The Startup Ecosystem of Leuven

Leuven has 30 startups in our sample database which represents about 6% of Belgium’s sampled startups. Leuven is the 4th best startup ecosystem in Belgium.

CITY RANKING

In 2023, the startup scene of Leuven developed considerably and increased in the Global Ecosystem Index by 38 spots.

National Ranking

4th
0
In Belgium

Regional Ranking

91st
+
8
In Western Europe

Global Ranking

289th
+
38
Worldwide
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ECOSYSTEM

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Leuven

Startups in Leuven excel in Software and Data, Health, and and Fintech. There are some notable success stories contributing to the city’s growing Software and Data industry. One of the most promising startups in Leuven in 2023 is GuardSquare, THEO Technologies, and Cumul.io.

Global Rank

Leuven is ranked within the top 300 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Leuven’s startups excel particularly in Software and Data where it ranks 184 and in Health, and Fintech. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in Belgium - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal ScoreQuantity ScoreQuality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
0
72nd
-
13
8.730
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
0
131st
+
18
5.355
00.00
00.00
00.00
3rd
0
241st
+
14
2.046
00.00
00.00
00.00
4th
0
289th
+
38
1.437
00.00
00.00
00.00
5th
+
1
447th
-
41
0.667
00.00
00.00
00.00
6th
-
1
551st
-
167
0.416
00.00
00.00
00.00
7th
0
562nd
-
9
0.399
00.00
00.00
00.00
8th
0
564th
+
26
0.395
00.00
00.00
00.00
9th
0
629th
-
31
0.327
00.00
00.00
00.00
10th
0
862nd
-
89
0.167
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Leuven
GuardSquare startup icon
GuardSquare
THEO Technologies startup icon
THEO Technologies
Cumul.io startup icon
Cumul.io

Startups

Successful Software and Data startups in Leuven
GuardSquare startup icon
GuardSquare
Cumul.io startup icon
Cumul.io
SettleMint NV startup icon
SettleMint NV

Startups

Startups Ranking by Industry

Software and Data icon
Software and Data
#184 worldwide

On our map, you can explore a total of 13 startups for Software and Data.

Health icon
Health
#192 worldwide

The Health industry in Leuven is ranked 192 globally. There are 7 startups for Health on our sample database and map.

Fintech icon
Fintech
#220 worldwide

Fintech is ranked 220th in the world. Our database contains 4 startups for this industry.

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Leuven's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Leuven there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Software and Data, Health, Fintech. These three industries represent about 80% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Leuven.

4th

National Rank

91st

Regional Rank

Overview

Leuven is Belgium's 4th best startup ecosystem and is ranked 91st in Western Europe. With a population of 0.1M - 0.5M people, Leuven is ranked 289th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including GuardSquare.

ECOSYSTEM
Startup Infrastructure in Leuven
With a large variety of initiatives, Leuven's startup ecosystem stands out from other cities in Western Europe. Leuven offers a number of funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups. Below is a list of Leuven's most prominent support initiatives:

Accelerators

Test Farms startup icon

Test Farms

imec.xpand startup icon

imec.xpand

Coworking Spaces

Regus Express - Leuven, Railway Station Regus Express startup icon

Regus Express - Leuven, Railway Station Regus Express

Featured Ecosystem Portals

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