navigate the unique challenges of the real estate industry, from regulatory hurdles to market adoption.
A key feature of the Proptech accelerator is its focus on practical applications and scalability. Startups are encouraged to develop solutions that address pressing issues in the real estate sector, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups have the opportunity to pitch their innovations to a curated audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential customers, providing them with a platform to secure further funding and strategic partnerships.
The Family is a startup accelerator and educational platform that has taken a unique approach to supporting entrepreneurs across Europe. Founded in 2013, The Family is not just an accelerator but a long-term strategic partner for startups. It focuses on providing entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and network they need to grow and succeed, regardless of their location.
What sets The Family apart is its emphasis on education and community-building. The organization offers a wealth of resources, including workshops, masterclasses, and extensive online content, to help startups at every stage of their journey. The Family's core belief is that entrepreneurship can be taught, and its goal is to democratize access to the knowledge and networks typically available only to a select few.
The Family also offers a unique equity model. Rather than providing a set amount of funding, The Family takes a 5% equity stake in the startups it supports in exchange for lifelong access to its resources, network, and community. This model reflects The Family's commitment to being a true partner in the long-term success of its startups, rather than just an early investor.
With a strong focus on Europe but with a global outlook, The Family has supported hundreds of startups, helping them raise funds, scale their operations, and navigate the complexities of building a successful business. For entrepreneurs looking for a comprehensive support system that extends far beyond traditional accelerator programs, The Family offers a unique and compelling proposition. More information can be found on The Family's website and their YouTube channel.
Entrepreneur First (EF) is a global talent investor and accelerator focusing on bringing together exceptional individuals to build innovative startups from scratch. The French branch of Entrepreneur First, based in Paris, is a key hub in EF's global network, attracting top talent from across Europe. Unlike traditional accelerators, EF doesn't require founders to have a team or even a concrete idea when they join. Instead, EF Paris provides a structured program that helps individuals find co-founders, develop ideas, and build high-growth companies. Over several months, participants receive mentorship, funding, and access to a global network of investors and industry leaders. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where newly formed startups pitch their ventures to an audience of investors. Entrepreneur First Paris is known for its unique approach to entrepreneurship, fostering a collaborative environment that turns ambitious individuals into successful founders and helping them launch startups with global impact.
The program culminates in a Demo Day, where newly formed startups pitch their ventures to an audience of investors. Entrepreneur First Paris is known for its unique approach to entrepreneurship, fostering a collaborative environment that turns ambitious individuals into successful founders and helping them launch startups with global impact.
The program culminates in a Demo Day, where newly formed startups pitch their ventures to an audience of investors. Entrepreneur First Paris is known for its unique approach to entrepreneurship, fostering a collaborative environment that turns ambitious individuals into successful founders and helping them launch startups with global impact.
Antler is a global startup generator and early-stage venture capital firm, with its UK arm playing a pivotal role in supporting innovative entrepreneurs in the region. Based in London, Antler UK is dedicated to identifying and nurturing exceptional talent, helping to create and scale successful startups across a wide range of sectors, including technology, fintech, healthcare, and more. The firm offers a unique platform that combines pre-seed investment with a comprehensive program of hands-on support. This includes everything from mentorship by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts to product development, market validation, and business strategy. Antler UK's approach is designed to help founders navigate the complex journey from idea to successful startup, providing them with the tools, resources, and network necessary to build and grow their businesses rapidly.
Antler UK also leverages its extensive global network of industry leaders, investors, and experts, giving founders unparalleled access to the knowledge and connections they need to succeed. The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that a wide variety of voices and perspectives are represented, fostering a vibrant and dynamic startup ecosystem in the UK. Antler UK’s rigorous selection process focuses on identifying the most promising entrepreneurs and providing them with the support they need to turn their ideas into high-impact businesses.
By empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Antler UK is not only contributing to the growth of individual startups but also playing a key role in shaping the future of the UK’s innovation landscape.
Antler Denmark is a leading startup accelerator based in Copenhagen, focused on empowering early-stage founders to build and scale innovative businesses. As part of the global Antler network, Antler Denmark provides entrepreneurs with the essential resources, mentorship, and funding needed to turn ambitious ideas into successful companies. The program is designed to support founders from the very beginning, helping them to form teams, validate their ideas, and develop strong business models.
