What Startup Poland does

Startup Poland (Fundacja Startup Poland) is a Warsaw- and Kraków-based non-governmental foundation established in 2015 to represent Polish technology startups, remove systemic and legal barriers to their growth, and integrate the domestic startup ecosystem. It operates as the country's leading startup think tank, publishing the annual flagship 'Polskie Startupy' report (now in its 11th edition, 2025), sector-specific reports on space/aerospace, energy, corporate-startup cooperation, and net neutrality, and the 'DEKADA' retrospective compendium. In May 2026 it launched SP Matcher, an AI-powered investment matching platform built around an NLP agent ('Pola Wenczer') that semantically analyzes pitch decks against investor theses and offers freemium startup access plus tiered subscription packages (PONY/ZEBRA/UNICORN) for VC funds.

The foundation's revenue model combines three streams: modest one-time report and digital book sales priced between 9.99 EUR and 130 PLN; institutional partnership funding from a concentrated set of strategic backers including PKO Bank Polski, Google for Startups, PFR Ventures, ORLEN, Microsoft, and BNP Paribas; and an emerging freemium-plus-subscription software business via SP Matcher, currently used by SMOK Ventures, Vastpoint, Bitspiration VC, and Eleven Ventures. Distribution occurs through the startuppoland.org e-commerce platform, Amazon for physical books, the pitch.startuppoland.org web platform, regional report premieres across 10+ Polish cities, and partner channels.

Beyond commercial activity, Startup Poland functions as a policy advocacy body, serving as the sole Polish member of the European S9+ coalition, a founding member of the European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA), and a participant in EU AI Act and Startup Nations Standard discussions alongside Allied for Startups. It also runs the recurring Roche Startup Day, the DeepTech Trial by Fire competition, regional meetups, and a monthly newsletter, positioning the foundation as connective tissue across Polish startups, domestic and international VCs, large corporates, and government ministries including the Polish Ministry of Digitization, NCBR, POLSA, and the City of Kraków.

Name

Startup Poland

Legal name

Fundacja Startup Poland

Website

https://startuppoland.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Startup Poland is a non-governmental foundation serving as Poland's leading startup think tank, publishing the annual 'Polskie Startupy' ecosystem report and the AI-powered SP Matcher investment matching platform for founders and VC funds.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Ecosystem Research and Policy Advocacy

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

SME & Entrepreneurship Development (Trade-Linked) (BPADAMAE), Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB)

Keywords

• Startup ecosystem research
• AI investment matching
• Policy advocacy services
• Venture capital intelligence
• Ecosystem data reports

Headquarters

HQ city

Warsaw

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Report Sales: Sale of annual and thematic reports on Polish startup ecosystem, including the flagship 'Polskie Startupy' annual report (130 PLN), regional ecosystem reports (44.96 PLN), and digital books like 'Dekada' (90 PLN / 20 EUR).
2. Foundation Funding from Partners: The Foundation is financed by cooperation with Partners as well as implementation of statutory projects including reports or connecting startups with companies. Strategic partners include PKO BP, Google for Startups, PFR Ventures, ORLEN, and others.
3. SP Matcher Premium Tiers: Freemium model for startups (free registration and analysis) with paid tiers for investors including PONY (Free), ZEBRA, and UNICORN packages offering deeper insights into tech trends. Pay-as-you-wish model available for smaller funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Startup Poland is a foundation/think tank that produces and sells annual and thematic research reports on the Polish startup ecosystem (the 'Polskie Startupy' flagship series and sector-specific reports such as 'DEKADA', 'Space and Aero', and 'Cooperation between Corporations and Startups'). It operates SP Matcher, an AI-powered web platform that semantically matches startup pitch decks with VC investor theses. The organization also engages in policy advocacy at Polish and EU levels, representing Polish startups in coalitions such as S9+ and ESNA.

Product overview

Startup Poland is a non-governmental organization and think tank focused on representing the Polish startup community and influencing public policy. Rather than a unified SaaS platform, its portfolio consists primarily of published research reports (the flagship annual 'Polskie Startupy' series spanning 2015-2025, the 'DEKADA' 10-year retrospective compendium, and sector-specific reports on space/aero, corporations-startup cooperation, net neutrality, and technology for energy) alongside the SP Matcher AI platform for investment matching. The organization also maintains the pitch.startuppoland.org submission portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SP Matcher: AI-powered investment matching platform that connects startups with suitable investors by analyzing pitch decks and investment theses.
• Polskie Startupy Report

