Startup directory in Europe
Browse startup organisations across Europe. Each entry links to its country, city, and sector pages.
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Aiven
Aiven is a Helsinki-based cloud data platform founded in 2016 that provides fully managed open-source data infrastructure services including PostgreSQL, Apache Kafka, Redis, Elasticsearch, and ClickHouse across all major cloud providers. The company raised over $270 million including a $210 million Series D in 2022 at a $3 billion valuation, making it Finland's most valuable startup at the time. Aiven serves thousands of customers globally and employs over 500 people. By abstracting the operational complexity of open-source data tools, Aiven enables engineering teams to focus on building rather than managing infrastructure.
Aize
Aize is an Oslo-based industrial software company founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the Aker Group, drawing on 30 years of industrial software heritage. Its platform creates digital twins of heavy assets — integrating 2D, 3D and 4D data — for engineering, operations, maintenance and project execution in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Aize has a strategic partnership with Aker BP to provide a single source of truth for offshore assets and is deployed on some of Norway's largest oil and gas developments. The company operates globally with around 197 employees across six continents.
Ajax Systems
Overview: Ajax Systems is a leading security technology startup and is now the largest manufacturer of professional security systems in Europe. The company develops and produces a range of smart security devices for homes and businesses - including wireless motion detectors, door/window opening sensors, glass break sensors, fire alarms, flood detectors, and control panels - all connected via Ajax's proprietary radio communication technology. An Ajax security system typically centers around a smart hub and can integrate over 50 different sensors and sirens to provide comprehensive intrusion detection, fire safety, and even smart home automation. The devices are known for their sleek design (winning multiple Red Dot design awards) and reliable performance (long battery life, extended wireless range, resistant to jamming). Users manage the system through Ajax's mobile app, receiving instant alerts and being able to arm/disarm or monitor their property from anywhere. Unlike traditional wired security systems, Ajax's wireless approach allows easy installation and scalability. With its combination of hardware and software, Ajax Systems has effectively become a security platform protecting over 1 million premises in more than 120 countries. Founding Story (2011): Ajax Systems was founded in 2011 in Kyiv, Ukraine by Oleksandr (Alexander) Konotopskyi. Konotopskyi started Ajax in his mid-20s, with a vision to build a security system that was both high-quality and affordable, targeting a gap in the market between cheap unreliable alarms and overly expensive Western systems. In the early days, Ajax was literally a garage startup - the team of engineers hand-soldered the first devices themselves. They focused initially on creating a car alarm and simple motion detectors, but soon pivoted fully to smart home security. The name "Ajax" was chosen to signify agility and strength (after the Greek hero). The company struggled to find capital at first, as Ukraine in 2011 had limited VC presence. In 2015, Ajax got its first external investment of $1M from SMRK, a local fund run by MacPaw's CEO, which allowed scaling production. A major milestone was around 2016 when Ajax launched its second-generation system with the Jeweller radio technology and a polished mobile app - this got attention in European markets. By 2017, Ajax started exporting its devices beyond Ukraine, and a turning point came when it won a prestigious security industry award in the UK, helping build global credibility. The founding story is one of persistence: Konotopskyi has often recounted how many advised him that manufacturing electronics in Ukraine was impractical, but he proved it possible with a highly motivated local team. Product and Innovation: Ajax's product line today includes about 180 products covering intrusion detection (motion, opening, glass break sensors), fire safety (smoke and CO detectors, fire alarm), flood prevention (leak detectors), plus sirens, keypads, panic buttons, and relay modules to control third-party devices. The system connects via radio frequencies (868 MHz band in Europe, etc.) with range up to 2000 meters and has advanced encryption. One of Ajax's innovation points is its proprietary OS Malevich that runs the hubs, enabling over-the-air updates and new features. The Ajax mobile app provides a modern UX that was missing in older alarm systems. Another innovative aspect is battery life - sensors can work 5-7 years on one battery, addressing a pain point of wireless security. Ajax also built a technology called Wings for photo verification - some motion detectors have cameras that can send photos when triggered, so users and alarm companies see if an intruder is present. The target market for Ajax includes both residential customers and small