European Startup Network (ESN) in the service of strengthening European SME entrepreneurship

Objective

ESN unifies national startup associations to create a common voice for European startups so that more can start, scale, and succeed in Europe.

About the Network

ESN was established in September of 2016. Since then it has grown from a handful of national associations to covering almost all of Europe, at 38 organizations in our network, plus countless partners with whom we work to complement internal expertise. The Network helps startups to scale, represent them to European policymakers, and connects them to corporates and investors, among other activities.

National Membership

ESN is composed of 38 national startup associations from across Europe. We work with our members on joint projects including international soft-landing missions for start-ups, pan-European policy manifestos, and best practice sharing for running national networks, among other activities.

• Access to 38 national startup ecosystems, stakeholders and experts
• Access to +30.000 validated startups over Europe
• Only bottomup authentic national startup associations in the European Startup Network

Startups & Scaleups

The Network works with entrepreneurs, startups, and scaleups on finding funding, connecting with corporates, meeting with investors, attending events—ensuring they have access to all relevant paths to scale.

Policy & Regulation

The Network influences policy by producing high-impact papers, serving on expert committees, and lobbying before regulators on behalf of startups, scaleups, and entrepreneurs. 

Corporates

Alongside our partners, The Network provides pan-European scouting services to corporations looking to innovate with startups and scaleups, as well as tailored open innovation workshops and corporate entrepreneurship toolkits.

Source: European Startup Network, 2023