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Launched 2018. Poland's first MarTech-focused accelerator run by Knowledge Hub and GroupM; targets AI in marketing, adtech, and influencer platforms. Support: workshops, media-industry mentoring, pilot client access, and sales support. Scope: National.
European VC with a Paris and Milan presence investing in consumer and deep tech companies.
Founded 2000. VC and growth equity firm investing across Central and Eastern Europe in technology and media.
Founded 2017 as Capital300. Series A investor focused on European tech challengers, especially DACH and CEE origins.
Founded 2012 by 50 entrepreneurs. Accelerator offering hands-on mentorship and seed investment for tech, impact, and healthtech ventures; founders gain access to experienced entrepreneur partners. Support: equity investment, mentorship, Paris workspace. Scope: National.
Accelerace is Denmark's longest running accelerator and pre seed investor, founded in 2008 to help early stage teams validate products, refine go to market strategy, and access investors. The program runs multiple tracks across general tech, life science, and sustainability, and pairs founders with a large mentor network. Accelerace also invests small tickets in selected teams and helps them prepare for follow on funding. It has supported hundreds of Nordic startups and remains a core launchpad in the Danish ecosystem.
Ireland's first sustainability accelerator backed by Bord na Mona. Supports renewable energy, waste upcycling, and sustainable products with mentorship, field trials, and stipends. Scope: National.
Active since 2018. Smart-tech accelerator scaling startups across Central and Eastern Europe with programs like AccelStart, AccelBoost, and Green Impact. Support: specialized accelerators, corporate partner network, mentoring. Scope: Regional (CEE).
Founded 1994. Multi-stage investor in ICT and healthcare with a long track record in Irish technology.
Founded 2005. Deep tech investor focused on cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and data analytics across Europe.
Created 2016 by Raiffeisen Ware Austria and BayWa. Agritech accelerator offering mentoring, pilot opportunities on farms, industry networking, and hackathons for sustainable farming solutions. Scope: International (Europe).
Operating since 1999. Venture capital arm of Allied Irish Banks providing early-stage equity, growth capital, and bridge financing to Irish startups and SMEs. Support: equity funding, banking services, financial advisory. Scope: National.
Established 2009 by the Polish Federation of Engineering Associations (NOT). Two-stage program for engineering and hardware startups: incubation with mentoring and business modeling, then seed funding up to EUR 200K. Support: expert consulting, seed capital, office space. Scope: National.
ANJE initiative in southern Portugal providing a 4-month acceleration program with mentoring and business modeling for biotech, agrotech, and ICT startups. Scope: Regional (Alentejo).
Founded 2017. Seed-stage investor focused on marketplaces, e-commerce, and travel tech.
Focuses on robotics and IoT hardware startups, providing prototyping support, manufacturing connections, and seed capital. Notable involvement includes a robotics startup acquired by a major US firm. Scope: National. Website: not public.
Launched 2014 by Telefonica and the Andalusian government. Regional accelerator network with hubs like El Cubo (Seville) and La Farola (Malaga) supporting ICT, smart city, and social innovation startups. Support: free acceleration, workspace, investor forums. Scope: Regional (Andalusia).
Spun out in 2016. Deep tech and healthcare investor with a history from seed to growth stages.
Founded 2004. Growth investor focused on deep tech, semiconductors, and enterprise hardware with a global footprint.
Launched 2013. Federal venture fund co-investing in Austrian high-growth startups with long-term local support.
Founded 2009. Runs Lisbon Challenge, a 3-month, no-equity accelerator that has supported 300+ startups from 70 countries. Offers mentorship, investor meetings, perks, and demo day; alumni include Codacy and Jumia. Scope: International.
Founded 2012. Seed and Series A investor in smart technologies across northern Poland.
Corporate VC studio of Sonae Group investing in cybersecurity, retail tech, telecom, and fintech.
Corporate accelerator by Brisa focused on mobility startups, offering pilot projects on highways and support for smart traffic and tolling technologies. Support: pilots, mentorship, and potential funding. Scope: National.
