For the first time, 372 startup-friendly corporations across 30 countries—spanning 11 major industries and 10 sub-industries—have been ranked by how vigorously they engage with startups. The StartupBlink Corporate Startup Activity Index is the world’s first benchmark for corporate–startup collaboration, built on hard data, global partnerships with leading firms, governments, and data providers, and a state-of-the-art scoring framework.
Download the full report to explore the rankings of 370+ corporations today.
What Makes a Corporation Startup-Friendly?
To benchmark corporate engagement with startups, the Corporate Startup Activity Index 2025 scores companies in three areas:
- Corporate Involvement Score measures how actively a corporation supports startups through dedicated programs, investments, and acquisitions.
- Startup Success Score evaluates the performance and growth of startups that have engaged with the corporation, assessing factors including funding, traction, and exits.
- Ecosystem Integration Score assesses how deeply a corporation is connected with the broader startup ecosystem through partnerships, alumni collaborations, and events.
Top 10 Startup-Friendly Corporations Worldwide
Below we present the top 10 most startup-friendly corporations based on the Index. Two interesting trends from the top reveals that:
Only one corporation in the top 10 is headquartered outside the United States—Samsung Electronics.
Five of the top-ten companies are from the Software & Data industry, and four are from Hardware & IoT. The sole company outside these sectors is Comcast, representing Social & Leisure.
The full report extends the rankings to 370+ companies and includes country- and industry-level analysis.
1. Salesforce
Industry: Software & Data
Salesforce leads the way in corporate-startup engagement through its robust investment arm, Salesforce Ventures, which has backed hundreds of startups globally. The company is known for integrating startups into its ecosystem, often turning them into partners or acquisition targets. Its commitment to innovation through external collaboration has made it a cornerstone of the enterprise SaaS startup landscape.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #1 in Software & Data Industry
- # 1 in the United States
2. Intel
Industry: Hardware & IoT
Intel has long been a powerhouse in corporate startup activity, primarily through Intel Capital, one of the world’s most active corporate venture arms. With investments in hundreds of startups across sectors like AI, semiconductors, and edge computing, Intel also supports ecosystem growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Its consistent backing of early-stage innovation makes it a key enabler in deep tech and hardware-focused entrepreneurship.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #1 in Hardware & IoT Industry
- #2 in the United States
3. Google
Industry: Software & Data
Google has built a strong foundation in startup engagement through initiatives like Google for Startups, which offers resources, mentorship, and workspace access to founders worldwide. Its venture capital arm, GV (formerly Google Ventures), is among the most active in tech, backing high-growth startups across sectors. Google’s consistent acquisition of innovative companies also reinforces its role as a major player in scaling early-stage innovation.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #2 in Software & Data industry
- #3 in the United States
4. Qualcomm
Industry: Hardware & IoT
Qualcomm has made a strong mark in the startup landscape through Qualcomm Ventures, its global investment arm focused on early- to growth-stage tech companies. With a particular emphasis on areas like 5G, AI, and IoT, the company actively supports deep tech innovation. Qualcomm also partners with startups to pilot new technologies and bring them to market, playing a central role in advancing the connected device ecosystem.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #2 in Hardware & IoT industry
- #4 in the United States
5. Comcast
Industry: Social & Leisure
Comcast stands out in the startup ecosystem through Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, an accelerator program focused on media, entertainment, connectivity, and consumer tech. The company invests in and mentors early-stage startups, often providing them with access to its vast distribution, partnerships, and audiences. Its initiatives are designed to help startups commercialize rapidly while plugging into a major media-tech network.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #1 in Social & Leisure industry
- #5 in the US
6. Microsoft
Industry: Software & Data
Microsoft has established itself as a key player in startup engagement through its Microsoft for Startups program, which provides technical support, cloud credits, and go-to-market partnerships. The company enables startups to scale by offering access to enterprise customers and integrating them into its product ecosystem. With a mix of funding, mentorship, and distribution, Microsoft helps early-stage ventures grow within the B2B and cloud innovation space.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #3 in Software & Data Industry
- #6 in the United States
7. IBM
Industry: Software & Data
IBM has maintained a strong presence in the startup ecosystem through initiatives like the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator and IBM PartnerWorld, aimed at supporting tech startups with cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and mentorship. The company also collaborates with early-stage ventures through its research and enterprise client networks, helping them scale in fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and quantum computing.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #4 in Software & Data Industry
- #7 in the United States
8. Samsung Electronics
Industry: Hardware & IoT
Samsung Electronics plays a major role in fostering startup innovation through Samsung NEXT, which combines investment, partnerships, and M&A to support early-stage companies in areas like AI, blockchain, and digital health. The company also runs open innovation initiatives and collaborates with startups globally to integrate cutting-edge technologies into its product ecosystem.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #1 in South Korea
- #3 in Hardware & IoT industry
9. Ansys
Industry: Software & Data
Ansys supports startup innovation by offering early-stage companies access to its advanced engineering simulation software, helping them prototype, test, and scale products more efficiently. Through programs like Ansys Startup Program, it partners with startups in fields ranging from aerospace to autonomous vehicles, lowering technical barriers and accelerating product development in highly complex industries.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #8 in the United States
- #4 in Hardware & IoT industry
10. Cisco
Industry: Hardware & IoT
Cisco actively supports startups through both investment and collaboration, notably via Cisco Investments, which has backed hundreds of companies in areas like cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and networking. The company also engages startups through strategic acquisitions and integration opportunities, helping them scale within enterprise ecosystems and global markets.
Other Achievements from the Index:
- #9 in the United States
- #5 in Hardware & IoT industry
Looking for potential partners or innovation leaders? Get the full list of 372 ranked corporations — download the full index.