businesses/shops, as well as larger commercial clients (they have a heavier-duty hub for enterprise). The systems are typically sold and installed via a network of 1,100+ authorized security providers/installers globally, rather than direct to consumer only. This channel strategy helped Ajax penetrate traditional security markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Traction and Scale: The growth of Ajax Systems has been remarkable, especially post-2015. As of late 2023, Ajax serves over 4 million end users worldwide who rely on its security systems. It has become the top alarm system brand in Europe by units sold - a feat for a Ukrainian company competing with legacy giants. The company's revenue reflects this: in 2023, Ajax's revenue was around UAH 7.5-8.5 billion (Ukrainian hryvnia), roughly $200+ million USD, showing rapid growth from just a few million USD a decade prior. It's been profitable and reinvesting in expansion, now running multiple manufacturing plants. Ajax exports to over 120 countries, with key markets including Italy, Spain, France, the UK, and also growth in the Middle East and Latin America. In Ukraine, Ajax became a market leader, protecting many homes even amid the war. The company's workforce grew to around 2,500 employees (by 2025) spread across R&D centers in Kyiv, hardware development in Kharkiv, and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and a new plant in Turkey (opened 2022) and recently in Vietnam (opened 2025 to diversify production). These expansions are partly in response to risk management due to regional instability, but also to meet surging global demand. Ajax's products have received numerous awards in the security industry and technology circles for innovation. Funding and Investors: Ajax's funding journey started with local investors. The initial $1M from SMRK in 2015 and early revenues got the company off the ground. A significant boost came in 2019 when Horizon Capital, a U.S.-Ukrainian private equity firm, invested $10 million for a minority stake. This effectively was Ajax's Series A, and it valued the company north of $70M reportedly. Horizon's investment provided growth capital to scale production and international sales. Interestingly, Ajax never took traditional Silicon Valley VC funding; by the time it was on VC radar, it was already profitable and scaling via PE style funding. EBRD also extended some debt financing to Ajax as it expanded manufacturing. Total external funding is relatively modest (about $11M equity and some debt), as the company's strong revenue allowed it to fuel growth internally. PitchBook data shows Ajax's valuation surpassed $100M by 2020, and given the revenue growth, some speculated it could approach unicorn status if valued on a typical tech multiple (though security hardware might have lower multiples). Achievements and Impact: Ajax Systems stands out as one of the most successful hardware startups from Eastern Europe. Achievements include becoming the number 1 security system brand in Europe within 10 years, something even the founder calls "building the Apple of security in Ukraine." The products have achieved a level of reliability that professional security companies trust - over 1,200 security companies (alarm response centers) around the world integrate with Ajax's system to provide monitoring services. Ajax's impact in Ukraine is also profound: it built local manufacturing when many said it was impossible, created thousands of jobs, and became one of Ukraine's top tech exporters. Even during the 2022 Russian invasion, Ajax kept its factories in Ukraine running (with precautions and relocating some lines to safer regions) and supported the war effort by developing an "Air Alarm" app for Ukrainians (in partnership with the government) to warn of missile attacks. This app uses Ajax's expertise in instant mass notification and became a widely used tool, saving lives. Ajax's success has been a beacon for Ukraine's tech industry, proving that a hardware company can scale globally from Ukraine. In recognition, founder Konotopskyi received national awards and is often cited among top Ukrainian entrepreneurs. The company's plans include possibly an IPO in the future once global expansion stabilizes. It continues to innovate - recent new products include automation devices (to control lights, thermostats, etc., moving Ajax towards smart home, not just security). By coupling security with convenience, Ajax is carving out a role in the broader IoT and smart home market. In summary, Ajax Systems transformed from a Kyiv startup into a global security powerhouse, all while keeping its R&D and much of its production in Ukraine, which is a testament to the talent and resilience of Ukrainian engineers and business leaders. Sources: inventure.com.ua, euristiq.com, techukraine.org, ajax.systems.
Akira
San Marino software house in Dogana building custom digital solutions for businesses, with more than ten years of stated experience. Its work covers bespoke professional software, management systems such as ERP and CRM, business intelligence, web applications and portals, alongside IT consulting, training and technical support. It is on San Marino Innovation s high-technology enterprise register.