Accelerator by Budimex for construction-tech startups in green construction, AI, robotics, and site automation. Offers pilots on construction sites, industry mentors, and potential investment or procurement. Scope: Regional (Poland and CEE).
Founded 2016. Early-stage fund backing digital transformation and consumer internet startups in Iberia.
Opened 2018 with Dieter Schwarz Foundation support. Runs an Incubator for idea validation and a 12-week Accelerator for investor readiness; notable mobility and AI startups. Support: training, mentorship, foundation grants. Scope: Regional (Heilbronn-Franken).
Launched 2020 as Italy's National Innovation Fund with EUR 1.8B backed by CDP and the government. Generalist mandate to revitalize Italy's startup ecosystem across deep tech, digital, and impact.
Venture builder and fund founded in 2015 (building on earlier programs) that co-creates tech startups from Chalmers University research using its Encubation model. Support: incubation, seed investment, business coaches, and access to labs. Scope: Regional (West Sweden).
Founded 2018. Growth-stage investor backing enterprise software and fintech scale-ups from Central Europe.
Founded 2013 by prominent Spanish entrepreneurs. Runs 5-month batches for early-stage digital startups in media, gaming, and mobile; mentors take equity and support Demo Day. Notable alumni include Glovo and Meller. Scope: Regional (Barcelona & Madrid).
Founded 2003. Nordic VC investing from seed in consumer internet, fintech, gaming, and SaaS.
The Cross-Border Impact Venture Accelerator (also known as Unsung Tech’s Poland-Ukraine program) is a fully online accelerator launched in 2022 to support young Ukrainian entrepreneurs in building humanitarian and impact-focused startups amid the ongoing crisis. This unique six-month program was co-founded by Polish and international tech non-profits in response to the war in Ukraine, aiming to empower Ukrainian youth (often refugees or internally displaced) to address challenges faced by their communities. The program provides equity-free stipends to participants (to cover living and working costs), mentorship in business fundamentals and pitching, and connections to NGOs and international partners. Topics emphasized include leadership under adversity, social entrepreneurship, and financial planning in volatile environments. Notably, the accelerator connects startups with NGOs across seven countries to pilot their solutions in real humanitarian contexts. For example, a cohort team developing a mobile app for reconnecting separated families was paired with relief organizations working in Poland and Ukraine to test and deploy the app. Other startup ideas have included portable water purification units, mental health support platforms, and low-cost prosthetics – all direly needed due to war impacts. The accelerator is run online with occasional in-person meetups in safe locations (e.g., at Google for Startups Warsaw), enabling participants dispersed across Ukraine, Poland, and beyond to collaborate. By late 2023, the Cross-Border Impact Accelerator had supported two cohorts (around 20 startups). Successes included one venture securing grant funding from UNICEF to expand a digital education tool for Ukrainian children, and another joining a global humanitarian tech competition. The program is backed by international donors and tech companies’ CSR arms. Its broader significance lies in showing how entrepreneurship can be a tool for resilience: instead of seeing war-affected youth solely as victims, it empowers them as innovators solving problems like displacement, infrastructure damage, and trauma. The name “Unsung Tech” reflects the mission to uplift underrepresented voices and create solutions that might otherwise go unsung. In sum, the Cross-Border Impact Accelerator stands out as a bold initiative turning tragedy into an impetus for social innovation, forging a new generation of Ukrainian impact-driven founders even in the face of adversity.
Non-profit accelerator hub from Dublin City University running programs like Propeller and Female High Fliers. Support: office space, mentoring, entrepreneurship training courses, and access to DCU research and talent. Scope: National.
Founded 1994. Early-stage VC investing in enterprise and consumer technology in Ireland and the UK.
Digital innovation hub founded in 2017 for the Rhineland region offering structured accelerator programs, mentorship, networking, and investor access to digital startups. Focus on digital transformation with alumni in cybersecurity and enterprise software. Scope: Local (Bonn/Rhineland).
Launched 2013. Energy and cleantech accelerator with a 3-month program, up to EUR 22,000 funding, coaching, and access to E.ON's network. Support: seed funding, mentorship, utility industry access. Scope: National.
