InvestorInvesting in early-stage technology companies across Europe.
The startup scene across Austria
Where startups are forming across Austria: the cities, accelerators and investors, and how you get close to them.
The ecosystem
BMWET’s April 2026 summary of the Austrian Startup Monitor estimates that about 35,000 people worked in Austria’s startup sector in 2025, with an average of 11.4 employees per startup. The 2024 Monitor defines startups as companies under ten years old with an innovative offering and significant realized or intended revenue or team growth; its survey received responses from 665 founders and managing directors and covered 474 companies.
In the 2025 Monitor summary, 82% of startups planned international expansion, 74% named the EU as their main target region, and 18% named North America as their main region outside Europe. More than 75% reported revenue, while 46% said they operated at least at break-even in 2025 and a further 40% expected to reach break-even within two years.
Sectors and strengths
The 2025 Monitor summary classifies 75% of startups as technology-oriented, including a separately reported 12% deep-tech share; AI and data innovation are prominent fields for roughly three-quarters of technology startups. Energy and environmental technologies account for 18%, and life sciences and biotechnology for 14%.
As of . Official information. Source: Austrian Startup Monitor 2025 shows resilient development, strong technology orientation and growing international dynamics
The summary reports AI use in business processes at 84%, product development at 70%, offerings at 53%, and production at 16%; these describe reported uses in different functions. Green and Social Impact startups represented 31% of startups founded in 2023–2025, compared with 13% in 2014–2016.
As of . Official information. Source: Austrian Startup Monitor 2025 shows resilient development, strong technology orientation and growing international dynamics
Capital providers
In the 2025 Monitor summary, bootstrapping was the most common funding source at 65%, and public grants were a central funding source for 55% of startups. Public grants were the primary funding basis for 78% of deep-tech startups; 54% of startups were reported as venture-capital financed.
As of . Official information. Source: Austrian Startup Monitor 2025 shows resilient development, strong technology orientation and growing international dynamics
For founders
The Monitor reports that 82% of startups plan international expansion, with the EU named as the main target region by 74%; those figures offer a concrete reference point for founders weighing cross-border plans. Reported funding patterns include bootstrapping at 65% and public grants as central for 55%, rising to a primary funding basis for 78% of deep-tech startups.
As of . Official information. Source: Austrian Startup Monitor 2025 shows resilient development, strong technology orientation and growing international dynamics
For investors
The Monitor summary identifies technology orientation, AI and data innovation, energy and environmental technology, and life sciences and biotechnology as notable areas, while reporting that 54% of startups were venture-capital financed. Its figures are survey summaries, so they describe reported startup characteristics rather than guaranteeing company-level performance.
As of . Official information. Source: Austrian Startup Monitor 2025 shows resilient development, strong technology orientation and growing international dynamics
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Austria ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bloomberg Innovation Index | 2021 | #10 | Up 2 | B | Innovation, Research |
 Global Innovation Index | 2025 | #19 | Down 2 | A | Innovation, Competitiveness, Research, Talent |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (countries) | 2025 | #26 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Doing Business (Ease of Doing Business ranking) | Doing Business 2020 | #27 | Down 1 | B | Business Climate |
 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking | 2026 | #29 | Down 3 | B | Competitiveness, Business Climate, Performance |
224 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Austria
Investors 155
Investor
InvestorEmpowering women in tech and entrepreneurship.
InvestorEmpowering purpose-driven founders in HealthTech.
The 3 most prominent of 155. Browse all investors
Incubators 28
IncubatorVienna's leading high-tech business incubator.
IncubatorDriving medical innovations from concept to clinical application.
IncubatorAccelerating innovation and supporting startups in Upper Austria.
The 3 most prominent of 28. Browse all incubators
Accelerators 23
AcceleratorEmpowering cultural tech startups for global impact.
AcceleratorShaping the future of agriculture through innovation.
AcceleratorSupporting startup founders in Austria.
The 3 most prominent of 23. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 18
Venture studioCreating high-end brands from innovative ideas.
Venture studioConnecting startups with global investment opportunities.
Venture studioBuilding sustainable ventures for societal impact.
The 3 most prominent of 18. Browse all venture studios
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Austria
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Austria
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Austria
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Austria
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingCity guides
Cities in Austria
The largest 4 of 6 published city guides.
Questions about Austria
How does Austria rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #10 in Bloomberg Innovation Index (2021). It appears in 5 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Austria?
155 investors based in Austria have a profile here, including Speedinvest, Female Founders and Calm/Storm. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Austria?
Yes. Austria has 23 accelerators, 28 incubators and 18 venture studios on record, including Culttech Accelerator, INiTS | Vienna's High-Tech Incubator and Room4 Ventures.
Which universities are in Austria?
One university has a profile: FHV Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences.
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