The Antler Denmark program is highly selective, bringing together top talent from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and create impactful startups. Participants benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and a global network of investors and partners. Throughout the program, founders receive personalized mentorship to refine their product development, market strategies, and go-to-market plans.
Antler Denmark also offers pre-seed funding to help startups get off the ground and secure additional investment. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to a carefully curated audience of investors, setting the stage for future growth and success.
What sets Antler Denmark apart is its global reach combined with a deep understanding of the local market. This unique blend allows founders to access international opportunities while leveraging Denmark’s thriving startup ecosystem. With a strong focus on innovation and scalability, Antler Denmark is committed to building the next generation of industry-leading companies.
Antler Oslo is the Norwegian branch of the global startup generator and early-stage venture capital firm Antler. Located in the heart of Scandinavia, Antler Oslo is dedicated to transforming ambitious individuals into successful entrepreneurs by helping them turn their innovative ideas into thriving startups. The program is meticulously designed to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with like-minded co-founders, providing a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Antler Oslo guides participants through every stage of the startup journey—from ideation and validation to product development and launch—ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Participants in the Antler Oslo program receive not only seed funding but also tailored mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. This support is complemented by access to Antler’s extensive global network of investors, industry leaders, and partners, providing startups with the connections they need to accelerate their growth. The program culminates in a high-profile Demo Day, where the newly formed startups have the opportunity to showcase their ventures to a room full of potential investors, setting the stage for rapid growth and future funding.
Antler Oslo plays a pivotal role in nurturing innovation within Norway’s thriving tech ecosystem. By empowering founders to build companies with the potential to scale globally, Antler Oslo is contributing to the development of a robust and dynamic startup environment in Norway. The program not only supports local talent but also attracts ambitious entrepreneurs from around the world, making Oslo a key hub for startup innovation in Scandinavia.
Antler Stockholm, the Swedish branch of the global startup generator and venture capital firm Antler, stands as a driving force within one of Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic tech ecosystems. Based in Stockholm, a city internationally renowned for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Antler Stockholm is dedicated to bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and helping them transform their bold ideas into successful, high-impact startups. What sets Antler Stockholm apart from traditional accelerators is its unique approach to building startups from the ground up. The program focuses on assembling strong, complementary teams and providing them with the essential resources they need, including seed funding, expert mentorship, and a supportive environment conducive to rapid growth and development.
Throughout the program, participants are not only guided by Antler's experienced team but also gain invaluable access to Antler’s extensive global network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. This network is crucial in helping startups refine their business models, navigate challenges, and prepare for successful market entry. The program’s structured approach ensures that by the time participants reach the culmination of their journey—Demo Day—they are well-prepared to pitch their startups to a carefully curated group of top-tier investors. This event serves as a springboard for further investment and accelerated growth, setting the stage for these new ventures to make a significant impact both within Sweden and on the global stage.
Antler Amsterdam is part of the global Antler network, renowned for its unique approach to startup creation. Situated in one of Europe’s most vibrant and innovative cities, Antler Amsterdam is designed to empower talented individuals with the ambition to build groundbreaking startups from the ground up. The program is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who may not yet have a co-founder or a fully formed business idea but possess the drive and potential to create something impactful.
The Antler Amsterdam program begins with a rigorous selection process where individuals are chosen based on their skills, experience, and entrepreneurial potential. The first phase of the program focuses on team formation and ideation, where participants are matched with potential co-founders and begin brainstorming innovative business concepts. The program then transitions into the validation stage, where teams work intensively to develop their ideas, test market fit, and prepare for fundraising. Successful teams can receive pre-seed funding of approximately €100,000 from Antler in exchange for equity.
What sets Antler Amsterdam apart is its deep integration into the local and global startup ecosystems. Participants benefit from access to Antler’s extensive global network of mentors, advisors, and investors, as well as the thriving entrepreneurial community in Amsterdam. The program is structured to provide the resources, guidance, and support needed to turn innovative ideas into scalable, high-impact companies.
Antler Amsterdam is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, actively seeking to support entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. For those looking to build a startup with global potential, Antler Amsterdam offers a compelling combination of local expertise and global reach.