Insights
Jan 13, 2023
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Startup studios, also known as venture studios or company builders, are a relatively new concept in the world of entrepreneurship. They are entities that create and launch multiple startups in-house, leveraging their expertise, resources, and networks to increase the chances of success. Startup studios differ from incubators and accelerators in that they typically focus on building companies from scratch rather than investing in or accelerating existing ones.
While the concept of startup studios is not new, the number of players in this space has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in regions like Asia, Europe, and Latin America. According to a report by CB Insights, the number of active startup studios globally increased from 102 in 2014 to 338 in 2020, with Europe accounting for the largest share of new studios launched in 2020.
One reason for the growth of startup studios is that they offer a unique value proposition to entrepreneurs. By providing a one-stop-shop for all the resources and expertise needed to launch a successful startup, startup studios can significantly reduce the time and cost involved in starting a company from scratch. Additionally, startup studios often provide ongoing support to the startups they create, which can help increase their chances of success in the long run. Let’s dive into who makes up this global startup studio network.
Asia has become a hotbed for startup activity in recent years, with a growing number of startup studios emerging across the region. From India to China and Southeast Asia, here are some of the key players in the Asian startup studio landscape.
In India, one of the most remarkable startup studios is Axilor Ventures, which was founded by Infosys co-founders S.D. Shibulal and Kris Gopalakrishnan. Axilor Ventures focuses on early-stage startups in the consumer internet, enterprise software, and deep tech sectors, and provides funding, mentorship, and a range of resources to help founders build successful companies. The studio has invested in several successful startups, including Detect Technologies and Perpule.
In China, one of the largest startup markets in the world, there are several prominent startup studios. One of the most notable is 36Kr, which operates a startup accelerator program as well as a co-working space and media platform. 36Kr focuses on building companies in the consumer internet, enterprise software, and fintech sectors, and provides funding, mentorship, and a range of resources to help founders succeed.
Europe has a thriving startup ecosystem, with many startup studios emerging across the continent in recent years. From startup studios in London to Berlin and Paris, here are some of the key players in the European startup studio landscape.
In the UK, one of the most notable startup studios is Entrepreneur First (EF), which focuses on building companies from scratch. EF provides funding, mentorship, and a range of resources to help founders find co-founders and develop their ideas into viable businesses. The studio has launched several successful startups, including Tractable and Dispatch.
In Germany, the startup studio ecosystem is expanding, one known studio is Project A Ventures, which focuses on building companies in the e-commerce, fintech, and digital health sectors. Project A Ventures provides funding, mentorship, and a range of resources to help founders build successful companies, and has launched several successful startups, including Spryker and KRY.
The Latin American startup ecosystem has been growing rapidly in recent years, with many new players entering the market, including startup studios. While the startup studio landscape in Latin America is still relatively nascent compared to regions like the US and Europe, there are several emerging players worth noting.
One of the most significant startup studios in Latin America is Magma Partners, which has offices in Santiago, Chile, and Mexico City. Magma Partners focuses on early-stage startups in the B2B, fintech, and proptech spaces, and provides funding, mentorship, and a range of resources to help founders build successful companies. The studio has invested in several successful startups across the region, including Fintual and Destacame.
Another is the Brazil startup ecosystem where there are several startup studios emerging. One of the most notable is Superjobs, which focuses on building companies in the HR and recruitment space. Superjobs provides funding, mentorship, and a range of resources to help founders build successful companies, and has already launched several startups, including VaiVoa, an on-demand staffing platform.
The global landscape of startup studios is rapidly evolving, with new players emerging in regions like Asia, Europe, and Latin America. While the concept of startup studios is still relatively new, they offer a unique value proposition to entrepreneurs and are likely to play an increasingly important role in the global startup ecosystem in the years to come.
Learn more about startup studios!
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