Akros Energy
Akros Energy is a German company, based in Rostock-Laage and backed by H2APEX with EU funding, developing chemical hydrogen-storage technology that stores hydrogen safely in salt-based carriers rather than as pressurized or cryogenic gas. It positions the approach as a zero-hazard, cost-efficient alternative to liquid hydrogen, ammonia and other carrier technologies for transporting and deploying hydrogen at industrial scale.
Alan
Alan is a Paris-based health insurance and digital health platform founded in 2016 by Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve (CEO) and Charles Gorintin (CTO) — the only new independent health insurer licensed in France since 1986. It combines group and individual health insurance with a mobile super-app offering reimbursements, telemedicine, mental-health support (Alan Clinic) and Mo, an AI health assistant delivering doctor-reviewed answers. By early 2026 Alan served over one million members across France, Belgium, Spain and Canada, with €785M ARR in 2025 (up 53%) and operational profitability in France. Alan has raised roughly €754M across eight rounds. It reached unicorn status in 2021 with a €185M Series D led by Coatue, and in March 2026 a €100M Series G led by Index Ventures — a backer since its Series A — valued the company at €5bn. Other investors include Temasek, Teachers' Venture Growth, Coatue, Lakestar, Partech, Belfius and DST Global.
ALBUPAD
Developed a proprietary biomaterial made from albumin — fully biocompatible and biodegradable — engineered for next-generation drug delivery and tissue engineering, with natural tumour tropism and built-in imaging visibility. Founded 2023.
Alda
Alda is an Icelandic HR-tech startup founded in 2022 that provides a culture intelligence platform for measuring and improving workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The platform combines inclusion surveys, gamified micro-learning, AI-powered action plans, and real-time DEI dashboards. Alda has raised €2.9 million from Frumtak Ventures and Tennin, and counts Aker Solutions, Icelandair, and Avalanche Studios among its clients. It was named a Gartner Cool Vendor in 2025.
Aleph Alpha
Aleph Alpha is a Heidelberg-based artificial intelligence company founded in 2019 that develops large language models and enterprise AI infrastructure with a focus on sovereignty, transparency and data protection for European governments and regulated industries. Its Luminous model family and PhariaAI platform target on-premise and mission-critical deployments. The company raised a large Series B round in 2023 backed by investors including Bosch, SAP and the Schwarz Group.
Aleph Zero
Aleph Zero is a Warsaw-founded layer-1 blockchain project focused on privacy-enhancing technology and scalable consensus, using a peer-reviewed proof-of-stake protocol combined with secure multi-party computation. The company was co-founded by Polish researchers Adam Gągol and Antoni Żółtowski. It raised early backing from notable angels including Balaji Srinivasan and operator-angel Piotr Smoleń, and built one of the most active developer communities in Polish web3.
Alfasoft
Chisinau software company founded in 2005, listed both on the Moldova Innovation Technology Park resident register and among ATIC members. It works in e-government consulting, taking public agencies from requirements analysis and process reengineering through to custom systems for courts, business registration, licensing, permits, procurement, tax and border control, and reports more than fifty projects across thirty-one countries.
Algalíf
Algalíf is an Icelandic biotechnology company founded in 2012 that produces high-grade natural astaxanthin from microalgae using 100% renewable geothermal energy in a fully enclosed indoor photobioreactor system. The company is certified carbon-negative, binding 75 tonnes of CO2 annually, and holds over $50M in cumulative investment. In 2025 Algalíf launched Astalíf 15, the world's first 15% natural astaxanthin oleoresin, and broke ground on the world's largest natural astaxanthin facility (12,500 m²). The board initiated IPO preparations for 2025 and appointed new leadership following the departure of long-serving CEO Orri Björnsson.
Algorithmiq
Quantum software company relocated its global headquarters from Helsinki to Milan in May 2026, marking Italy's largest-ever quantum computing investment round of €18M. Develops quantum algorithms and classical-quantum hybrid software targeting drug discovery and industrial optimisation, with a focus on near-term quantum hardware.
Alicorn
Podgorica digital agency and ICT Cortex member describing itself as a 360 degree partner for everything digital. Its work spans branding and user experience, web and mobile development, artificial intelligence and automation, video game creation, and live event production and streaming, alongside marketing campaigns, analytics and search optimisation.