VC arm of utility EDP investing in energy technology, cleantech, and electric mobility.
European cleantech accelerator offering a three-stage program with grants, mentorship, and industry network access. Notable projects include carbon management and sustainable agriculture startups. Support: non-dilutive funding, expert coaching, EU network. Scope: International (EU-wide).
Established 2010. EU-backed accelerator and investor driving sustainable energy transition with funding, IP support, and industry partnerships; 248 investments and 8 exits, including early backing of Northvolt. Scope: International (EU).
Raiffeisen Bank International's venture unit investing in fintech and banking innovation across CEE.
Multi-family office operating syndicated investments in high-growth Irish startups.
Founded 2006. Growth-stage investor in digital media, AI, and software scale-ups across Europe.
Launched 2016. Early to growth-stage VC investing in AI, fintech, mobility, and marketplaces.
Six-month EIT Food program run by Startup Hub Poland for female agrifood entrepreneurs. Provides EUR 1,000 stipend, training, 1:1 mentorship, and a chance to win up to EUR 10,000 grants. Scope: National with EU-wide network.
Founded 2013. Late seed and Series A fund backing high-growth Polish SMEs.
Fashion for Good is an Amsterdam-based innovation platform and accelerator dedicated to making the fashion industry more sustainable and circular. Launched in 2017 with backing from founding partner Laudes Foundation (formerly C&A Foundation), Fashion for Good runs a 9-month accelerator program for startups developing technologies or business models that improve fashion’s environmental or social impact. Focus areas include innovative materials (e.g. bio-based fibers, textile recycling), new dyeing and finishing processes, circular business models (rental, resale), and supply chain traceability solutions. Each batch (around 10 companies) receives coaching, pilot opportunities, and a small grant; uniquely, the program is venture client-oriented: Fashion for Good’s corporate partners – which include Adidas, Kering, PVH, Stella McCartney, C&A and other major brands – collaborate with the startups to test and implement their innovations. For example, early cohort member Ambercycle (USA) has partnered with Adidas on textile recycling pilots, and Pili Bio (France) worked with brands on microbial dyes. In addition to the accelerator, Fashion for Good runs Scaling Programs for more mature innovators to facilitate larger deals (often joint ventures or first-of-a-kind factory deployments). It also operates a public Experience Museum in Amsterdam showcasing sustainable fashion and educating consumers. By 2022, Fashion for Good had accelerated over 125 startups, helping many secure follow-on funding – alumni have collectively raised hundreds of millions. Notable graduates include Renewcell (Sweden, textile recycling, IPO’d), Natural Fiber Welding (US, plant-based leather, now partnering with Ralph Lauren) and Circular.Fashion (Germany, circular design SaaS acquired by Zalando). Fashion for Good’s success lies in its consortium approach: besides brands, it engages manufacturers and investors (like AccelR8, a fashion-focused VC) to ensure innovations can actually be adopted at scale. Its impact is tangible – alumni like Orange Fiber (Italy, citrus-based silk) have seen their materials used in collections by H&M and Ferragamo. As the fashion industry faces pressure to reduce waste and emissions, Fashion for Good has positioned Amsterdam as a key nexus of fashion tech and sustainability, proving that collaboration across the value chain can accelerate the transition to a Good Fashion future.
