StartupBlink is the world’s most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center. In 2017, we first launched the Global Startup Ecosystem Report, a free resource that ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1000 cities. Ever since 2019, we have been updating the Global Startup Ecosystem Report and have improved our algorithm and methodology to create a more accurate representation of the global startup ecosystem scene. Our Index can now be consulted not only as a Report but in the interactive ranking tables from the StartupBlink website.
Over the years, our mission and vision have also evolved. At StartupBlink we aim to uncover and share the momentum of all startup ecosystems and to help our clients’ startup ecosystems be better positioned for growth. Our hope is to one day become the go-to platform for all global stakeholders in understanding startup ecosystems and provide our clients with a massive advantage in growing their startup economies. In order to reach this goal, StartupBlink is launching new features and partnership opportunities for startup ecosystem stakeholders. We use our research and expertise to deliver the best Consulting services, Analysis Reports, Ecosystem Portals as well as multiple activities that involve all payers from the startup ecosystem scene.
To get to know us better, we prepared a Q & A with our most-asked questions:
Frequently asked questions about StartupBlink:
- Who can use StartupBlink?
StartupBlink’s resources are used by all players involved in the growth of startup ecosystems: from startups to accelerators and coworking spaces, universities, and government agencies.
- How does StartupBlink rank ecosystems?
To ensure that the rankings are as accurate as possible, we have based our algorithm on objective, quantifiable data that can be comparatively measured across regions, countries, and cities. We refrained from using subjective tools such as surveys and interviews, and instead utilized data that was either accumulated directly from the StartupBlink map or has arrived from integration with a reliable global data partner.
We have been sampling startup ecosystem data on the curated and interactive StartupBlink Global Map, which enables us to test and perfect our algorithm based on vast sets of data. We estimate that the core map dataset has a representative sample covering 10-15% of total relevant entities in global startup ecosystems. In addition, hundreds of thousands of entities and data integrations are taken into account via our global data partners. Each location’s final score is based on the exact same algorithm and which is the sum of 3 subscores measuring the Quantity, Quality, and Business environment. We are aware that our sample size fluctuates depending on location and data sourcing. Our only intervention in the score is discounting locations where we determined that the sample size of the entities is higher than average.
- How does StartupBlink gather the data?
The data we use in the ranking algorithms are added directly to the StartupBlink Map by various startup ecosystem stakeholders worldwide. We also curate data from reliable Global Data Partners such as Crunchbase, Semrush, Statista, Findexable, Meetup, Coworker, and many more. In addition, we are collaborating with ecosystem stakeholders and governments from around the world in order to get a clear picture of the state of their startup ecosystem.
- Why can’t I find on the StartupBlink Map all the startups from my location?
StartupBlink uses a sampling method in order the rank the startup ecosystems. Because our aim is to offer a macro-level vision of the global startup ecosystem scene, we do not showcase a database of all startups. However, if you believe your ecosystem is underrepresented on the map, we offer government ecosystem developers, the possibility to curate entities to the mao. Learn more about the Complimentary data Partnership here.
- Why am I being redirected to a dashboard for the greater city/area when I search for my city?
StartupBlink clusters smaller cities around major cities, such as the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver, and New York, and display data for a larger metropolitan area. Yet, there are independent municipalities that have their own startup ecosystems. We create startup ecosystem portals for our partners in those ecosystems. These portals showcase comprehensive insight into their startup ecosystem and their own ranking independent of the greater city. For example, Yokohama is a municipality in the Greater Tokyo region with its own startup ecosystem portal and information to attract unique talent and investment globally. If you would like to create a dedicated ecosystem portal for your city, you can contact us.
- Why is my ecosystem decreasing in the rankings despite having a lot of startups?
Your ecosystem dropping the rankings might not necessarily mean it is doing worse than the previous year. A drop in the rank could also indicate that other ecosystems are simply increasing at a faster rate. Besides the number of startups (which are taken into consideration in the Quantity score), our algorithm also rewards the Quality and business scores. For a more detailed analysis of your startup ecosystem and which parameters you need to work on in order to improve your scores, we recommend an Ecosystem Health Check Report.
- How can I increase the ranking of my startup ecosystem?
If you are a public sector ecosystem developer, we have a partnership available at no cost that will help them increase the accuracy of your ranking and share your initiatives with our global network. Under this free partnership option, you can make sure that your ecosystem is accurately represented in the next Global Ecosystem Index, Global Map and Ecosystem Dashboards. You would also be able to curate entities on the Map and stay in touch with events and news on startup ecosystem development. If you are an organization with an aim to grow your startup ecosystem or represent your ecosystem, feel free to schedule a call with us to discuss how we can collaborate.
- Is the Startupblink Report free?
Yes, the Global Startup Ecosystem Index is a free resource. We are dedicating a quarter of our company’s annual time to do research for the report. It is utilized by hundreds of thousands of startup founders, startup ecosystem developers, corporations, and other ecosystem stakeholders to support critical decisions on policy-making, strategy, relocation, and investment. You can download it in a pdf format here.
About StartupBlink’s services:
- How can I work with StartupBlink?
StartupBlink offers a Complimentary data Partnership to all the public sector startup ecosystem developers. We also offer a range of macro-level startup ecosystem development services such as Analysis, Promotion, Portals, and Databases as well as Capacity building.
- What is an Ecosystem Health Check?
An Ecosystem Health Check is a detailed report that analyzes the scores of your startup ecosystems, based on dozens of parameters. The report showcase how your startup ecosystem would perform if certain parameters would not be taken into account for the ranking algorithm.
- What is StartupBlink Pro?
Under the Pro account, you can have unrestricted access to the Map, Ranking tables, and Dashboards. This allows you to filter Startups by Industry, Unicorns, and Exits as well as filter the ranking tables by populations, regions, or industries. Learn more
- What is a StartupBlink Portal?
StartupBlink Ecosystem and Industry Portals are powerful promotional and mapping platforms branded on your organization. The ecosystem portals provide a comprehensive insight into your city/country and build a narrative around your startup ecosystem while connecting you with hundreds of thousands of users interested in your ecosystem. The Industry Portals allow organizations to become a go-to platform for startups in their target industry while providing a global comparative analysis of the ecosystems around the world.
Questions from Startups
- Why should I add my startup to the map?
Adding your startup to the map gives you visibility to multiple startup ecosystem stakeholders and thousands of map visitors every day. To add your startup to the map, Login into the StartupBlink platform and fill in your details.
- Why is my startup not on the map?
As we use a sampling method for our startup database, it is possible not to have mapped your startup. We encourage you to add your startup directly, by login into the StartupBlink platform and filling in your details.
To learn more about how you can work with us, we invite you to contact us and our team will get back to you shortly.
