What is a startup ecosystem?
A startup ecosystem is the network of people, organisations and resources in a place, or a sector, that helps new companies start and grow. It includes founders and their teams, the investors who fund them, the programmes that train them, and the universities, companies and governments around them.
Ecosystems work through connections. A founder who exits becomes an angel investor. An employee at one startup leaves to start another. A university spin-out joins an accelerator. The more these links happen, the faster the whole ecosystem grows.
Who makes up a startup ecosystem
Founders and startups
The companies at the centre, from idea stage to scale-ups.
Investors
Angels, angel networks, venture capital firms and corporate investors.
Accelerators and incubators
Programmes that train, fund and connect early-stage startups.
Universities
Sources of talent, research and spin-out companies.
Corporates
Customers, partners, acquirers and sometimes investors.
Government
Policy, grants, tax incentives and public programmes.
Mentors and service providers
Experienced operators, lawyers, accountants and others who support startups.
Communities and media
Events, meetups and publications that share knowledge and create visibility.
What makes a startup ecosystem strong
- Access to early-stage capital at every stage, not just the first cheque
- Experienced founders who reinvest time and money into newer companies
- A steady supply of technical and business talent
- Programmes, events and communities where people actually meet
- Clear, supportive regulation and simple company setup
- Easy ways to find who is who and what is happening
How founders can make the most of their ecosystem
- 1
Map it
List the investors, programmes, mentors and communities relevant to your stage and sector.
- 2
Show up
Go to events and programme sessions regularly, not just once.
- 3
Give before you ask
Share what you've learned, make introductions and help founders behind you.
- 4
Apply to programmes
Accelerators, incubators and competitions are the quickest way into a network.
- 5
Keep a visible profile
Make it easy for investors, partners and hires to find you and understand what you do.
How Startupply connects you to your ecosystem
Startupply puts the main parts of an ecosystem in one place, so you can find them without searching dozens of websites.
- 1
Startup and organisation directory
Browse startups and organisations like incubators and accelerators, filtered by industry, stage and country.
- 2
Profiles of people
Find founders, co-founders, mentors and investors, and message them directly.
- 3
Events and programmes
See programmes, workshops, seminars and competitions run by organisations in the ecosystem, and apply with your profile.
- 4
Perks and partners
Get discounts and credits from partners that support startups.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main parts of a startup ecosystem?
Founders and startups, investors, accelerators and incubators, universities, corporates, government, mentors and service providers, and the communities and media that connect them.
How do I join my local startup ecosystem?
Attend local startup events, apply to a programme, join founder communities, and create a public profile so others can find you. Startupply's directory and events page are a good place to start.
Can organisations list themselves on Startupply?
Yes. Incubators, accelerators and other organisations can create an organisation profile, publish events and run applications through Startupply.