Alithea Bio
Accelerates cancer immunotherapy development with its HLA-Compass platform, a large quantitative database of HLA peptide presentation. AI-driven analytics predict off-target toxicity and support target discovery for safer, more precise therapies.
Allani
Allani is a Polish fashion-discovery and shopping aggregator that lets users browse clothing and accessories across hundreds of online stores from a single interface. Led by Mateusz Romanowski (also an early Brainly angel), Allani operates a popular consumer product in Polish e-commerce, monetizing through affiliate revenue and direct partnerships with retailers.
Allica Bank
British challenger bank for established SMEs offering business current accounts, savings, commercial mortgages, and asset and invoice finance. Secured its banking licence in 2019; among the UK's fastest-growing companies.
Allset
Overview: Allset is a food-tech startup that provides a platform for online restaurant ordering and pickup. Originally launched as a dine-in pre-ordering app, Allset allows customers to pre-order meals at restaurants so that the food is ready at a scheduled time and they can "skip the line". Over time, Allset expanded to enable standard takeout orders, curbside pickups, and even contactless dine-in where you arrive and your meal is served immediately. The convenience factor is central: Allset's app lets users browse menus of partner restaurants, pay in advance (including tip), and streamline the eating experience without waiting. For restaurants, Allset offers a marketplace to attract busy professionals and on-the-go diners, while avoiding the high fees of delivery services. By focusing on pickup and in-restaurant efficiency, Allset positioned itself as a lower-cost alternative to delivery apps for eateries, promising no couriers or delivery logistics - just seamless pickup transactions. As of 2021, Allset had thousands of restaurant partners, particularly in major U.S. cities, and had broadened its use-case to also support contactless dining during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founding Story (2015): Allset was founded in 2015 by two Ukrainians, Stas Matviyenko (Stan) and Anna Polishchuk, who moved to California to grow the business. The founders previously built a mobile payments startup in Ukraine (Settle), which gave them insight into restaurant payment pain points. They noticed that busy professionals often have limited lunch break time and that waiting for service at restaurants ate up much of it. Thus, Allset was conceived to let users pre-order and pre-pay for meals so they could "set" everything in advance and have all set when they arrive (hence the name). The concept started with a few restaurants in San Francisco and New York participating. Early growth was modest as it required signing up restaurants one-by-one and changing consumer habits. However, by offering a win-win - restaurants get more turnover at lunch with guaranteed orders, customers get time savings - Allset steadily gained traction. Matviyenko and Polishchuk leveraged their Ukrainian tech team to build the app cost-effectively. In 2016, they got into the 500 Startups accelerator, which provided seed funding and mentorship in Silicon Valley. By 2017-2018, Allset expanded to multiple U.S. cities and refined its model to also include standard takeout ordering. Product and Market: Allset's target users were urban professionals and corporate employees looking for efficient lunch options. It integrated with over 7,000 restaurants in the U.S. and also some in Ukraine by 2023. Cuisine-wise it was diverse - from fast-casual chains to local eateries. The platform's business model charges restaurants a commission per order, but it touted itself as having significantly lower fees than delivery apps like UberEats or DoorDash. This is because pickup orders do not involve logistics costs. Allset also at times charged consumers small convenience fees or offered a subscription for zero fees. Its competition includes not just the big delivery apps, but also restaurant reservation systems and point-of-sale providers who have added mobile ordering. However, Allset carved a niche in "order ahead for dine-in/pickup." During COVID-19, Allset quickly shifted focus to contactless pickup and curbside service, which aligned with public health needs. The app usage grew as more consumers opted for takeout and avoiding crowds. Post-pandemic, Allset continued to be relevant as many users, accustomed to mobile ordering, kept using it for efficiency. Traction: By the early 2020s, Allset had facilitated tens of millions of orders. It was particularly popular in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. The app had over 2 million users and a strong repeat usage among its core demographic (e.g., office workers who would use it daily for lunch). Allset's restaurant network grew to include national chains as well as local favorites. A reported figure from around 2021 indicated nearly 7,000 restaurant partners across the US and Ukraine, illustrating its significant network. Partnerships with large chains (for example, they onboarded Panera Bread in some regions) helped validate the concept. In terms of