Fast Track Malmö is a startup accelerator based in Malmö, Sweden, that has gained recognition for its founder-friendly approach and strong results. Launched in 2015 and backed by Malmö’s public and private stakeholders (including Malmö City, Minc incubator, and VC firm Hax), Fast Track Malmö (FTM) selects around 10 startups per year from around the world for its program. The accelerator provides an up-front investment of €50,000 for 5% equity – a relatively generous seed deal – along with a 3-month intensive program and free housing for international teams. Each cohort gets access to mentors from successful Swedish startups (like King, Truecaller, etc.) and a series of workshops on product, growth, and fundraising. FTM has been particularly successful in drawing startups from across Europe to Malmö, turning the city into a surprising startup hotspot. Alumni have gone on to raise over $100M collectively. For instance, Worldfavor (sustainability data platform) and Bibliotech (UK edtech) both participated in FTM and later raised significant rounds. The program culminates in Demo Day during Malmö Startup Live, where founders pitch to a curated audience of Nordic and international investors. Fast Track Malmö prides itself on its supportive community – it often ranks highly in founder NPS surveys. Notably, 70%+ of its startups secure funding within 6 months post-program. Malmö’s strengths in game development and IoT sometimes reflect in FTM cohorts (some gaming startups and hardware/IoT teams have come through). Another distinctive trait: FTM works closely with Minc, the Malmö incubator, to offer follow-on incubation and soft landings for teams that relocate to Sweden. This extended support helped Fast Track Malmö produce success stories despite operating in a smaller ecosystem. By 2023, the accelerator reported its alumni have created 100+ jobs and 30% of them have at least one female founder – stats that underscore its impact and inclusive ethos. Fast Track Malmö demonstrates that with smart funding and community backing, even a mid-sized city can accelerate startups to global success.
Life sciences VC founded 2006 investing in biotech and medtech from early to growth stages.
Founded 2008. Specialist VC investing in biotech, pharma, and medical devices with a transatlantic presence.
Launched 2012. Seed fund bridging Europe and the US with a focus on B2B software and global go-to-market support.
Founded 2006. Growth equity investor in digital services and software.
Launched 2017. Corporate venture program connecting startups with the Jose de Mello Group in healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. Support: pilot agreements, corporate guidance, and potential customer contracts. Scope: National.
Founded 2018. Five-week investment readiness program (run in 3-month cycles) for female-led or diverse startups; includes VC-led workshops, fundraising roadmaps, and investor pitch sessions. Support: fundraising training, investor matchmaking, community network. Scope: International (CEE focus).
Specialized accelerator (since 2018) for aquaculture and alternative seafood startups with ~USD 100K investment, mentorship, and pilot opportunities in global aquaculture facilities. Programs run in Ireland, Norway, and Hawaii. Scope: International.
Deep-tech venture builder at High Tech Campus Eindhoven (established 2015) turning advanced tech from sources like CERN or ESA into startups through a nine-month program. Support: co-founding teams around tech IP, seed funding, access to Eindhoven's R&D ecosystem. Scope: International.
Deutsche Telekom's tech incubator founded in 2012 with campuses in Berlin and Kraków, focusing on 5G, IoT, and AI startups. Support: corporate seed funding, technical resources, co-creation programs, and access to Telekom's network. Notable alumni include telecom IoT ventures integrated into Deutsche Telekom. Scope: International.
Established 2014. EU-backed accelerator for mobile and digital startups (edtech, mobility, etc.) with online program, equity-free grants, mentoring, and international roadshows. Notable alumni include ChainGO. Scope: International (EU).
Part of the global Impact Hub network running tailored programs for social impact startups, including accelerators like Better Mobility and RE:WIEN. Support: mentorship, workshops, grant opportunities, and corporate/NGO partnerships. Scope: International (impact focus).
Founded 2019 by an ex-Caixa Capital team. Independent VC investing in Iberian tech startups across fintech, AI, and marketplaces.
Evergreen fund founded 1979 investing in Swedish deep tech and life science.
Launched 2010 with backing from Dutch pension fund APG. Early-stage investor in healthcare and enterprise software.
Founded 2007. Early-stage fund investing in technology and life sciences with parallel focus on digital, IoT, and healthcare.
Founded 2013. Late seed and Series A investor in Polish and CEE tech companies with global traction.
Founded 2008. Active early-stage investor across ICT, biotech, and fintech with multiple fund vehicles.
Founded 2014. Early-stage VC backed by Spanish entrepreneurs investing in consumer and enterprise tech.
Founded 2016. Entrepreneur-friendly fund backing product-led Spanish tech startups.
Founded 2015. Series A and B investor in enterprise software, fintech, and consumer internet.
Founded 2002. Manager of the Bank of Ireland Seed and Growth Funds, backing regional Irish startups and university spin-outs.
Founded 2012. Early-stage investor in digital platforms, SaaS, and data-driven services.
