European Barometer
Of Responsible Business Practices in Startups
NUMBERS
433
STARTUPS SURVEYED
20
INTERVIEWS
6
COUNTRY DEEP DIVES
MENTIONS
Groundbreaking research reveals Europe's academic startup scene as a powerhouse of innovation, poised to drive significant economic growth. With universities at the helm, the continent is nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of startups ready to transform industries. Policymakers and investors are urged to support this dynamic sector to unlock its full potential.
FT September 5th 2025
“By starting to build key policies and practices early, especially if you’re aiming for rapid growth, you’ll avoid the much bigger challenge of trying to retrofit them later under pressure.”
Andrew Green, Executive Director of B Lab, Germany
“Incubators must support startups not only to start but also to stay on the path to responsible growth: mentorship, resources, access to financing, and promoting a truly collaborative environment are decisive in building a more sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial future.”
Alice Saccardi, Venture Program Manager at PoliHub, Italy
“There’s currently a real momentum to assert a more values-driven approach in Europe.”
Emilie Esparon, Head of Impact at VivaTech, France