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Austria is home to over 8,000 emerging startup ventures. Join 200+ startups already on Foundersbase - be among the first 50 joining in Austria and discover promising early-stage innovation partners today!

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Startup Ecosystem in Austria

Map of Austria

Startup Ecosystem in Austria

Startup Ecosystem in Austria

Austria has transformed its innovation landscape over the past decade, building on its industrial heritage while fostering digital disruption across multiple sectors. The country has produced notable success stories such as GoStudent (edtech unicorn), Bitpanda (crypto platform), and Adverity (marketing analytics), demonstrating the growing maturity of its startup ecosystem. The investment environment is led by Speedinvest, one of Central Europe's most active early-stage VCs, alongside Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) Gründerfonds and 3VC, which focus particularly on B2B software, fintech, and deep tech opportunities. The angel investor community, while smaller than in neighboring Germany, has become increasingly organized through networks like Austrian Angel Investors Association and primeCROWD, often leveraging expertise from traditional industries. Accelerator programs such as weXelerate in Vienna and Science Park Graz provide structured support, with strong corporate involvement reflecting Austria's industrial strengths. What truly distinguishes the Austrian ecosystem is its comprehensive public funding infrastructure through agencies like FFG (Research Promotion Agency) and AWS (Austria Wirtschaftsservice), offering a sophisticated mix of grants, low-interest loans, and guarantees. Vienna dominates as the primary innovation hub, though Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck are developing specialized ecosystems leveraging regional academic and industrial strengths. The country's central European location and high quality of life continue to attract international talent, while its historical connections provide unique advantages for startups looking to expand into CEE markets.

Austria has transformed its innovation landscape over the past decade, building on its industrial heritage while fostering digital disruption across multiple sectors. The country has produced notable success stories such as GoStudent (edtech unicorn), Bitpanda (crypto platform), and Adverity (marketing analytics), demonstrating the growing maturity of its startup ecosystem. The investment environment is led by Speedinvest, one of Central Europe's most active early-stage VCs, alongside Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) Gründerfonds and 3VC, which focus particularly on B2B software, fintech, and deep tech opportunities. The angel investor community, while smaller than in neighboring Germany, has become increasingly organized through networks like Austrian Angel Investors Association and primeCROWD, often leveraging expertise from traditional industries. Accelerator programs such as weXelerate in Vienna and Science Park Graz provide structured support, with strong corporate involvement reflecting Austria's industrial strengths. What truly distinguishes the Austrian ecosystem is its comprehensive public funding infrastructure through agencies like FFG (Research Promotion Agency) and AWS (Austria Wirtschaftsservice), offering a sophisticated mix of grants, low-interest loans, and guarantees. Vienna dominates as the primary innovation hub, though Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck are developing specialized ecosystems leveraging regional academic and industrial strengths. The country's central European location and high quality of life continue to attract international talent, while its historical connections provide unique advantages for startups looking to expand into CEE markets.

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Austria startups in numbers

Startups in Austria on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 41% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 59% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 39.4% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Austria are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Austria are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Education, Mental Health, and Industrial Technology. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Global Health, Ocean Protection, Sustainable Agriculture, and Data Privacy & Security, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Austria offers a great starting point.

Job Offerings

More than (41%) of startups in Austria are actively recruiting talent, while (59%) are focused on building with their current team.

Hiring 41%

Startup Stage

The Austria startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (39.4%) currently at the Prototype stage.

Funding Need

About (60%) of early-stage startups in Austria are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (40%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.

Fundraising 60%

Top innovation sectors

Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Austria are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.

Space Technology
Education
Mental Health
Industrial Technology
Genomics
Healthcare
Real Estate
Games

Impact Focus

Startups from Austria on Foundersbase most often focus on Global Health, driving innovation in this area.

Global Health
Ocean Protection
Sustainable Agriculture
Data Privacy & Security

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