Launched 2013 by Juan Roig. Accelerator and incubator supporting 250+ companies with programs from incubation to growth, zero-equity loans, and mentorship. Based at Valencia's Marina startup campus; alumni include Flywire. Scope: National.
Launched 2014 by Credit Agricole. National accelerator network with 30+ villages across France offering coworking, mentorship, and business connections with CA's banking network. Sector-agnostic (fintech, agritech, etc.). Scope: National.
Founded 2017. Marketplace-focused fund investing at seed and pre-Series A across Europe.
Running since 2014. Global fintech accelerator, equity-free six-month program (mostly virtual) providing access to Mastercard clients and partners. Supported 60+ fintech and digital asset companies; notable alumni include Divide (acquired by Google). Scope: International.
Founded 2018 with backing from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Runs the Maze X 3-month accelerator for social impact startups, providing tailored mentoring, impact investor access, and a EUR 50K stipend. Notable alumni include Speak. Scope: International.
Founded 1999. Growth equity and VC firm investing in digital disruptors across CEE.
Ran 2013-2016 as part of Microsoft for Startups. Four-month cohort with expert mentorship, Azure credits, and investor connections. Support: coaching, cloud infrastructure, partner network. Scope: Global.
Fintech and insurtech fund with a significant Dublin presence investing in Europe and North America.
Founded 2004. Pan-European early-stage fund focused on B2B software and deep tech.
Enterprise Ireland's national entrepreneur development program offering mentorship, training, and a EUR 15,000 stipend during the six-month Phase 2. Delivered across 18 regional centers; alumni include FeedHenry. Scope: National.
Founded 2000. Early-stage VC focused on enterprise software in the Benelux and Nordics.
Founded 2017. Impact investor and accelerator focused on foodtech and alternative protein startups; provides early-stage funding and strategic support. Notable investment: Stockeld Dreamery. Scope: National with global outlook.
Founded 2016 by the Norrsken Foundation. Eight-week impact accelerator selecting 20 startups annually; offers USD 125K for 5% equity and mentorship from global tech leaders. Focus on climate, health, and education. Scope: International.
Northzone is a prominent European venture capital firm with Scandinavian roots, known for early bets on companies like Spotify and Klarna. Founded in 1996 in Oslo (and now headquartered in Stockholm with a big presence in London), Northzone is an evergreen VC fund that has raised 9 funds to date. It invests from Seed and Series A up to Growth (Series B/C), typically focusing on consumer internet, fintech, and B2B SaaS. Northzone rose to fame as the earliest institutional investor in Spotify – it led Spotify’s $21M Series A in 2008 and remained a major shareholder until IPO. It was also an early backer of Klarna (led the $8M Series A in 2010) and other Nordic breakouts like iZettle (payments, acquired by PayPal) and Avito (Russian classifieds, acquired by Naspers). Over the years, Northzone expanded its geographic focus to include the UK, Benelux, and the US East Coast (they’ve invested in Wallapop in Spain, Personio in Germany, and Secret Escapes in UK, among others). The firm’s investment approach is relatively hands-on – partners often take board seats and leverage Northzone’s network for business development of their portfolio. With approximately €1.5 billion under management, Northzone typically writes initial checks of €2–10M and can follow on with much larger amounts. In 2022, Northzone raised a new €1B+ fund, reflecting growing LP interest in European tech. The team blends operational experience and finance acumen; notable partners include Pär-Jörgen Pärson (who led the Spotify deal) and Michiel Kotting (who sits on Personio’s board). Northzone often leads or co-leads rounds and likes to syndicate with US VCs when scaling globally. Beyond fintech and music tech, they have investments in healthtech (Kry), edtech (Kahoot!), crypto (Sovereign), and more – showcasing a broad thesis of “transformative tech.” Northzone’s steady success over 25+ years – producing multiple billion-dollar exits – has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s top-tier venture firms, bridging the vibrant Nordic ecosystem with the rest of the continent.
Founded in 2011 (originating from Le Camping), NUMA accelerates digital startups and runs open innovation programs for corporates. Support: 3–6 month acceleration with mentorship, community events, and investor demo days. Scope: International.
