Key findings

Ultimately, our survey report provides real insight into key areas and challenges that impact the scaleups scene across Europe with a slowdown, such as peaking inflation, rising interest rates, dropping valuations, pressure on sales funnels and the decreasing amount of money raised after two record breaking years. This slowdown however does not mean that we have to change the recipe. On the contrary, there are promising signs that the scale-ups ecosystem is maturing and has arrived at the next chapter in the cycle.

Learn more about the most prominent findings within the Scale-Ups Ecosystem 2024.

Scale-Ups Confidence

How confident are you that your business can continue or even accelerate its growth trajectory?

The 2024 Scale-Ups Confidence Survey provides valuable insights into the current state and future aspirations of scale-ups across Belgium, Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Overall, the survey paints a picture of an optimistic and ambitious scale-up landscape across the surveyed countries, albeit one that is not without its challenges.

Each country’s scale-up ecosystem has its own unique characteristics and level of maturity. In Belgium and Switzerland, for instance, the ecosystems are in a phase of maturation. These markets are currently readjusting after periods of high valuations, indicating a move toward stabilisation. Additionally, Switzerland is a typical example where the scale-ups ecosystem is significantly influenced by dominant sectors that play a crucial role in nurturing and driving emerging ventures forward. The Greek scale-up ecosystem has seen significant growth and maturity in a relatively short period, particularly through the Recovery and Resilience Facility programme introduced by the government.

In contrast, there is less intervention from the government in the UK. Additionally, there is a notable trend of ventures moving toward the US, raising questions about whether increased governmental support might help retain innovation within the UK. Finally, the Netherlands is operating in a rather fragmented manner, where different stakeholders could collaborate more closely, and continued government support is beneficial.

Despite these individual characteristics, these countries collectively form part of the broader European market. Greater unity and cooperation both within and between countries could substantially benefit ventures and enhance innovation across Europe. Promoting closer collaboration and strengthening ties would drive innovation and strengthen Europe’s competitive edge in the global scale-up landscape.