scale, Allset's gross merchandise volume (the total value of orders through the platform) reached eight figures in USD annually. Press coverage often highlighted Allset as a rising star in the on-demand dining space, and it received awards like being listed in Forbes' 30 Under 30 (Matviyenko was honored in 2018). Funding and Investors: Allset attracted a mix of Silicon Valley and Ukrainian investors through its journey. Early on, it raised a $3.35M combined seed (including a $1M pre-seed from SMRK, a Ukrainian VC). In 2018, Allset secured an $8.25M Series A, with investors like Greycroft, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), VK (Digital Garage), and SMRK participating. This round helped fuel its expansion to new cities. By 2020, Allset had raised a total of about $16.6M in funding. A notable investor, Andreessen Horowitz, gave credibility given their prominence. Additionally, the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) co-invested in Allset, a nod to its Ukrainian roots and growth potential. The company was relatively capital-efficient, using a distributed team in Kyiv for development while its sales team signed restaurants in the U.S. According to PitchBook, Allset's valuation was healthy, though it never reached unicorn status. Acquisition by SoundHound (2024): A major milestone came in June 2024, when SoundHound AI, a Nasdaq-listed voice AI company, announced it had acquired Allset. The deal amount was undisclosed, but it marked a successful exit for the founders and investors. SoundHound's interest was in combining Allset's marketplace and restaurant partnerships with SoundHound's voice assistant tech for ordering (they have a voice ordering system used by restaurants). Through this acquisition, Allset's team (Matviyenko and Polishchuk) and technology joined SoundHound, aiming to power voice-enabled food ordering across SoundHound's large client network. The acquisition can be seen as a strategic fit: Allset brings the restaurant relationships and order workflow, while SoundHound brings cutting-edge voice AI. Allset's co-founders took on roles within SoundHound's leadership to continue growing this combined vision. For the Ukrainian startup scene, Allset's acquisition was a proud moment - a startup founded by Ukrainians achieved a notable exit on the global stage. Achievements and Impact: Allset's journey demonstrated the strength of Ukrainian entrepreneurs in the global arena of food tech. The company managed to enter the ultra-competitive U.S. food app market and carve a space for itself. It was recognized as one of Ukraine's top startups in multiple rankings. The company's growth also had a direct impact: it provided business to restaurants (especially small ones) by bringing them customers who might not have come in otherwise. Its focus on reducing wait times resonated with modern consumers' demand for convenience. Notably, Allset survived and adapted through the pandemic - offering features like dine-in ordering via QR code to minimize contact. This nimbleness likely made it an attractive acquisition target. Allset also set an example of transatlantic collaboration: R&D in Ukraine, business development in the U.S., which is a model other Ukrainian startups have since followed. Post-acquisition, the Allset app and brand continue to operate, now with the backing of SoundHound. With voice technology integration, a future use case might be ordering meals by simply speaking to your car or smart device, which could be the next level of convenience Allset helps enable. For Anna Polishchuk and Stas Matviyenko, their success with Allset has cemented them as influential figures in Ukraine's startup community, often mentoring younger founders and investing in new startups. Sources: vestbee.com, kyivpost.com, vcnewsdaily.com.
Allterco Robotics (Shelly)
Allterco Robotics, better known through its flagship Shelly brand, is a Sofia-based smart-home hardware company that designs, manufactures, and sells Wi-Fi-connected relays, sensors, and smart-plug devices that have become one of the most popular prosumer home-automation product lines in Europe. Unlike cloud-locked consumer smart-home brands, Shelly devices are designed around local control, open protocols (MQTT, REST, Matter), and compatibility with open-source home-automation stacks like Home Assistant, which has earned the company a strong following among technical users and installers who do not want their lights and shutters depending on a third-party cloud. Allterco is publicly listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange and has expanded significantly into European and North American retail channels. It is one of the most interesting examples of European consumer hardware being built out of CEE and a useful counterpoint to the region's software-heavy tech narrative.
Alokai
Composable commerce frontend platform (formerly Vue Storefront), giving enterprise retailers a modular, framework-agnostic storefront stack on top of headless commerce backends. Alokai covers storefront UI, middleware, caching, and integrations with major commerce engines (commercetools, SAP Commerce, BigCommerce, Shopify). Backed by Movens Capital among others.
