#Sweden #Europe #Stockholm #ESNA #Startup Nations

Highlights of the Startup Nations Standard 2024 Report

On February 21, 2025, at the TechArena in Stockholm, the Europe Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA) unveiled the Startup Nations Standard (SNS) Report 2024, offering an insightful examination of the startup landscape across 24 European countries. This report evaluates the implementation of eight key standards aimed at fostering more effective and supportive environments for startups, showcasing an average implementation rate of 61%.

Key Findings

1. Enhanced Access to Financing

One of the standout findings of the report is the improvement in access to funding for startups. With a implementation rate of 72% across the surveyed countries, it is the highest-performing standard. Moreover, seven countries achieved a perfect 100%, indicating that many regions are creating favorable conditions for startup financing.

2. Attracting and Retaining Talent

In the competitive startup landscape, the ability to attract and retain talent is crucial. The report indicates a 64% implementation rate in this area, with three countries reaching full implementation. Nine nations have established programs specifically designed to encourage tech professionals from the EU to return home, emphasizing the importance of talent mobility within the continent.

3. Streamlined Startup Creation

Europe has made considerable strides in simplifying the process for starting a new business. The implementation rate for rapid startup creation and market access stands at 70%. Notably, documents from foreign entities are accepted in 19 countries, allowing for businesses to be established in as little as one day and for under 100 euros in some places.

4. Emphasis on Digitalization

Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, 20 countries offer a range of online administrative processes. Furthermore, 19 nations have launched national digitalization strategies, achieving an average implementation rate of 70%. This focus on digitalization is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of European startups.

5. Inclusivity and Diversity

The report also addresses issues of social inclusion and diversity within startup ecosystems. These areas are vital for ensuring that all members of society can contribute to and benefit from entrepreneurial opportunities. The analysis captures performance gaps and highlights best practices in supporting diverse startup communities.

Conclusion

Arthur Jordão, Executive Director of ESNA, emphasized that the SNS report serves as an indispensable tool for policymakers, governments, and entrepreneurs alike to evaluate how conducive their ecosystems are for innovation and business growth. He notes that as Europe contends with rapid technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting economic landscapes, this report provides valuable insights into areas for improvement.

Linda Capusa, a board member of ESNA, presented the report alongside a panel discussion featuring experts from various sectors, including policy and venture capital, stressing the importance of cross-border collaboration amidst the common challenges faced by startups today.

To access the full report, including interactive country-specific data and key insights, visit ESNA Official Site.

About ESNA

Established following a declaration from 26 EU member states, Iceland, and Ukraine, the Europe Startup Nations Alliance aims to position the European startup ecosystem as a global leader by enhancing innovation, competitiveness, and entrepreneurial capabilities. Headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, ESNA guides the framework for implementing European startup excellence standards designed to harmonize startup-friendly policies and initiatives.