Corporate accelerator by Orange Polska (est. 2015) focused on 5G, IoT, AI, and customer experience. Provides proof-of-concept projects, telecom mentorship, and access to Orange's global Fab network in 18 countries. Scope: National with global reach.
Deep tech fund founded 2017 investing in AI, space, and fintech from Central Europe.
Founded 2013. Early-stage investor focused on Italian digital and consumer tech with initial tickets around EUR 0.5-3M.
Founded 2015. Healthcare and medtech specialist investing across Europe in devices, diagnostics, digital health, and biotech.
Founded 2007. Early-stage fund focused on marketplaces, platforms, and subscription software.
Spanish arm of Plug and Play (since 2012) connecting startups with corporate partners in fintech, insurtech, and mobility. Operates from Valencia with pilots and venture funding; global alumni include PayPal and Dropbox. Scope: International.
Founded 2015. World's first port and maritime industry accelerator based in Rotterdam (now also Antwerp and Singapore). Three-month program with 100+ mentors and a Shakedown demo day; alumni include We4Sea and CargoLedger. Scope: International.
Founded 1999. Growth-oriented fund investing in European consumer internet, fintech, and SaaS scale-ups.
Founded 2016. Operates sector funds including Barcamper Ventures for digital and a SpaceTech fund for newspace.
Rockstart is one of Europe’s first multi-vertical startup accelerators, launched in Amsterdam in 2011. Its mission is encapsulated in its name – to help entrepreneurs “rock start” their companies. Over the years Rockstart has become a major seed investor and program runner in the Netherlands and beyond. Initially a general tech accelerator, Rockstart later specialized in Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Tech tracks, reflecting market needs. The classic Rockstart accelerator program offers ~€20k seed funding and a 100-day intensive curriculum of mentoring, workshops, and access to a broad investor network. Each batch typically includes 10 startups, and Rockstart has accelerated over 250 startups to date. Notable alumni include Wercker (DevOps, acquired by Oracle) and 3D Hubs (manufacturing marketplace, acquired by Protolabs). A hallmark of Rockstart is its strong Demo Day and investor connections: it reports that 70%+ of its alumni raise follow-on funding within 6 months of the program. In 2019, Rockstart evolved its model to also become a venture capital fund, launching a €18M AgriFood fund and later a €21M Energy fund. Through these funds, Rockstart now leads seed rounds and provides follow-on capital up to Series B for the most promising graduates, effectively “accelerator + VC”. This hybrid model addresses a key gap by ensuring startups have capital beyond the program. Rockstart has expanded operations to Copenhagen and Bogotá, and runs domain-specific programs (like “AI & Blockchain” in recent years). It also operates Rockstart Answers, a community-driven Q&A pitch format in many cities, to support very early-stage founders. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Rockstart has built a strong brand in Europe: it’s known for a hands-on, no-nonsense Dutch approach and a supportive alumni network. By offering both an accelerator and venture funding, Rockstart provides entrepreneurs a solid runway “from idea to series B,” helping turn innovative ideas into scale-ups.
Founded 2011. Early-stage investor focused on digital health, telemedicine, and SaaS.
Founded 2013. Growth-oriented VC backing Spanish and Iberian scale-ups in consumer internet and mobility.
Founded 2008. Spain's pioneering ICT accelerator providing training, seed funding, and mentorship by experienced entrepreneurs. Runs intensive campus programs; funded ~70 startups with 15 exits (e.g., Divisoft, Ulabox). Support: 3-month acceleration, angel network investment, free office space. Scope: National.
Corporate VC of Semapa investing in industrial, environmental, and mobility tech across Portugal and internationally.
Founded 2002. Life sciences VC investing in biotech, medtech, and diagnostics across Europe.
Founded 2007. Investor in smart energy transition and climate tech.
Founded 2013. Impact accelerator and investment fund for social enterprises in health, cleantech, and energy. Runs acceleration programs and an impact fund; has accelerated 50+ startups. Support: mentoring, CSR partners, impact investment up to EUR 400K. Scope: National.
