In 2025, the global startup landscape is evolving, with several countries maintaining strong ecosystems for early-stage businesses.
The United States remains the leading hub, with 221 cities ranked among the world’s top 1,000, though its growth has slowed to 18.2%, the lowest among the top 50. The United Kingdom holds second place and is gaining momentum with a 26.3% growth rate, widening its lead over Israel. Israel remains in third place with steady but slower growth at 20.6%.
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According to the Startup Ecosystem Index, there is a noticeable gap between the top three countries and the others. This reflects a maturing global ecosystem, where growth across regions has slowed to below 21%, even as competition among innovation hubs intensifies.
Despite this, countries continue to invest in policies, funding access, and infrastructure to attract and retain startups, shaping the future of global entrepreneurship.
Here are the top ten countries for startups in 2025.
1. United States
With an ecosystem growth of +18.2% and a total score of 254.05, the United States remains the global leader for startups, offering mature funding networks, wide market access, and strong support systems, with key startup cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Austin providing access to venture capital and skilled talent.
2. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom ranks second with +26.3% growth and a total score of 70.743, driven by a rise in activity across sectors like fintech and healthtech, supported by a stable legal framework and international market access, with London, Manchester, and Edinburgh emerging as hubs for innovation.
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3. Israel
Israel records +20.9% ecosystem growth and a score of 62.167, with its startup ecosystem supported by strong links between research institutions and businesses, especially in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and hardware.
4. Singapore
Singapore posts the highest growth on the list at +44.9%, with a total score of 54.682, benefiting from efficient government policies, tax incentives, and strategic access to Southeast Asian markets, making it an attractive launchpad for regional and international startups.
5. Canada
With +18.8% growth and a total score of 45.438, Canada remains a key player in the startup space, particularly in artificial intelligence, clean technology, and fintech, with cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offering public support, skilled labour, and immigration pathways for entrepreneurs.
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6. Sweden
Sweden shows strong momentum with +30.7% growth and a score of 35.311, led by cities like Stockholm that are supporting startups in sectors such as music technology, climate solutions, and software, bolstered by government support and regional partnerships.
7. Germany
Germany reports +28.4% growth and a total score of 33.159, with its ecosystem growing around Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, where a mix of innovation in manufacturing, green technology, and logistics continues to support the rise of early-stage companies.
8. France
France sees +30.2% growth and scores 32.417, with its startup scene expanding due to public-private collaboration, investor networks, and supportive programmes, particularly in Paris, which remains a central hub for founders across industries.
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9. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks ninth with +31.8% growth and a score of 31.747, known for its strength in biotech, medtech, and research-driven startups, supported by high-quality institutions and a trusted business environment despite its smaller domestic market.
10. The Netherlands
The Netherlands rounds out the top ten with +26.2% growth and a total score of 30.872, offering a startup-friendly environment with strong infrastructure, international outlook, and a digital economy centred around cities like Amsterdam.