Products and services

• SP Matcher AI-powered investment matching platform that connects startups with venture capital funds by semantically analyzing pitch decks and investment theses. The autonomous AI agent 'Pola Wenczer' reads startup decks, evaluates business models, traction, and technology uniqueness, and produces thesis-aligned matches. Free for startups; subscription tiers for investors (PONY free, ZEBRA, UNICORN).
• Polskie Startupy (Polish Startups) Report Annual flagship report on the condition and challenges of the Polish startup ecosystem, based on surveys of startup founders and CEOs. The 11th edition published in December 2025 covers technology trends, funding, and ecosystem developments. Priced at 130.00 PLN.
• DEKADA Comprehensive compendium analyzing the Polish startup ecosystem over the last 10 years, featuring interviews with industry leaders, statistics, success stories, and future forecasts. Available as a physical book via Amazon and as electronic versions in Polish (90 PLN) and English (20 EUR).
• 10 lat – 10 spotkań – 10 miast (Regional Ecosystem Report) Analysis of regional startup ecosystems across 10 Polish cities, examining local strengths, weaknesses, success examples, and development directions. Based on nationwide research project conducted February-November 2024. Priced at 44.96 PLN.
• Cooperation between Corporations and Startups (Vol 2) Report surveying over 200 companies on collaboration between corporations and startups, with responses from board members, directors, and managers influencing corporate decision-making. Priced at 10 EUR.
• Space and Aero 2024 Report Report on Polish startups in aerospace and space sectors, featuring market analysis, development prospects, and data on 330 space-related companies, 100 drone companies, and 150 enterprises in ESA projects. Priced at 9.99 EUR.
• OPEN and FREE Internet – in the eyes of startups Report on net neutrality and its impact on startups, addressing EU digital ecosystem policy and regulatory implications for technology companies.
• Polish Startups 2024 10th anniversary edition of the annual report tracking the evolution of the Polish startup ecosystem, examining technology trends, climate change impact, automation, and AI adoption.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of pitch decks are estimated to be 'noise' - sent to wrong investors
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