The Siemens Technology Accelerator (STA) is a unique corporate accelerator program run by Siemens AG since 2001, aimed at spinning out non-core technologies from Siemens’ R&D into independent startups. Based in Munich, STA essentially identifies promising internal innovations (often developed at Siemens Corporate Technology labs) that don’t fit Siemens’ core business, and forms new ventures around them. STA provides seed funding, co-founding management, and access to Siemens’ infrastructure to these ventures, effectively acting as a venture builder. Over its history, the Siemens Technology Accelerator has spun out more than 12 companies across sectors like energy, industrial automation, healthcare, and materials. Notable spin-offs include MetisMotion (advanced actuators), Magazino (warehouse robotics – which STA helped early on), and Epiqo (a digital twin software). One high-profile case is Rethink Robotics GmbH: in 2020, STA helped relaunch assets of Rethink Robotics (the US cobot pioneer) in a joint venture, integrating it with Siemens technology. The typical STA project starts with identifying a tech with market potential. STA then recruits external entrepreneurs or Siemens intrapreneurs to lead the startup, develops a business plan, secures intellectual property rights (license or assign IP from Siemens to the newco), and provides initial funding (often low millions of euros). Siemens often remains a minority shareholder and provides pilot customers or manufacturing help. The time from project inception to an independent company launch is around 18–24 months. STA’s model addresses a common big-corporate problem: great inventions that don’t make it to market. By essentially incubating startups from within, Siemens both creates value from dormant IP and fosters innovation culture. Many STA spin-outs go on to raise venture capital or get acquired. For example, Ionity (an EV charging network) was seeded by Siemens’ STA and later became a major joint venture with automakers. The Siemens Technology Accelerator operates with a small specialized team and has won awards for corporate venturing. It serves as a best-practice example of how large industrial firms can proactively spin off new ventures rather than let R&D sit on a shelf. In essence, STA extends Siemens’ innovation beyond its core by unleashing startups that bring cutting-edge tech (like novel sensors, new materials, etc.) to the broader market.
Founded 2014. Late seed and Series A fund focused on consumer digital brands and e-commerce.
Founded 2016. Accelerator for the video game industry connecting German and French hubs; provides workshops, industry mentoring, and investor access. Notable studios: Burning Glass Creative, HandyGames. Support: game-specific mentorship, networking, funding access. Scope: Regional.
Founded 2014. Six-month program for entrepreneurial teams with coworking, mentoring, and technology partners; alumni include energy and healthcare startups. Support: mentorship, workspace, partner resources. Scope: Regional (East Germany).
Founded 2009. Early-stage investor in enterprise software, digital consumer, and IoT across the Nordics.
Launched 2010 by Wageningen University. Leading agri-foodtech accelerator with EUR 25K non-dilutive funding, a 12-week program, and corporate/research connections; supported 100+ startups like Meatable. Scope: International.
EU-backed, equity-free six-month accelerator supporting 41 SMEs across tracks (Industry Test, Go Global, Sector Agnostic) with tailored plans, workshops, and milestone tracking. Grants up to EUR 80K. Scope: National.
Innovation hub and accelerator supported by Microsoft, nurturing deep-tech startups in biotech, nanotech, and digital sectors. Provides acceleration, access to University of Minho labs, and corporate partners; backed 120+ companies. Scope: Regional (Northern Portugal).
PARP-backed accelerator attracting international startups to Poland, run by Space3ac in Gdansk. Offers up to EUR 65,000 equity-free funding plus soft-landing support (incorporation, legal/tax, accommodation, visas). Focus on smart cities, space, and logistics. Scope: International.
Established in 2018 to support tech startups in the Tyrol region with tailored mentorship, business plan coaching, and connections to experts and Alpine industry partners. Scope: Regional (Tyrol). Support: mentor network, strategy workshops, investor introductions.
Amsterdam hub of Startupbootcamp (est. 2010) running 3-month accelerators in fintech, cybersecurity, smart cities, IoT, and commerce. Provides EUR 15K seed funding, 6% equity, mentorship, and partner deals; alumni include early Adyen mentoring. Scope: International.
