The Startup Ecosystem of Albania

Albania has 1 city in the top 1000 and is the leading startup hub in Eastern Europe.

COUNTRY RANKING

Albania’s startup scene saw an increase in 2023 and jumped 1 spot from the previous year, outranking Lebanon.

Population

2.8
Million

Regional Ranking

19th
+
1
In Eastern Europe

Global Ranking

74th
+
1
Worldwide

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

people walking near white concrete building during daytime
Albania’s startup ecosystem is still in the early stages, however there are both public and private sector efforts to boost startup development and entrepreneurship. Albania has a promising talent base with skilled IT workers that have already created notable startups, such as Kreatx and Publer.
Albania has the necessary foundations for becoming a success story in the near future. The local startup community is full of enthusiasm, and the country provides various support systems with the help of international development organizations. There are also stakeholders, like EBRD, that support and guide startups and facilitate access to international markets and investment networks. Furthermore, the Ministry of State for Entrepreneurship is a government body that aims to assist private entrepreneurship in the country.
Over the last few years, Albania has developed several innovative activities and initiatives, such as Albania Tech, Ofiçina, Swiss Entrepreneurship Albania, Pro-Tik Center, and ICTSlab, all formed with the goal of encouraging entrepreneurial skills and mindsets within the local population. Moreover, the Albanian-American Development Foundation partnered with Norfund, Crimson Capital Corp, and the Municipality of Tirana to establish CFF, which will provide financial support to MSMEs and address one of the challenges of the local ecosystem: limited funding opportunities. Additionally, local software development companies have been eligible for tax relief since early 2019.
As one of the countries with the most brain drain in the Western Balkans since 2010, Albania’s startup ecosystem is still very young. However by creating and growing a skilled and educated workforce, there could soon emerge a sustainable startup ecosystem focused on tech companies. Furthermore, Albania attracts a diverse range of talent, as it offers digital nomad visas that can be extended up to five years.
The EU has raised funds for startup development and financing to help Tirana become a major innovation hub in the region.

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ECOSYSTEM

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Albania

In 2023, Albania register a rise in Ecommerce & Retail startups. Some of the most notable success stories in this industry are those of , Gjirafa.

Global Rank

Albania is ranked within the top 100 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Albania’s startup scene is best represented in Ecommerce & Retail, Software and Data, and in and Fintech.

Top Cities for Startups in Albania - 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
459th
+
2
0.611
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Albania
Gjirafa startup icon
Gjirafa
Baboon - Food Delivery startup icon
Baboon - Food Delivery
Pago startup icon
Pago

Startups

Successful Ecommerce & Retail startups in Albania
Gjirafa startup icon
Gjirafa
Shpi.al startup icon
Shpi.al
RentfromLocals startup icon
RentfromLocals

Startups

Startups Ranking by Industry

Ecommerce & Retail icon
Ecommerce & Retail
5 startups

On our map, you can explore a total of 5 startups for Ecommerce & Retail.

Software and Data icon
Software and Data
5 startups

Albania has 5 startups in Software and Data on our map.

Fintech icon
Fintech
4 startups

Our database contains 4 for Fintech in Albania.

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