53 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• S9+ CoalitionflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Startup Poland is the sole Polish member of the S9+ coalition, working with European startup organizations to advocate for regulatory reform at EU level. Presented joint S9+ Declaration at Luxembourg summit.
• Allied for StartupscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026International coalition partner advocating for startup-friendly policies globally, including EU AI Act position papers.
• Adigital (Spain)minorOthers · 1 June 2026Spanish digital association partner in S9+ coalition for European startup advocacy.
• Startup PortugalminorOthers · 1 June 2026Portuguese startup association partner in European coalition for startup policy advocacy.
• Dutch Startup AssociationminorOthers · 1 June 2026Dutch ecosystem partner in S9+ coalition representing Benelux startup interests.
• Estonian Founders SocietyminorOthers · 1 June 2026Estonian startup ecosystem partner in European coalition.
• Danish Entrepreneurs (Danske Iværksættere)minorOthers · 1 June 2026Danish startup community partner in S9+ coalition.
• Finnish Startup Community (FSC)minorOthers · 1 June 2026Finnish ecosystem partner representing Nordic startup interests in European coalition.
• Czech Startup AssociationminorOthers · 1 June 2026Central European startup partner in S9+ coalition.
• PULSE - Luxembourg Startups AssociationminorOthers · 1 June 2026Luxembourg startup association co-hosting S9+ summit in Luxembourg.
• House of Startups Luxembourg (HoST)minorOthers · 1 June 2026Luxembourg startup ecosystem organization partner in S9+ coalition.
• Startup SloveniaminorOthers · 1 June 2026Slovenian startup association partner in Central European coalition.
• Scale IrelandminorOthers · 1 June 2026Irish startup scaling organization partner in European coalition.
• EsTechminorOthers · 1 June 2026European technology association partner in S9+ coalition.
• Scale-Ups.euminorOthers · 1 June 2026European scaleup organization partner in coalition focused on later-stage startups.
• startups.beminorOthers · 1 June 2026Belgian startup platform partner in European ecosystem coalition.
• SISP - Swedish Incubators & Science ParksminorOthers · 1 June 2026Swedish incubator and science park network partner in S9+ coalition.
• Roche PolandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Sixth Roche Startup Day organized with Startup Poland to facilitate corporate-startup collaboration on healthcare innovation challenges.
• European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Founding member of ESNA alongside Luxembourg, Germany, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Greece. ESNA supports 26 EU Member States and Iceland in implementing EU Startup Nations Standard for startup-friendly policies.
• Web SummitminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Major European startup event. DeepTech Trial by Fire competition winners received tickets to Web Summit in Lisbon.
• Startup WrocławminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Local startup organization co-hosting startupWROmeetup vol. 2 event in Wrocław.
• BNP ParibascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Major French bank supporting startup ecosystem research and co-hosting events on startup expansion and international market entry.
• SDZLEGAL SCHINDHELMminorOthers · 1 January 2023Legal advisory partner for startupWROmeetup discussing legal aspects of international expansion.
• PKO Bank PolskiflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner supporting multiple reports including 'Polskie Startupy' series and 'Cooperation between corporations and startups' report. PKO BP provides funding and institutional credibility to Startup Poland's research initiatives.
• Google for StartupsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey technology partner hosting events like 'All Eyes on Poland' and supporting multiple reports. Google for Startups provides technology expertise and global platform visibility for Polish ecosystem.
• PFR VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-backed VC fund platform supporting research and providing data on Polish venture capital ecosystem through multiple report partnerships.
• ORLENcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for 'Polskie Startupy 2025' report, representing major Polish corporate interest in startup ecosystem development.
• National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic research funding agency collaborating on equity gap report and supporting early-stage innovation ecosystem research.
• PKO Bank PolskicoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBook partner for 'Dekada' publication, supporting dissemination of comprehensive 10-year ecosystem analysis.
• Google for StartupscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBook partner for 'Dekada' providing technology ecosystem perspective and marketing support.
• ForbesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia patron for 'Dekada' book, providing editorial coverage and visibility for Polish startup ecosystem analysis.
• Aula PolskaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for 'Dekada' book promotion.
• ARAWminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for Wrocław ecosystem events and book promotion.
• Polish Ministry of DigitizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry responsible for digital policy, with Secretary of State Dariusz Standerski representing Poland at S9+ summit. Active collaboration on startup regulatory reform.
• City of KrakówcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner hosting Startup Poland's new 'Stacja Innowacja' operational hub. Mayor Aleksander Miszalski attended opening ceremony.
• Invest in KrakowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKraków city investment promotion agency co-hosting Innovation Station opening event.
• Parp (Polish Agency for Enterprise Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency supporting SME development, partner for 'Polish Startups 2022' report.
• PGNiG VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy sector VC fund co-creating 'Technology for Energy' report and supporting energy startup ecosystem.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology giant partner for energy technology reports and startup ecosystem events.
• EIT FoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU innovation initiative for food and agriculture, partner for Polish Startups 2023 report.
• ICEYEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinnish SAR satellite company, report patron for 'Space and Aero 2024' report.
• Polish Space Agency (POLSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment space agency co-creating 'Kosmos 2022' report on Polish space ecosystem.
• Industrial Development Agency (ARP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned development institution co-authoring 'Kosmos 2022' space sector report.
• ExatelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolish telecom and cybersecurity company, report patron for 'Kosmos 2022'.
• KOWRminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Support Centre for Agriculture, co-creating technology for energy report with focus on agritech.
• VESTBEEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEuropean startup funding platform, competition content partner for deeptech initiatives.
• Huge ThingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKraków-based acceleration program and startup community partner.
• KPT Krakow Technology ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKraków technology park, competition partner supporting local startup ecosystem.
• Startup PodbeskidzieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSouthern Poland startup support organization, competition partner.
• Startup WrocławminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWrocław startup support organization, community partner for book promotion.
• SpeedUp GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPolish startup acceleration group, community partner for book publication.
• Starter KrakówminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKraków-based startup incubator, community partner.
• Carpathian Startup FestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPolish startup festival, community partner for book promotion.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Startup Canada: Canadian national startup association promoting entrepreneurship, connecting founders to capital, and advocating for pro-startup policy. Closest anglophone peer in terms of operating model: founder-led, member/partnership-funded, country-level advocacy.
• Startup Portugal: Portuguese national startup association, an S9+ coalition partner of Startup Poland. Comparable as a country-level startup association focused on ecosystem development, policy advocacy, and international visibility for national founders.
• Tech Nation (UK): UK's long-standing national startup network and policy voice (although recently wound down). Strongest historical analogue to Startup Poland's mission of connecting founders, VCs, corporates, and government within a single national tech ecosystem.
• Startup Estonia: Estonia's national startup association and ecosystem builder with policy advocacy and international coalition participation. Highly comparable to Startup Poland as a country-level think tank serving a small CEE ecosystem with EU-level policy voice and member-based funding.

Emerging players

• Dealroom.co: Global startup and venture capital intelligence platform serving funds, corporates, and policymakers with ecosystem data and matching. Comparable to SP Matcher's investment-intelligence focus with greater scale and broader geographic reach.
• Startup Genome: Global startup ecosystem research and mapping organization publishing reports similar to 'Polskie Startupy'. Comparable on the longitudinal-data and policy-adjacent research axis, but operates globally rather than nationally.

Regional players

• StartupAUS: Australia's national peak advocacy body for the startup ecosystem, publishing cross-sector reports and engaging policymakers. Comparable operating model: research-driven think tank plus advocacy group, but focused on Australia rather than the CEE region.
• French Tech Mission: French government-backed association for the national startup ecosystem, operating alongside French Tech labels in major cities. Comparable as a country-level ecosystem builder with state backing and EU policy ambitions; differs in being government-mandated vs founder-led.

Broad incumbents

• Allied for Startups: Pan-European coalition advocating for startup-friendly policy across EU institutions. Direct S9+ partner of Startup Poland and a broader regional incumbent in the same policy/advocacy lane, but operating EU-wide rather than at national level.
• European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA): The EU-level alliance Startup Poland co-founded; ESNA supports 26 EU Member States plus Iceland on the Startup Nations Standard. Parent-body peer with overlapping policy mandate but operating one level above Startup Poland's national focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maciejjankowski
• Xx.com/startuppoland
• Facebookfacebook.com/FundacjaStartupPoland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Startup Poland