Sting (Stockholm Innovation & Growth) is Sweden’s leading startup accelerator and incubator, founded in 2002 and based in Stockholm. Over two decades, Sting has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most successful support programs for high-tech startups. Each year, ~25 startups participate in Sting’s programs, which are tailored to ICT, sustainability, and deep tech ventures. Sting offers two main tracks: the Accelerate program (a shorter, intensive accelerator with investment) and the Incubate program (a longer incubation with office space and coaching). Startups benefit from SEK 400,000 (≈€35,000) in pre-seed investment via Sting’s Propel Capital angel fund, as well as hands-on mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Sting is notable for its extensive network in the Nordics – participants get access to 80+ industry mentors and introductions to a broad investor pool in Sweden and internationally. The results speak volumes: Sting has supported 270+ startups since inception, with a survival rate over 70% and multiple high-profile alumni. Success stories include Yubico (security keys unicorn), Sellpy (fashion recommerce, acquired by H&M), and ClimateView (climate planning SaaS). In addition to funding and coaching, Sting offers free office space at A House in Stockholm, product development labs, and perks from partners. The program emphasizes key performance indicators (KPIs) and growth milestones – Sting aims to help companies reach first customers, significant revenues, or Series A readiness within 6–18 months. Beyond individual companies, Sting has played a crucial role in Stockholm’s ecosystem: it co-founded SUP46 (Start-Up People of Sweden) co-working space and hosts Sweden’s annual Startup Demo Day. Sting alumni have collectively raised over €600 million. With the Swedish ecosystem maturing, Sting remains a cornerstone – providing new founders with structured support, an entrepreneurial community, and that all-important first investment to turbocharge their growth.
Founded 2017 by Alltech. Three-month agritech accelerator focused on nutrition, animal health, robotics, and AI; provides access to Alltech's global network, mentoring, and pilot opportunities on farms. Scope: International.
Founded 2017. Hybrid accelerator-VC supporting product-led startups in Europe and the Americas.
Corporate VC arm of UNIQA Insurance active since 2016, investing in strategic areas for the insurer.
Established 2013. Tech-focused VC investing in Italy and Europe with a core focus on digital media, enterprise software, and fintech.
Listed investment company focused on fintech in emerging markets.
Founded 2012. Boutique VC and advisory firm managing venture funds focused on DACH tech startups.
Program specializing in spinning up companies from technical and scientific projects, pairing scientists with business co-founders and providing lab access and early funding. Support: venture building, seed capital via grants or partnered funds, and corporate connections. Scope: Regional (Porto).
Launched 2020. Early-stage accelerator with mentoring track, ecosystem access, and coworking space in central Vienna; culminates in a Demo Day with a EUR 250K pitch prize. Scope: Local (Vienna).
Established 2016. 100-day accelerator for web and software startups with intensive coaching, mentoring, and free workspace. Focus on B2B software with SaaS and fintech alumni. Support: mentorship, coworking, investor connections. Scope: Regional (Northern Germany).
Founded 2007. VC bridging Milan and southern Italy with funds spanning early-stage and growth in media, fintech, and industrial tech.
Established 2002 by Jane Walerud. Family-run deep-tech angel fund and hands-on accelerator for planet-positive startups; invests up to EUR 1M and often provides interim operational support. 10+ exits including Volumental. Scope: National.
Founded 2011. Telefonica's open innovation hub connecting startups to telecom, IoT, and cybersecurity opportunities; typically invests around EUR 150K for equity and provides partnerships. Supports 500+ startups across 10 countries; notable alum Carto. Scope: International.
Hybrid VC fund and tech innovation hub founded in 2016 running accelerator programs at The Factory and investing in early-stage digital and fintech startups. Support: equity investment, mentorship from in-house experts, workspace access. Scope: National.
Founded 2001. Multi-sector accelerator helping early-stage tech startups reach first customers and EUR 1M ARR within 3 years. KPI-driven programs, zero-equity loans, and coaching; portfolio has 50+ exits. Scope: Regional (Ile-de-France).